1. Continuing education: Delivering Quality Programs Across Texas
Presented by B.J. Barksdale and Bobbie Lawrence

2. TCA’s Online CE Application: KEY POINTS
CE Applications MUST be completed online. You can access the online form at
ONLY TCA Chapters and Divisions are eligible to apply for co-sponsorship for the use of any TCA CE provider number.
All information MUST be submitted to TCA at either 30 days or 60 days prior to the event start date, depending on the number of programs being submitted.
Each application is reviewed by the Program Review Committee and/or the Ethics Review Committee to ensure that the program(s) meet all criteria established by the licensure/certification board(s).
Completed attendance sheet(s) and a sampling of no less than five program evaluations from the workshop MUST be submitted to TCA within 10 business days of the program.

3. TCA’s Online CE Application: PROGRAM INFORMATION
Program Summary: In 75 words or less, give key points and any benefits to attendees
Learning Objectives: List at least 3 skills the audience will gain from the presentation (i.e. Participants will obtain knowledge related to identification of depression in adolescents.)
References: Submit in current APA style formatting. You must include enough information for the evaluator to locate the reference. References must be from professional counseling related publications and should be current (within the last 5 years). If you are requesting ethics credit, you must list all current codes of ethics that will be referenced in the presentation.
Example: Whitney, R., & D’Andrea, L. (2007). The process of becoming a leader: An individual identity model. Retrieved August 28, 2007, from

4. PROGRAM INFORMATION - cont’d
Presenter Credentials: A complete resume or curriculum vita MUST be submitted for each presenter associated with any program under review. These are required so that reviewers may determine if the presenter(s) are qualified to lead the program(s). Biographies are NOT sufficient for this purpose and will not be accepted.
Timed Agenda: Include stat and end times for all portions of your program or event including registration, sign-in and breaks in your timed agenda. This information will allow the review committee(s) to determine if the number of CE hours being requested are accurate.

5. TCA’s Online CE Application: SUBMISSION & APPROVAL PROCESS
Once the program(s) have been submitted, the materials are reviewed by a designated TCA staff member for key items (references, resume, summary, learning objectives, etc.)
Complete submissions are forwarded to the Review Committee(s).
The TCA Past-President and/or Ethics Committee Chair provide results to TCA staff.
If additional information is required for the reviewers to make a final determination, TCA staff will coordinate communications between requesters and reviewers to acquire the supplemental information.
Once the program has been approved, TCA staff will create the official approval letter for signature by the Executive Director.

6. Submission & approval process – cont’d
After the approval letter has been officiated, TCA staff will forward the following to the program requester:
Signed approval letter
CE certificate template to provide to attendees
Program evaluation form template
Attendance sign-in sheet template
Staff will post the program on the TCA Website at

7. Top Reasons Programs are Delayed and/or Rejected
Non-compliance with submission deadlines
Incomplete Proposals: Missing resumes/vitae, references, timed agendas, etc.
Learning objectives not clearly listed
Number of CE hours being requested does not correspond with the timed agenda
Presenters are not qualified to lead workshops
Program does not fall under one of the approved educational content areas

8. Quick Tips for Timely Submission and Review
Type all of your information into a word document and save it prior to submitting online.
Ensure that any files being attached to the submission meet the proper size and naming criteria.
File size less than 5MB
File name MUST NOT include spaces or special characters (i.e. barksdaleresume2017)
Be sure to use the most current Code of Ethics for ethics programs.
Verify presenter credentials, to ensure they are qualified to deliver the program.
Include complete resume(s) and/or curriculum vitae.
Review NBCC criteria for appropriate CE Content Areas and presenter qualifications.
Schedule additional time for breaks. CE hours are not granted for registration, breaks, meals or networking.
Do a final review of your request prior to clicking the “Submit” button.
Review the TCA Calendar of Events for conference and meeting dates. Events will not be approved if they conflict with major TCA conferences, Board and/or Senate meetings.

9. Plan Ahead
Proposals submitted after the deadline will not be forwarded to the review committee for consideration (no exceptions!)
1-3 programs must be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the event
4+ programs must be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the event
By submitting as early as possible you create the opportunity to:
Begin early marketing for the event
Receive additional free marketing on the TCA website
Create a buffer to accommodate for any last minute logistical challenges
Submitting at the deadline increases stress for everyone involved if there are any revisions needed
Submit early and minimize everyone’s level of stress