Contact Hours
Individuals who have successfully earned Certification will need to accrue "Contact Hours" in education related to their field of study over a two (2) year period in order to maintain proficiency and to continue professional development. Contact hours are described as interaction between a learner and instructor or between a learner and materials prepared to cause learning. Contact implies two-way communication in order for the learner to receive feedback to monitor and assess learning.
Each level of Certification whether Practitioner or Expert requires study in particular educational category. This ongoing education provides opportunities for continued skill development and professional growth, as well as an assurance that certified individuals will keep abreast of new research trends and techniques.
There are many ways to earn appropriate education contact hours. Two important factors must be considered. First, the category presented must be among those required for the individual's Certification. Second, approval must be gained prior to the education event in order to be applied to earnings. Please see section on 'Contact Hour Approval Process' for details on how to have courses approved and applied to earnings. All MRA and MRA Chapter events offer approved contact hours; the designation of time and educational category are included in program materials.
Examples of where to earn Contact Hours:
- MRA Conferences and Webinars
- MRA Chapter Events
- Industry Association education events
- Online courses
- Publish a research related article or presentation
- Other
Contact hours are assigned as follows:
- Expert Level
14 Contact Hours of education related to job title within a two (2) year period.
- Practitioner Level
18 Contact Hours of education related to job title within a two (2) year period.