Events that Qualify for CPE Credit

Qualified educational events are those that meet the IRM Continuing Education Requirements and enhance the IRM’s management of information resources.

An event that qualifies for CPE credit:

• Is planned in response to an identified educational need
• Has legitimate educational objectives
• Is designed/conducted by qualified personnel  
• Has content/delivery methods that support the intended learning outcomes
• Is evaluated by participants in some manner
• Lasts at least 50 minutes

Examples of qualified educational events:

• Appropriate classroom training, including classes held via interactive videoconferencing
• Coursework taken as part of a professional certification, if it falls into one of the core competency categories
• Participation in conferences

Self-Paced Educational Activities

For self-paced educational activities that meet all other program requirements, the creator or sponsor of the activity must establish a standard number of contact hours based upon the average completion time. The IRM may count stated contact hours or the actual completion time, whichever is less, towards IRM credit.

Distance Learning Alternatives

Programs delivered via distance learning technologies, including computer-based training and web-based programs, may be considered for inclusion as long as:

• they provide for participant interaction and
• there is an objective means of verifying program completion.

Events that Do Not Qualify for CPE Credit

Many of the following activities are worthwhile endeavors and should be encouraged. However, they do not fall within the scope of the IRM Continuing Education Requirements for the purpose of CPE credit.

• Any educational activity that does not support the IRM competencies.
• End-user courses in software applications used for general office automation (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.). While training to increase one’s productivity in these tools is certainly encouraged, this type of training is not recognized within the scope of this program.
• Any educational program that is not completed by the participant. To meet the educational objectives of a program, the participant must attend/complete all modules that relate to the program objectives.
• Reading technical journals, newsletters, magazines, and books.
• Focus group, advisory group, and/or committee meetings. Note: educational presentations scheduled within such meetings may count if they meet the program guidelines.
• Mass media programs presented via television, radio, newspaper, etc.
• Meetings/events designed for information sharing or training on administrative functions rather than educational purposes. Example: An IRM attends an internal training session on how to use the organization’s timekeeping system. This does not qualify for CPE credit.
• Participating in professional organizations. While the general meeting and networking activities do not apply, educational components may qualify. For example: a one-hour educational program embedded in a meeting or a conference hosted by the group may qualify.
• Any educational activity that does not meet generally accepted standards for a continuing educational event.