1. What is the most common reason that a course is not approved?

Failure to adequately meet Criterion 6 “The method used to assess a participant’s attainment of the course objectives is appropriate” is the most common reason that a course is not approved. If a course does not demonstrate any type of assessment, it is denied approval. A variety of methods to demonstrate a participant’s attainment of the course objectives may be acceptable, e.g. written test, skills observation, participant self-assessment, case studies, discussion, role-playing.

2. What is the second most common reason that a course is not approved?

Failure to adequately meet Criterion 2 “Course objectives are clearly and identify the knowledge and/or skills that the participants should acquire during the course” is the second most common reason that a course is not approved. All course objectives should logically complete the following sentence: “At the end of this course, the participant will be able to …”. Action verbs that can be measured to assess attainment of the course objectives (see FAQ #1) are in order here.

3. How do I find out if a course is approved?

The “Approved Courses” listing is the most updated source of information. Courses are listed chronologically. Approved courses are also listed in Volunteer Voice, but this listing will not be as current as the website since it is only published quarterly.

4. I plan to take a course offered outside of Tennessee. Does it count toward my continuing competence credit?

It is possible that an out-of-state course provider may have applied for approval. You can check the “Approved Courses” listing to see if it is approved. If it is not, you can either ask the course provider to apply for approval or you can apply for approval with an Individual Application after you have taken the course.

5. I want to take a home study course. How can this be approved?

It is possible that a home study course provider may have applied for approval. You can check the “Approved Courses” listing to see if it is approved. If it is not, you can either ask the course provider to apply for approval or you can apply for approval with an Individual Application after you have completed the home study course.

6. Is there somewhere that I can find out how many CEUs I currently have?

No. It is your responsibility as a licensee to maintain your own records for continuing education. TPTA does not maintain records of individual names of participants attending continuing education courses.

7. How does the review process to approve a course work?

After 3 copies of the application packet is received, the TPTA staff reviews it for completeness, and mails them to two reviewers with experience in the content area of the course.  The reviewers evaluate the application using the “Criteria for approval of Continuing Education Courses” which may be found in the Provider Application document. The reviewers have 10 business days to review the application and make a decision.  Both reviewers must approve the application for the course to be approved.  After the TPTA staff receives the materials from the reviewers, they mail an Approval Letter or Denial letter to you.  If your course is denied, the reasons will be explained in the letter.  You will also be provided instructions on how to appeal the denial decision should you wish to do so.

8. If the course application is denied, do I get my application fee back?

No. The application fee is not refundable.

9. How does TPTA define the term “CEUs”?

TPTA uses the term “continuing education units” (CEUs) to define the credit given in course approval. CEUs are based on contact hours. Sixty (0) minutes of time actually spent in the educational portion of the course equals one contact hour. Credit is not given for registration, meals, or breaks. Ten contact hours equal 1 CEU.