Continuing Professional Development - FAQs
We’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions about the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement for you to use as a convenient reference.
Q: What is the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement?
A: To succeed in today’s rapidly changing work environment, graduates need to remain current. Meeting the CPD requirement shows that your knowledge is up-to-date and that you are an active member of the industry. To fulfill the CPD requirement, RPA®, FMA®, and SMA® graduates must earn 18 CPD points every three years.
Q: Who must meet the CPD requirement?
A: All RPA®, FMA®, and SMA® graduates currently involved in the industry must meet the CPD requirement to maintain active status of their designation. If you do not fulfill the requirement by the end of your three-year cycle, your designation will be considered inactive. If you are retired or no longer active in the profession, you do not need to meet the CPD requirement, however, please notify BOMI International so that we may mark your graduate record accordingly.
Q: If I hold more than one BOMI International designation, will I have to earn more than 18 points over three years?
A: No. Dual and triple designees will be required to earn only 18 points during each three-year period.
Q: Will the CPD requirement cost me anything?
A: A nominal administrative fee will be charged. This fee is necessary to maintain your records, review your CPD status, and administer the program.
Q: When does my three-year CPD cycle begin?
A: Your CPD cycle is based on the month you receive your first BOMI International designation (not including SMT). If you received your first designation in August 2009, your first CPD cycle will run from August 2009- August 2012. If you become inactive, your cycle will start the month you reactivate your status.
Q: What should I submit for verification of my CPD points?
A: Please refer to the CPD Brochure for point options and verification.
Q: How will the CPD requirement work?
A: You will be required to earn 18 CPD points every three years to maintain active status of your designation. Real estate license renewal will qualify, as will association memberships or serving as an instructor. Course credits, including self-study courses, will also earn CPD points.
Q: What if my license is NOT ACTIVE, but I still complete the required continuing education renewal hours?
A: Your license does not have to be active, BUT you do have to complete at least 18 hours of continuing education. Attach copies of your continuing education course completion certificates to your CPD Documentation Form.
Q: I’m very busy. How much time will this require?
A: If you are active in the industry, earning 18 points over three years should not be difficult. Here are a few examples of ways you can complete your CPD requirement.
Example 1
Successfully complete one BOMI International course. Since most BOMI International courses involve more than 18 hours of instruction, or the equivalent through self-study, completing just one BOMI International designation course will likely fulfill your CPD requirement. (A ShortCourse™ such as Ethics Is Good Business®, however, qualifies for six points since it is six instructional hours.)
Example 2
Hold a real estate license and complete a state continuing education requirement of six hours or more per year. This adds up to 18 points. Or complete a minimum of 18 hours of real estate prelicensure courses.
Most likely, you already participate in these activities to keep up-to-date within the industry. Why not turn these activities into CPD credits?
Q: If I hold a real estate license and am grandfathered or exempt from my state’s continuing education requirement, can I still use License Renewal?
A: No. In that case, you will need to earn CPD requirement points from any of the other four options available. License renewal qualifies only if 18 hours of actual continuing education courses are completed.
Q: How will I be billed?
A: If you have not completed your requirements, you will be mailed an invoice each year, based on your CPD cycle. Or, you may pay the entire fee at anytime during the three-year period.
Q: How will I know my CPD status?
A: It is your responsibility to keep accurate records of the activities in which you participate. You will be notified of fulfillment of your CPD requirement upon submission of the completed CPD Documentation Form, with required documentation, and payment in full. In addition, you will receive a CPD completion certificate within 6 weeks of completing your requirements.
Q: How often do I have to notify BOMI International of my CPD-related activities?
A: Once you have completed all 18 points, you may submit your CPD Documentation Form and supporting documentation. Please retain a copy for your records.
Q: What proof will you need that I have earned credits toward the CPD requirement?
A: You will need to complete a BOMI International CPD Documentation Form when you apply for credit. In addition, you will need to attach verification of all documented CPD points.
Q: What if I’m retired or no longer active in the industry?
A: Retired and inactive professionals do not need to complete the CPD requirement. If you are retired, or no longer in the industry and have not already notified BOMI International, please contact us.
Q: What if I don’t comply with the CPD requirement?
A: By not complying with the CPD requirement, your designation will be considered inactive. If employers or colleagues contact BOMI International regarding your status, they will be notified that your designation is not active. Only active graduates will appear in the online Active Directory.
Q. Where do I send my CPD payment and documentation?
A: In the USA, submit payment and documentation to:
CPD Department
BOMI International
One Park Pl Ste 475
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone Toll Free: 1-800-235-BOMI (2664)
Phone: 410-974-1410
Fax: 410-974-0544
Email: service@bomi.org
Hours of Operation: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST
In Canada, submit payment and documentation to:
CPD Coordinator
BOMI Canada
415 Yonge Street, Suite 101
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2E7
Phone Toll Free: 1-888-821-9319
Phone: 416-977-8700
Fax: 416-977-8800
Email: info@bomicanada.com
Remember, although the CPD fee is due within 30 days of invoice, your completed documentation may be sent to us at any time over the three-year period indicated on your invoice. We only ask that you submit documentation for the entire 18 required points at one time.