AST Continuing Education and Recertification Brochure

Why CE Credits Are Not Accepted CE credits not accepted could present a challenge in recertifying if there is not sufficient time left to earn additional CE credits before the expiration date of the credential. As previously mentioned, it is encouraged submitting CE credits six months prior to the certification expiration date. This allows time to earn additional CE credits within the certification cycle if CE credits were not accepted and avoid taking the NBSTSA national certification examination to renew the credential. The following are some of the more common reasons for CE credits not being accepted. CE Credit Value Not Met CST attends a lecture or program, or views a recorded CE lecture that is less than 30 minutes. One CE credit equals 50 to 60 minutes of activity. Partial CE credits are accepted by AST; however, the CE activity must last a minimum of 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, CE credits are accepted in 15 minute increments. CE Credits Not Earned During Current Certification Cycle CE credits must be earned during the current certification cycle. CE credits are accepted based on the date of complet- ing the CE activity, not when the CE activity was purchased or date submitted to AST. CE Activity is Not Approved by AST CE credits were earned by completing a CE activity or attending a CE event that is not AST approved (see previous section AST Approved CE for details). CE Reporting Form Not Submitted with CE Credits CE credits are submitted without a completed CE Reporting Form; form is available on the AST website, www.ast.org With the exception of AST activities. Each CE activity must be listed on the reporting form; forms that state “see other pages” or “see transcript” will be sent back. Documentation Not Included with CE Reporting Form Documentation verifying completion of CE listed on CE Reporting Form is not included when submitted to AST. With the exception of the AST activities and AST state assembly meetings, copies of verification forms must be included with the CE Reporting Form. Accepted documentation includes 13 A S S O C I A T I O N O F S U R G I C A L T E C H N O L O G I S T S