What forms do I need to complete for recertification, and where can I find them?

To find recertification forms 11 and 12 on the IBC site, click on “Certification Information” above, select your credential category, and download the appropriate forms for your credential. Be sure to print the recertification application forms when it’s time to recertify as we keep the forms updated as necessary and want to be sure you have a current form available online when you’re ready for it. And to make recertification easier and faster, you only need to print one Form 11 – include all your trainings on the one page.

What are IBC’s policies regarding recertification and inactive status dates, late fees, etc.?

All applications for recertification, and letters of request for inactive status, must be postmarked on or before the date of expiration that is shown on the certificate or on the verification letter of inactive status. If it is postmarked after that date and within 45 days, the $100.00 late fee is due. All certified professionals—and those on inactive status—are given a maximum of 45 days after their expiration date to complete the recertification process (or request inactive status); if this is not done within that time frame, certification is considered expired, and the entire application process must start over again if the professional wishes to become certified again.

How early can I send in my recertification application?

You are welcome to send in your recertification application any time you wish within your current certification period. Just remember that once you send it in, you cannot use additional continuing education you receive between the time you submit your application and the end of your current validation period. This is because all continuing education hours must be earned within the 2-year validation period shown on your certificate.

Why can it take a month or so between the time I send in my application for recertification and the time I get my new certificate?

All applicants for recertification must be approved by the Board of Directors at their meetings. So, if you submitted your application for recertification just after one Board meeting, your name will not appear for Board approval until the following month’s meeting. New certificates are always sent out within three business days of each Board meeting. You can find a listing of upcoming board meetings in our newsletters.

I have more hours than I need for this recertification. Can some of them be used for my next recertification?

No. All recertification hours must be earned within the validation dates shown on your certificate.

Does the IBC office take credit or debit cards?

No, we do not take them at this time. This may be something we look into for the future, however.

How long does it take to become certified, from the time I order the application until I am completely done?

The time it takes to become certified varies a great deal from individual to individual. When the IBC office receives your request for an application, we send it out the same day. At that point, you need to complete the application, gather verification which needs to be sent in with the application, order your transcripts to be sent to our office, and have your supervisor complete and sign off on applicable forms. If you have already completed the required number of education and experience hours, the process may not take you very long. However, if you still need to obtain more experience or education hours, this must be completed before you can sit for the written exam. Once the application is complete in the IBC office and we determine that you meet all requirements, you will be notified that you are being scheduled to sit for the next written exam (these are offered every June, September, December and March). It takes approximately 4-6 weeks to receive results from the written exam...once we are notified that you have passed the exam, your name is placed on a list for Board approval and you are notified of passing and owing the certification fee. When the Board has approved your certification and the fee is received in the IBC office, you are sent a 2-year certificate.

When is the $10.00 CEU Processing Fee due?

For initial applicants for certification, there is no CEU Processing Fee due. For recertifying applicants, this fee is due for every workshop you are submitting verification for which has not been approved by IBC, as well as for EVERY distance learning workshop, and is paid at the time of recertification.

What is the process of IBC approving workshops and trainings?

In order for a training to be IBC approved, the sponsor of the training needs to apply for approval by completing the “Application for CEU Approval.” The application is submitted to the IBC office along with a timed agenda and training objectives, and if the training is approved, an invoice is sent to the sponsor to indicate approval and the applicable fee to be paid for that approval. At the same time, information is sent to IBC’s Webmaster for inclusion on the Web site.

How can I apply to be a member of the Board of Directors or one of IBC’s committees?

Download the Application for Board Membership, or the Application for Committee Membership, and mail to IBC.