Continuing Education

As our profession moves forward; it appears that the State of Arizona is embracing the question of Mandatory Continuing Education.  When this question is first asked it brings some pretty fierce opposition from some.  I suppose the idea of making professional development mandatory is not an idea that many are willing to embrace warmly.  However the idea of professional development is nothing new to the practicing surveyor.  For most it is already happening.  So the real question is whether or not it should be MANDATORY.

This is where we as a profession have got to get a grasp on the fact that we do not live in bubble.  We do not live in a shelter of comfort.  Our standard of practice has to evolve to meet the challenges brought on by outside forces.  The principles we use to practice do not change.  But the standard of practice does change and must change with the technology and methodology.  Therefore professional development is a must.  Most of us already do it.  But unfortunately some do not.

Creating a system of measuring professional development is challenge.  Evaluating professional development is also a challenging proposition.  However the BTR is the avenue to address both of these.  The concerns that have been brought to me are:
     1.  How do measure if anything is learned?  Answer:  Over time the level of proficency should increase.
     2.  What course work will be acceptable? Answer:  Any facet of education that promotes educational development that promotes the surveying profession.
     3.  How will the professional development be credited?  Answer:  It is a self reporting system upon renewal of licensure.
     4.  How will the professional development be auditted?  Answer:  Randomly and if a complaint is filed.

This system is the least intrusive and places the most responsibility on the practicing surveyor.  Making this system mandatory validates the efforts of those whom are doing it already.  And brings online those who do not.  As a part of this system a regular review of the standards and statutes will be also mandatory.  The APLS website (http://www.azpls.org/associations/1444/files/continuing%20education%20update%202-2011.pdf).  I encourage everyone to review this proposal to the BTR.