How long must CE documentation be retained by the licensee?

The correct duration for retaining continuing education documentation by a licensee is four years, which aligns with the requirements set forth by the regulatory body overseeing psychology practice in Georgia. This retention period ensures that licensees have credible and verifiable proof of their compliance with continuing education requirements should they be audited or called upon to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining their professional competency.

By retaining these records for four years, the licensee can easily provide evidence of completed coursework, training, and any other qualifications that contribute to their professional development and adherence to the standards of practice in psychology. This time frame reflects an appropriate balance, allowing for adequate verification while also acknowledging that CE requirements may change over time, rendering very old documentation less relevant.

Keeping records indefinitely is impractical as it may lead to unnecessary clutter and could lead to mismanagement of documentation, while shorter retention periods of one or two years do not provide sufficient coverage for typical auditing cycles or professional licensing renewals. Thus, four years is seen as the most suitable duration for this requirement.