CE Provider Approval Program FAQs
Have questions about the NASW-Alaska Chapter's CE Provider Approvals process? We have answers! If your question is not answered in our FAQs below, please contact our office at ceapproval.naswak@socialworkers.org.
About the Program
What is Continuing Education (CE)?
Education and training oriented toward maintenance, improvement or enhancement of social work practice. It is a required aspect of renewing your social work license in the State of Alaska.
What is the NASW-AK CE Provider Approval Program?
The NASW-AK CE Provider Approval Program exists to support Alaska social workers and ensure that continuing education programs, trainings, and courses meet the guidelines established in Alaska social work licensure law. Organizations can apply to have their event(s) considered for social work CE approval in Alaska via the NASW-AK CE Provider Approval Program.
Why can the NASW-Alaska Chapter approve social work CEs in Alaska?
Per section 12 AAC 18.220 of Alaskan social work regulations, the State of Alaska recognizes the NASW-Alaska Chapter as an approving body for social work CE credits in Alaska.
About Course Eligibility for CEs
How can I check if my course is eligible for social work CE approval?
Review the CE course standards listed on our "CE Provider Standards and Requirements" webpage to determine whether you believe your course satisfies the criteria for social work CEs in Alaska. This is also a helpful place to go if you are still developing your course and want to ensure the course meets the minimum criteria required for social work CE approval.
What types of events are eligible for CE approval?
Courses must be an instructional training in order to be eligible for CE credits. General meetings, supervision, and other similar events are NOT eligible for CE credit approval.
What course formats are eligible for CE approval?
In-person, hybrid, live webinar, on-demand, and other alternative learning formats are all eligible formats for CE approval in Alaska.
How do I determine how many CE credits my event is eligible for?
Courses must be at least 25 full minutes (0.5 CE hours) in length order to be eligible for CE approval. Each additional 25 full minutes of uninterrupted instruction are eligible for an additional 0.5 CE credit hours if you believe that it is acceptable per the learning requirements.
Can I apply for quarter CE credits?
No. The State of Alaska does NOT accept quarter CE credits.
Are course presenters eligible for CE credits?
Yes, but only if it is the first time the presenter(s) served as instructor(s) for the course in question. If so, they are eligible to receive the same number/designation of CEs their presentation was approved for, divided amongst all presenters. Visit our "CE Designations: Event/Training Requirements" webpage for more information.
Are there certain topic areas my course must adhere to?
Yes. Visit our "CE Provider Application: Course Topic Areas" webpage for a detailed breakdown of the course topic area requirement.
Can my course be designated as a special topic (e.g. "Professional Ethics")?
Yes, but your course must meet additional requirements in order to be eligible as required by Alaska law. Visit our "CE Designations: Event/Training Requirements" webpage to find relevant snippets of Alaska law and NASW guidance pertaining to CE designation requirements.
Does a social worker have to be involved in the development of my event?
Only if you are seeking a "Professional Ethics" designation for your event. Otherwise, it is recommended (though not required) that an Alaska-licensed social worker be apart of the development of your event.
About the Application
What information should I have before starting an application?
To ensure you can complete your application without any delays, we recommend having the following information ready before starting your application:
- Organization information (name, address, contact person, etc.)
- Event information (title, format, dates, etc.)
- CE credit request details (total CEs, designation, topic area, etc.)
- Program details (description, hourly agenda, evaluation methods, etc.)
- Presenter information (names, short bios/resumes, etc.)
- Bibliographic references
We also recommend having the below documents ready before starting your application. Draft versions may be used. These documents can be submitted in the form of a website URL, text box, and/or file upload:
Do I need to complete and submit the full application in one sitting?
No. You can save your progress and complete the form over multiple days. To save your application progress, click the "Save" button at the bottom of the form page you are currently on.
Are there any deadlines to consider before applying?
Yes. Completed applications MUST be submitted at least 21 days prior to the event start date. Applications submitted less than 21 days prior to the event start date will NOT be accepted. Visit our "Application Details: Timelines, Options, and Fees" webpage to learn more.
What is the difference between an "Event" and a "Session/Module"?
For our purposes, an "Event" is each program you will be offering a CE certificate for. A "Session/Module" is each individual course within an event that you intend to be CE credit bearing. Most events only consist of a single session/module, but events such as conferences may have multiple courses within the event that will all be listed on the same CE certificate for attendees.
What are the costs associated with my application?
Fees are determined based on three factors:
- Whether your organization/department is non-profit or for-profit
- How many days long the event is
- Whether your application is assessed a rush fee
For a detailed breakdown of application costs, visit our "Application Details: Timelines, Options, and Fees" webpage.
When can I expect a decision to be made on my application?
Once we receive your completed application, you can expect a response from our office within 3 weeks for regular applications and within 1 week for rush applications. To learn more, visit our "Application Details: Timelines, Options, and Fees" webpage.
Do I need to submit separate/new applications for...
...the same exact course I was approved for previously?
It depends on how long ago your course was approved. Once a course is approved for social work CEs, it may be hosted as many times as you would like within 12 months of the course start date you listed in your approved application. After this 12-month period, you must reapply for CE credit approval by submitting a new application.
...a course I was approved for previously but made content modifications to?
Yes. The course MUST be exactly the same offering content-wise in order to be eligible for repeat use. If there are any content changes, you are required to submit a new CE credit approval application.
...separate unique courses occurring within the same event (e.g. conferences)?
No. All courses within the same event can be applied for in the same application. To ensure we can review all of your organization's course offerings, you will be required to submit one copy of our "Events With Multiple Sessions/Modules" form for each unique session, keynote, etc. you are seeking social work CE credit approval for during your event.
...separate unique courses occurring within different events?
Yes. Organizations must submit a new application for each event they are seeking social work CE credit approval for.
About Event Documents and Records
Will the NASW-Alaska Chapter send out CE certificates for my event?
No. The organization operating the course is required to issue certificates of attendance showing CEs earned within 30 days after the conclusion of the event. To learn more, visit our "CE Provider Standards and Requirements" webpage.
Do I need to include any language on CE certificates for approved courses?
Yes. You can find template language required to be included on your CE certificates below (bolded content below should be updated with your course-specific information):
“This training/event has been approved by the NASW-Alaska Chapter for [CE CREDITS] [FORMAT] [CE DESIGNATION] social work CEs: Approval Number [COURSE APPROVAL NUMBER].”
How long do I need to retain event records?
Guidelines require continuing education providers in Alaska to maintain certain documentation for at least three years. Visit our "CE Provider Standards and Requirements" webpage for a detailed breakdown of exactly what information must be retained.