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 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 (60) 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.

4. How long does it take to process an application?

The application must be received at the TPTA office 6 weeks prior to the date for which initial approval is sought. After an application is received, the TPTA staff reviews it for completeness, makes copies, and mails them to the reviewers. The reviewers have 10 business days to review the application and make a decision. They then mail the materials back to the TPTA office. The TPTA staff then mails an Approval Letter or Denial letter to you. Due to the variability in mail delivery times, 6 weeks must be allowed.

5. How do I know the initial approval date and the expiration date of a course?

This information will be provided in the approval letter sent to you. For traditional onsite courses, the date of the initial approval is the date the course is first presented.

6. We want to offer the same course on multiple dates at different locations. How is approval done for this?

The course may be offered multiple times- exactly as it was approved with the same curriculum and presenter(s)- on additional dates within the 12 month period from the initial approval date with no additional fee. If the course will be offered on multiple dates in different locations, this should be indicated on the application.

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

After an application is received, the TPTA staff reviews it for completeness, makes copies, 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. They may request more information from you to assist their decision. 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?

If the course is not approved, the fee less $50.00 is refundable.

9. Where will TPTA publicize that my course has been approved?

Approved courses will be posted on the TPTA website. Posted information will include the title, provider, location, the initial date of offering, approved number of hours, and contact information. If the course will be offered on multiple dates in different locations, the provider must provide a website address. The posting will then include the phrase “Please see provider website for additional dates and locations”. A 20% discount for more extensive advertising on the website or in the Volunteer Voice is available for approved courses.

10. How long do I have to maintain records of participant attendance and course evaluation forms?

Three years. TPTA will conduct an annual audit of a random sample of continuing education course providers to determine compliance with maintenance of records of participant attendance and course evaluation forms.