What attendees asked: key clarifications from the board’s CPD webinar

Attendees at the California Board of Psychology’s March 27 webinar posed practical questions about how to count and document CPD hours; the board responded with clarifications and examples.

Consultation and timing: Multiple participants asked whether frequent short consultations (for example, 20–30 minutes each) can be combined to claim consultation hours. The board answered yes: “for a pure consultation, it's just at least one hour has to be completed for that activity,” and multiple shorter sessions may be reported together so long as they total the required time.

Conferences and CEUs: Several attendees described multi‑day events that do not issue CEUs to psychologists. The board said days of attendance can be reported under conference/convention attendance (Category 1) even when CEUs are not awarded; sponsored CE credit (Category 3) is a separate reporting path contingent on approved CE provider accreditation.

Practice outcome monitoring and documentation: For outcome‑monitoring activities, the board said hours are credited by the number of distinct clients assessed (one client = one CPD hour). Records submitted in an audit should list dates, a non‑identifying client identifier (for example “Client 1”), and a description of the outcome measure used.

ABP certification and exceptions: The board confirmed that initial specialty certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology, if earned during the renewal period, can satisfy all 36 CPD hours; a senior ABP option for long‑licensed psychologists can account for 18 hours.

Reporting form and audits: The board demonstrated an updated courtesy CPD reporting form and said fields were expanded to make input easier and to clarify how hours are calculated. Pulk reminded attendees that audited licensees receive certified‑mail notice and have 60 days to respond; failure to correct deficiencies can lead to citation and fine with appeal rights.

Follow‑up: For ambiguous or borderline cases the board repeatedly advised licensees to email bopce@dca.ca.gov with specifics so staff can provide determinations or consult legal counsel when needed.