Certification & CEU Policy

Certification Maintenance & Continuing Education Policy

Purpose

This policy explains how academy-issued credentials are maintained over time, including renewal cycles, continuing education expectations, lapse and reinstatement, and how credential status is administered.

Certification Status

Academy certifications are time-limited credentials. Individuals may represent themselves as "certified" only while their certification is active and in good standing.

Standard Renewal Cycle

Unless otherwise stated for a specific credential, the academy uses this default:

• Certification term: 36 months
• Recertification: every 36 months
• Continuing education: 12 CEUs per 36-month cycle

Credential-Specific Requirements

Each credential may include additional requirements beyond CEUs (for example, CPR/Infant First Aid for the Postnatal Support Specialist). Credential-specific requirements are listed on the certification page and in that credential's standards documents.

What Counts as a CEU

A CEU is one hour of structured continuing education that aligns with the credential's scope and the academy's professional expectations. CEUs may be earned through Born Again Academy continuing education offerings and, when approved, selected external trainings.

Required CE Topics (Default)

Unless a credential states otherwise, each renewal cycle must include at least 2 CEUs in one or more of the following: safety-boundary refreshers, scope-of-practice refreshers, confidentiality/documentation, professional standards and conduct, or ethical decision support. The remaining CEUs may be chosen from approved topics relevant to the credential.

Renewal Process

To renew certification, the certificant must submit proof of required CEUs by the renewal date and meet any credential-specific requirements.

Lapse and Reinstatement

If renewal requirements are not met by the renewal date, certification becomes inactive and the individual may not represent themselves as certified. Reinstatement may be granted after completing missing requirements. If the credential has been inactive for an extended period, the academy may require additional CEUs or a refresher module before reinstatement.

Certification Actions

Credential denial, suspension, or revocation may occur when warranted by published credential standards or serious violations identified through the academy grievance process. When a credential action is taken, the academy will provide notice and an appeal option as described in the Grievance Procedure.

Applicability

This policy applies to all academy-issued certifications and credential administration.