Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Course Participants

Frequently Asked Questions

What are CPE courses anyway?

Why do educators enroll in CPE courses?

How many Act 48 hours could I earn?

What is expected of me as a participant in a CPE course?

When do these courses occur and will they fit within my schedule?

How do I enroll within a CPE course?

Can I receive tuition reimbursement for CPE courses?

Can I move on the salary scale as a result of successfully completing CPE courses?

#What are CPE courses anyway?

CPE courses are graduate level courses planned, implemented, and evaluated by the Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit.  They are approved credited courses through Pennsylvania Department of Education.  The courses are written for 1-, 2-, or 3-credits.

#Why do educators enroll in CPE courses?

Educators enroll within CPE courses most typically for three reasons.  First, CPE courses can earn Act 48 hours.  Second, educators can use these courses in an effort to move from a Temporary Instructional Level I Certification to a Permanent Instructional Level II Certificate.  Finally, educators may utilize CPE courses in working toward a Masters Equivalency.

#How many Act 48 hours could I earn?

It depends.  Each CPE credit is equivalent to 30 Act 48 hours.  As a result, completing a three-credit CPE course successfully would earn an educator 90 Act 48 hours. 

#What is expected of me as a participant in a CPE course?

It is important to remember that CPE courses are, in fact, written at the graduate level.  As a result, there are assignments to be completed both in and out of class.  For each credit, it is expected that there will be 14 hours of in class work.  In addition, for each credit, it is expected that there will be 16 hours of out of class assignments.  Therefore, a one credit CPE course requires a commitment of 30 hours, a two credit course requires 60 hours, and a three credit course requires 90 hours.

#When do these courses occur and will they fit within my schedule?

The Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit is constantly approving new and exciting courses.  As a result, approximately 40 CPE courses are planned through BCIU annually.  The courses are planned to occur at different times in order to allow the greatest accessibility to educators.  As a result, courses occur during the evening, on weekends, and over the summer.

#How do I enroll within a CPE course?

It is easy!  Click HERE to see a full listing of the CPE courses currently offered through the Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit.  You can click on any of the blue titles in order to see additional information and begin the registration process.  NOTE:  Please be sure to follow outlined processes for enrolling within courses.  If you are a Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit # 22 employee, you should submit a request to your supervisor through My Learning Plan.

#Can I receive tuition reimbursement for CPE courses?

If you are a Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit # 22 employee, CPE courses are not eligible for tuition reimbursement.  If you work for any other education agency, you will need to ask for the parameters outlined by your employer.

#Can I move on the salary scale as a result of successfully completing CPE courses?

If you are a Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit # 22 employee, you may utilize CPE courses to move on the salary scale.  If you work for any other education agency, you will need to ask for the parameters outlined by your employer.