continuing professional education |
The Register values on-going professional development, however, the proposal to require continuing education credits has been tabled by the Board of Directors due to the COVID-19 crisis. We will revisit this issue in the fall or whenever it seems appropriate to do so. No continuing education credits will be required at this time.
|
Check out Career Paths in Archaeology (PDF) by Register Communications Director Dina Rivera and Professional Development Chair, Matt Emerson! INFORMATION AND CRITERIA FOR PROGRAM CERTIFICATIONThe Register of Professional Archaeologists recognizes that archaeological training is a lifelong endeavor. The Register’s code of conduct states that it is an archaeologist’s responsibility to “stay informed and knowledgeable about developments in her/his field or fields of specialization” (2.1.b) and that an archaeologist shall not “undertake any research that affects the archaeological resource base for which she/he is not qualified” (1.2.d). To meet these requirements, archaeologists must continue to learn long after acquiring their graduate degree and RPA recognition. It is an archaeologist’s duty to stay abreast of changes in field practices, technological innovations, analytical techniques, legal requirements, and ethical conduct. The Register does not require demonstrations of continuing professional education (CPE) to maintain recognition as a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA). Instead, as a service to RPAs and the discipline, the Register certifies CPE programs such as training courses, workshops, and other learning activities that meet the Register’s mission of improving archaeological standards and conduct. The Register is not a CPE provider and derives no financial benefit from CPE program certification. The Register invites providers of training courses or other professional development programs to participate in the Register’s CPE initiative by applying for certification of educational opportunities. In certifying the training, RPA will inform the RPAs that the professional training opportunity has been reviewed by the Register and that it meets the standards of the Register. RPA will post CPE program information on the RPA website and inform the RPA electronic mail list of the opportunity. |
scopeArchaeology today is much more than finding, excavating, and analyzing sites and artifacts. Archaeologists are involved in activities ranging from tribal consultation and expert witnessing to DNA analysis and digital archiving. Many of these activities cross over into other fields, such as architectural history, law, Native American and indigenous studies, anthropology, museum studies, linguistics and philology, geology, soil science, public policy, remote sensing, and so on. We expect this dynamic diversification to continue. Instead of trying to define the scope of archaeological activities, the Register has established a CPE committee to vet prospective CPE programs. |
CPE PROGRAM CRITERIARegister-certified CPE programs must meet the following six criteria:
|
CPE PROGRAM APPLICATIONIn presenting your objectives, keep the following questions in mind:
| INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONSAn archaeologist wishing to be an instructor must meet the following criteria:
The CPE committee may at its discretion request information such as publications, letters of reference, or certifications. An exemption for “1.” may be requested if the workshop is not archaeological in matter. A non-archaeologist wishing to be an instructor must meet the following criteria:
The CPE committee may at its discretion request information such as publications or letters of reference. The Register strongly suggests that program instructors who are non-archaeologists consider co-teaching the activity with an RPA. |
COPYRIGHT AND OTHER PERMISSIONSIt is the instructor’s responsibility to ensure that she/he has the right to use images, reading materials, handouts, software, etc. and that sources are properly credited. The Register reserves the right to have instructors submit such permissions to the Register’s business office. ADVERTISING AND PREREQUISITESAll certified CPE programs will be listed on the Register’s website and be open to all RPAs that meet eligibility requirements. Prerequisites and the number of CPE credit hours offered will be identified on the Register’s website. Instructors are free to advertise elsewhere and to invite non-RPAs to participate, as appropriate. EARN CERTIFICATION FOR YOUR PROGRAM! |