If you’re a psychologist practicing in Maryland, you’re required to fulfill certain continuing education (CE) requirements that are set by the Maryland Board of Psychology. These requirements are in place to ensure that psychologists are continuously updating their knowledge, skills, and competencies. In this article, we’ll explore the Maryland Board of Psychology CE requirements, what they entail, and how you can fulfill them.
CE Requirements for Psychologists in Maryland
As per the Maryland Board of Psychology, all licensed psychologists must complete a total of 40 CE credits every two years. Among these 40 credits, at least 3 credits have to be in ethics and legal issues in psychology, and at least 3 credits have to be in cultural competency. Furthermore, at least 20 of the total required CE credits must be Category I credits, while up to 20 credits can be Category II credits.
Category I CE credits are those that are offered by the American Psychological Association, the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, or the National Board for Certified Counselors. Additionally, CE credits offered by the Maryland Psychological Association, Maryland Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, or Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners are also considered Category I credits.
Category II CE credits, on the other hand, are those that are not pre-approved by the aforementioned organizations. They may include self-study, consultation, and in-service training.
How to Fulfil the CE Requirements
If you’re a Maryland-licensed psychologist, fulfilling the CE requirements set by the Maryland Board of Psychology is essential to maintain your license. There are several ways you can fulfill these requirements:
Attend Conferences and Workshops
Attending conferences, workshops, and seminars is one of the most common ways to fulfill the CE requirements. Many conferences and workshops specifically cater to psychologists and offer Category I CE credits.
Take Online Courses
Online courses are another convenient option for fulfilling CE requirements. Just make sure that the course is pre-approved for Category I credits by the relevant organizations.
Engage in Self-study
Self-study can be an effective way to fulfill CE requirements, especially if you have a busy schedule. You can do this by reading books, journals, and articles related to psychology.
Publish Scientific Articles
If you’re actively conducting research in your field, you can publish your findings in scientific journals. Each published article can earn you up to 10 CE credits.
Participate in Consultation or Peer Supervision
Participating in consultation or peer supervision can also earn you CE credits.
Reporting CE Credits
Once you’ve completed your CE credits, it’s essential to report them to the Maryland Board of Psychology. You can do this online via the Board’s website. It’s important to keep a record of all the CE credits you’ve completed and report them in a timely manner to avoid any issues with license renewal.
Conclusion
Keeping up with CE requirements is essential for licensed psychologists in Maryland. It not only helps to maintain your license but also ensures that you’re up to date on the latest developments in your field. By attending conferences and workshops, taking online courses, engaging in self-study, publishing scientific articles, or participating in consultation or peer supervision, you can fulfill your CE requirements and continue to grow as a psychologist.
