Section 864IAC1.1-15-5. Approval of continuing education programs

   (a) It is the professional engineer's responsibility to ensure that the course is applicable to enhancing the practice of engineering. According to IC 25-1-4-0.5, certain courses are automatically approved by being approved by an approved organization under IC 25-1-4-0.2 assuming the subject matter of the course is acceptable under this rule by being designed to directly enhance the practitioner's knowledge and skill. For any course not automatically approved, the following criteria shall be used for board approval of continuing education programs for professional engineers:

(1) The continuing education course shall have a statement of objectives, which the program should achieve for its participants relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.

(2) The sponsor of continuing education courses shall provide:

(A) adequate administration, including a responsible person to coordinate and administer the program; and

(B) for the maintenance of proper records.

(3) The curriculum of a continuing education course shall be thoughtfully planned and designed to explore in considerable depth one (1) subject or a closely related group of subjects related to the practice of engineering.

(4) The continuing education course shall:

(A) have qualified instructors who have demonstrated competence in the subject areas;

(B) be held in adequate facilities that allow for an effective program; and

(C) employ a variety of educational methods and teaching aids that enhance the learning opportunities.

(5) Appropriate methods of evaluation shall be devised and used to measure the continuing education course's effectiveness.

(6) The sponsor of the continuing education course shall provide to the participants a meaningful record of attendance stating the continuing education hours involved, such as a certificate of completion.

  (b) Continuing education courses may be approved by the board provided the sponsoring organization has submitted the proper documentation.

  (c) The sponsor of the course is responsible for monitoring attendance in such a manner that verification of attendance throughout the entire course can be reliably assured.

  (d) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), continuing education courses for professional engineers approved by an approved organization under IC 25-1-4-0.2 are automatically approved.

  (e) Without limiting any other organization that may qualify under IC 25-1-4-0.2, the following shall be an "approved organization" under IC 25-1-4-0.2 and this rule:

(1) Professional engineering related technical or professional societies, organizations, councils, associations, or institutions.

(2) Organizations or individuals who are approved by the board as provided for in subsection (f).

  (f) To qualify for approval under subsection (e)(2), an organization or individual shall:

(1) Apply to the board certifying that continuing education courses shall comply with the provisions of subsection (a)(1) through (a)(6) and, as applicable, with IC 25-1-4 and other provisions of this rule, and receive the board's approval.

(2) Submit an annual report to the board no later than February 15 that represents that the organization or individual complies with the requirements of subdivision (1).

(3) Be subject to a board audit for compliance with subsection (a)(1) through (a)(6) and, as applicable, with IC 25-1-4 and other provisions of this rule.

  (g) The approval of an organization or individual under subsection (e)(2) may be rescinded if the organization or individual does not comply with subsection (a)(1) through (a)(6) and, as applicable, IC 25-1-4 and other provisions of this rule. (State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers; 864 IAC 1.1-15-5; filed Jul 19, 2010, 11:22 a.m.: 20100818-IR-864090788FRA; filed Nov 15, 2013, 2:51 p.m.: 20131211-IR-864130333FRA, eff Jan 1, 2014)