Planning Your CPE to Avoid Last-Minute Scrambling

May 30, 2023

As we transition into the second half of 2023, it is a good time to assess the continuing professional education credits you’ve earned so far this year, and to take note of how many credits you still need. Though six months can seem like a lot of time to still complete any CPE requirements, with the busy summer travel season and holidays still ahead, a little planning now can help you avoid last-minute scrambling at the end of the year.

1. Organize and assess your acquired CPE

The first step to avoiding last-minute CPE scrambling is to assess what credits you’ve already accumulated for this year. You can use a variety of CPE tracking methods including creating a spreadsheet, your company’s internal CPE tracking system, or a third-party CPE tracker.

Each of these methods has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to find the method that works best for you. If you are creating your own tracking system, be sure and record the required reporting details including the date, format, field of study, and CPE credits earned, as well as any documentation received. This method has the advantage of being personalized and economical, but it can also leave you vulnerable to errors.

Using online tracking software, either created by your company or by a third party (usually a CPE platform), can be the easiest way to quickly see current information on your CPE compliance. Using the CPE tracking capabilities of the continuing education platform you use the most, especially if it allows you to import credits earned from other sources, is often the best method for seeing the most up-to-date information about your CPE status.

Once you know how many continuing education credits you’ve already earned, you’ll be able to compare that to your state’s or accrediting agency’s requirements to assess how many credits you still need. Be sure and note any required subjects, such as ethics, that you need as well.

2. Choose your preferred method for earning CPE

There are many options for earning CPE including in-person classes or conferences, live webinars, and online self-study courses. Your personal schedule and personality will determine whether a live event or a self-guided course will be a better fit for you.

Some people prefer having the accountability and regular schedule of a live event (some CPE platforms offer webinars at the same time every week), while others do better with self-study courses that allow you to work at your own pace and timeline. Knowing your preferred method for continuing education will help you choose the best CPE platform for you.

3. Schedule time to complete your continuing education requirements

Once you know your preferred method and platform for earning CPE you can mark off time on your calendar to complete your continuing education requirements. Platforms that offer subscriptions can help with this process because they not only allow you to know your CPE costs, but you’ll be able to see dates for upcoming live webinars as well as the estimated time requirements for self-study courses that are offered, allowing you to set aside the appropriate amount of time in your schedule.

Taking the time to do a quick mid-year assessment on your current CPE status, and planning out the credits you still need will help you avoid stressful end-of-the-year scrambling. CPE Compare can help you find the platforms and tracking tools that are the best fit for your needs.