PDU Pre-Approval

Pre-approval of courses, webinars, conferences, and other educational opportunities is a voluntary process by which programs can identify which of their offerings meet ACLP's standards as providing professional development units (PDUs), the measurement of continuing education for the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential. The pre-approval process evaluates a program's educational content using course descriptions, syllabi, and other materials to make a determination as to whether or not a specific course or event fulfills the requirements for PDU content. If pre-approved, programs can publicize this pre-approval status to Certified Child Life Specialists looking for continuing education content guaranteed to meet ACLP's recertification requirements.

The Pre-Approval Process

1. Apply

  • Visit the Child Life Store and add the requirements that you would like pre-approved to your basket for purchase.

  • After you've completed your purchase with payment, you will receive an email with your receipt for your records and a submittal link. Please follow the steps in the link to submit your courses for review. 

    *applications will not be reviewed until these steps have been followed and all necessary documentation has been submitted.

  • Applicants can submit their applications at any time and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

  • Approval is good for one calendar year.

2. Review

  • Once submitted, applications are reviewed for course pre-approval by the ACLP staff.
  • Review of the application and materials can take up to 2 weeks from the date of submission. ACLP reserves the right to ask for additional documentation in order to establish course eligibility. 
  • Expedited approval (1 week from material submission) is $75.

3. Decision

  • Applicants will receive their results via email. Results will include a pre-approval letter.
  • If pre-approved, educational content (i.e., a specific course, webinar, or conference) will be recognized as ACLP Pre-Approved for one year.
  • If denied, the program may appeal or re-apply. Appeals must be made in writing to the ACLP office within 1 month of the decision. 
  • Once content is approved, it can be listed on the ACLP website with the purchase of a $25 calendar listing.

Fees

  • $95 for one-day courses

  • $200 for conferences and other multi-day events

  • $25 for a calendar listing

  • $75 for expedited approval (in addition to the application fee)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for PDU pre-approval?

  • Your program should visit the Child Life Store and add PDU pre-approval to your basket for each event or course for which you are seeking pre-approval.
  • Once payment is received, you will receive an email directing you to submit your materials.
  • After you've submitted your materials your application will be reviewed. Please note it may take up to two weeks to complete your review.
  • Once the review is complete, you will receive an email with your results and if approved, a digital Approval Seal that can be used for marketing your offering.
  • Incomplete or unpaid applications will not be reviewed. Payment is non-refundable regardless of result outcomes.

What do I need to submit?

  • Submitted form: this is completed electronically. Details on how to complete the form will be sent to you electronically after payment is received. 
  • Supporting materials: Course descriptions, syllabi, and conference programs.

What will I receive?

  • ACLP will provide a results report outlining the status of your review as well as a digital seal of approval that can be used to help market your offering. 

How long is the pre-approval good for?

  • PDU approval is good for one calendar year.
 

Resources