WAC 246-810-029(3) has been updated to increase distance learning programs from 12-hours to 20-hours maximum per reporting period. This update respects the improved online coursework and distance education that has become available over the past few years.
The full WAC is here:
246-810-029
Acceptable continuing education courses for certified counselor and certified adviser.
(1) A continuing education program or course must be relevant to counseling and must contribute to the advancement, extension and enhancement of the professional competence of the credential holder. Relevant courses include those that are related to counseling theory and practice, modality(ies) of the counseling services the credential holder will provide, professional ethics, courses related to risk assessment, screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, referral of clients, and Washington state law applicable to counseling.
(2) Continuing education courses, seminars, workshops, training programs, and institutes must have a featured instructor, speaker(s), or panel approved by an industry-recognized institution of higher learning, or a local, state, national, or international organization.
(3) Distance learning programs approved by an industry-recognized local, state, national or international organization or educational organization may meet these requirements. The programs must require a test of comprehension upon completion. Distance learning programs are limited to twenty hours per reporting period.
(4) Other learning experiences, such as serving on a panel, board or council, community service, research, peer consultation, or publishing articles for professional publications are acceptable if the experience contributes to the advancement, extension, and enhancement of the professional competence of the certified counselor or certified adviser. The experience is limited to six hours per reporting period.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 19-05-020, § 246-810-029, filed 2/11/19, effective 3/14/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-029, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]