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Continuing
Education Units
(CEU'S)
Ethics, who cares? By Luther Smith,
Executive Director, ICCA
Everyone! I think you know that. Ethics matter so much
that the CCA program has everyone who is certified sign the
code of ethics.
“Every time I sign my name to a fertility
recommendation, I think of the CCA code of ethics I signed.”
That is a quote from a CCA in New Jersey that I always remember
when I talk about this subject. It gets at the heart and sole
of being a professional. You really don’t have a creditable
certification program without sound ethical standards.
Ethics is one of the four “E’s” of certification: ethics,
exams, experience and education. Each is important but ethics
might be the most important. Poor ethics leads to cheating on
exams, falsifying experience and education records, falsifying
CEU reporting and conducting business in a dishonest manner.
As I mentioned, each CCA signed the code of ethics. Complaints
can be filed when someone violates the code of ethics. The CCA
program has a very detailed process on how to handle an ethics
complaint. It starts with a signed letter describing what
happened. The certifying board reviews the letter and any
supporting evidence to determine the validity of the complaint.
If the board determines that there is sufficient reason to go
forward with the investigation, the accused is asked to explain
and provide any supporting evidence for their version of the
story. The board then reviews both sides before reaching a
final decision. The potential result can be exoneration, a
warning, suspension or revocation of the certification.
We have been very fortunate to have had
only a few ethics complaints over the years. Some may argue
that the process is too difficult or too open so no one wants to
file the complaint. That might be true but the process is also
designed to protect the innocent from false accusations. Both
sides get to tell their story and provide evidence as well as
know who is filing the complaint. It is also the duty of those
who sign the code to help enforce it and encourage others to do
the same.
What constitutes an ethics complaint? Violating any laws is an
obvious one but what do you think about a CCA who signs in a
coworker when they come late or leave early or don’t even show
up for a CEU training event? Would you file a complaint against
them? If you observe a similar situation and do nothing, now
you have violated the code of ethics. It’s not easy and we
don’t want you to feel like you have to be a “cop” but it is
important that everyone certified holds each other to the
standard that they agreed to work by.
The market place has a way of sorting out
those who conduct unacceptable business practices but when
someone cheats on their CEUs, it hurts everyone because it
devalues the program. People watch our actions not just listen
to what we say. I’m not trying to preach at you and we all need
forgiveness but as busy as we get and cutting corners looks
appealing sometimes, it might be a good time to read that code
you signed and remind your clients, customers and colleagues
about the standards you agreed to work by. Signing and working
by the code of ethics is a very positive part of being
certified. Let people know about it. It is a testament to who
you are and the profession you represent. I often tell outside
groups about the code of ethics you signed as a strength of the
certification program and as a reason why they should work with
you. Remember, you are the certification program in the eyes of
your clients and customers and yes, ethics do matter more now
then ever.
Continuing Education Requirements:
- Every 2 years a Certified Crop Advisor must complete 40 hours of continuing education units (CEUs). One continuing education unit is equal to one hour of classroon training. Registrants are required to take a minimum of 20 CEUs that have been CCA Board approved. CEUs submitted by registrants are subject to be audited by the registrant's state CCA Board.
- A CCA registrant's certification may be revoked for failing to maintain the required CEUs. To regain certification a registrant must appeal to the state CCA board for reinstatement or pass the international and state exams and meet the current eligibility requirement.
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CEU application form
- On-Line Self Study Exams
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