Questions and answers regarding the continuing competence program can be found on the Continuing Competence FAQ page.

Q: Is a blended first-aid/CPR course acceptable?

A: Yes, a blended first-aid/CPR course is acceptable.

Q: Is a first-aid/CPR course from outside of Alberta acceptable?

A: Yes, a first-aid/CPR course from outside of Alberta is acceptable, as long as it was obtained from an approved training agency.

Q: Do I need to take a first-aid/CPR course every year if my certification is valid for 3 years?

A: No. You do not need to take a first-aid/CPR course every year if your certification is valid for 3 years. You will need to take another first-aid/CPR course to re-certify when your certification expires. 

Q: How do I find a first-aid/CPR course that is taught by an approved training agency?

Approved training agencies are listed on the Alberta government’s website: https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/fa018. Once on the website, click on “View Resource”. This will open up a document of approved training agencies.

Visit an approved training agency’s website for more information on first-aid/CPR courses they offer. For example, for the Canadian Red Cross Society, visit myrc.redcross.ca; for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, visit cpr.heartandstroke.ca. Using Google Search to find training agencies is not advised as some websites may include misleading information.

It is important to note that training agencies may work with different providers/partners. For example, an acceptable provider may be “Delta Emergency Support Training” as long as the training agency is the Canadian Red Cross. Always enter the TRAINING AGENCY when filling out your renewal form.

Q: Where can I find more information regarding first-aid/CPR requirements?

The College has a webpage dedicated to information regarding first-aid/CPR requirements. 

Q: How should I handle the insurance portion of the renewal form if my insurance period is not the same as the College’s renewal period?

A: The College is mindful that member’s insurance coverage periods may not exactly match up with the College’s renewal timeframe. Members can upload insurance certificates with other timeframes, as long as the certificate is currently valid.

Q: Do I need insurance coverage that covers me until the next renewal period in order for my renewal to be approved?
(ex: I am renewing in March of 2023 and my insurance expires in December 2023, do I need to purchase insurance coverage until March 31, 2024)?

A: No, your insurance document does not need to be valid until the next renewal period in order for your renewal to be approved, as long as the certificate is currently valid. The College is mindful that member’s insurance coverage periods may not match up with the College’s renewal timeframe. Member’s are responsible to carry up-to-date insurance while they are practicing and to update their insurance documents on their member profile throughout the year as necessary to keep them current and up-to-date.

For the example above: the member would not be required to purchase extra insurance at the time of renewal. They would upload their insurance that is valid at the time of their 2023 renewal. Prior to their insurance expiring in December 2023, they would update their profile on their member portal with up-to-date insurance once they purchase it for the following year. They would be required to have a valid insurance certificate on file to renew in 2024.

Q: Where can I find more information regarding insurance requirements?

The College has a webpage dedicated to information regarding insurance requirements.

Q: What time period should I input for my practice hours? The last year, or the last three years?

A: Input your practice hours for the last renewal cycle (April 1-March 31). The system will keep a running total of the last three renewal cycles.

Q: What are direct practice hours and indirect practice hours?

A: Direct practice hours are hours spent doing acupuncture techniques on patients.

Indirect practice hours include direct practice hours, as well as hours spent researching, charting, making patient plans, etc.

Q: Where can I find more information regarding practice hours?

The College has a webpage dedicated to information regarding practice hours.

Q: Where can I find my practice permit?

A: Once you have completed your renewal and paid your renewal fee, you will see a link to your practice permit on the home page of your member portal.