MSBDC Guidelines

Credit Eligibility Guidelines

Professional Development consists of time spent in seminars, classes and targeted training sessions that provides information to enhance an employee’s ability to carry out their job responsibilities and grow professionally.  A minimum of 24 hours of professional development is required for professional staff, and a minimum of 16 hours of professional development is required for administrative support staff per year.

The following types of credit hours ARE eligible for maintaining MSBDC certification:

• ASBDC instructional seminars and workshops (certificates indicating the number of credit hours for each workshop are distributed to attendees upon completion)

• SBA workshops, information sessions (EIDL, Loan Programs, etc.), and training sessions

• New England Professional Development (NEPD) annual conference, core competency training (required in the first year of employment), or other professional training (if available)

• MSBDC Network staff training sessions which are either standalone or as part of an organizational meeting

• Colleges and Universities training, seminars, and courses (topics taken require prior approval)

• Other accredited organizations (by approval only) training, seminars, and courses.

Events and meetings that are NOT eligible for professional development credits are: 

• Planning, organizational and/or staff meetings

• Retreats (unless training is provided, and only training hours are eligible)

• Training that your center does as part of its contracted deliverables

• Exhibits at conferences or meetings

• Special events and banquets where instruction does not take place (ex: awards luncheons)

Formula for Credit

One (1) professional development credit will be allowed per one (1) hour of actual in-class training in a seminar/course/presentation with a professional or accredited trainer conveying information that is directly related to your work with the MSBDC Network and which enhances your ability to do your job.  Lunch is allowable if there is an informational speaker.  Credit for a session will only be accepted for attendance at the entire session.  No partial credit will be given.

	PDF*	Word
Guidelines for counselors and staff
Professional development form for recording activities

*These files require Acrobat Reader. If you don't have it, click here to go to Adobe's website and download the software for free.

New England Professional Development

The mission of the New England Professional Development (NEPD) program is to develop and implement an ongoing professional development process for the six New England state SBDC program personnel in order to continually enhance the value and quality of SBDC services to clients.

For more information, visit the New England Professional Development's website at www.nepd.org