If you have recently learned that you are under investigation or facing a formal complaint that could impact your professional license, it can feel like the world has stopped. Fear, stress and uncertainty may be dominating your daily life. This is understandable.
However, amid the scrutiny, it’s important to avoid hitting pause on one consequential aspect of your professional standing—your continuing education. Even if your license is at risk, staying current with required education is essential. Whether you’re a physician, a lawyer, an accountant, a real estate professional, etc., you’ll want to keep going in this regard in service of your reputation and career.
Why can’t I take a break for now?
Continuing education is not just a regulatory box to check. It reflects your ongoing commitment to professional development and ethical standards. When you’re facing allegations of misconduct or incompetence, demonstrating that you are still actively pursuing your education shows licensing boards and investigators that you take your obligations seriously. It can help to reinforce the argument that you are dedicated to staying up-to-date, improving your skills and maintaining the public’s trust.
In some cases, maintaining a record of timely and voluntary participation in continuing education can even help mitigate the consequences of a disciplinary action. It’s not uncommon for licensing boards to consider good-faith efforts to comply with professional standards as a positive factor when making decisions about penalties or remediation. If your record shows that you’ve kept up with coursework—especially if it’s relevant to the allegations—you may be seen as someone who is genuinely working to address any potential concerns.
Failing to complete continuing education requirements while under investigation can, on the other hand, add fuel to the fire. Many boards have strict deadlines for completing coursework, and missing those deadlines can lead to additional violations or automatic suspensions. The last thing any professional needs during a disciplinary process is a new issue that could have been easily avoided.
