Members of many professional organizations are required to earn some form of continuing education units or credits to demonstrate currency of knowledge and skills, and to maintain their professional standing. The SOURCE supports this nationally recognized measurement of accomplishment by providing attendees to its seminars and workshops, which are pre-certified educational opportunities, the ability to obtain such recognition. The Goals of the SOURCE's continuing education programs are to provide:
- Continuing education opportunities for all who may benefit from lighting and controls education.
- Enhancement of the general image of Cooper Lighting Solutions as an enterprise that fosters and supports the continued technical and professional growth of the lighting and controls industry and related disciplines with emphasis on professional competence of lighting and controls practitioners.
- A stimulating atmosphere or online experience encouraging enhancing the learning experience.
Units or credits supported by various professional organizations equate the contact hours to units or credits earned in a variety of ways. It is recommended that the individual participant check with his or her professional organization to understand the basis upon which units or credits are earned as well as the organizations reporting requirements and procedures. The SOURCE will assist whenever possible in this determination.
- AIA (American Institute of Architects) through its Continuing Education Systems provides professional development opportunities to its members. Architects must earn continuing education credits each year to fulfill AIA membership requirements. AIA measures continuing education in Learning Units (LUs). One hour of continuing education earns one LU. AIA Architect members are required to complete 18 LUs from registered AIA/CES providers each year. Of the 18 LUs, 12 must be in the topic areas of health, safety and welfare (HSW). The SOURCE is an approved “Passport Provider" of educational programs and is required to file the necessary paperwork with AIA/CES on your behalf.
- NCQLP (National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions) Anyone who has the LC (Lighting Certified) designation must earn 36 Lighting Education Units (LEUs) each three-year cycle for recertification. It is the responsibility of each participant to keep a record of his/her involvement in these programs and to self-declare LEUs to NCQLP at the end of the three-year period.
- Many states require Professional Engineers to acquire professional development hours (PDH credits) for renewing a professional engineering license. Professional engineers should contact the appropriate State Board of Professional Licensing to obtain the latest requirements. Requirements and hours needed per annum vary by state. As a commercial education center the SOURCE is considered to be a provider of continuing education opportunities. You should always verify the provider's status with your own state board. The SOURCE furnishes each seminar participant with a Certificate of Completion.
- Professional Engineers licensed in Florida must take 18 continuing education (CE) course hours every two years in order to renew their licenses. The State of Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE) has approved the SOURCE Lighting Education Center as a Board Approved Provider for engineers continuing education hours in the State of Florida. The SOURCE furnishes each seminar participant with a Certificate of Completion.
- Interior Design professionals belonging to professional organizations require continuing education. The International Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) provides a registry for members of the various professional organizations related to Interior Design.
- ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) members must earn a minimum of 10 unit (10 hours) of approved continuing education (CEU) every two years. ASID automatically accepts continuing education approved by the following industry relevant organizations: AIA, GBCI, IFMA, NKBA.
- IIDA (International Interior Design Association) Professional and Associate members are required to complete and report 10 hours of continuing education every two years. IIDA accepts all Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) approved courses. AIA/CES and USG/GBCI approved courses may be self-reported and will count towards the IIDA compliance requirement.
- IDC (Interior Designers of Canada) Many Canadian provinces require interior designers to fulfill professional development requirements in order to remain members in good standing with their provincial association. The required hours varies by province.