What a continuing-education audit is
Each renewal cycle, state boards randomly audit a portion of licensees to verify the continuing education they reported. Being selected is routine — it is not an accusation. If your records are in order, an audit is simply paperwork.
What boards typically ask for
- A certificate of completion for each course showing your name, the course title, the provider, the PDH/hours, the completion date, and the subject category.
- Documentation that you met any ethics/laws-and-rules and state-specific requirements.
- For non-course activities (teaching, authorship, committee work), supporting evidence such as agendas, publications, or letters.
How long to keep records
Retention periods vary by state — commonly the current cycle plus one or two additional cycles (roughly two to six years). Keep both digital and printed copies.
How to pass with confidence
- Track hours as you earn them, not at renewal. The free Compliance Manager stores every certificate and can generate a one-click Board Audit File — a clean summary plus all your certificates, zipped and ready to send.
- Respond by the deadline in the audit letter.
- If you’re short, ask the board about make-up options rather than ignoring the notice.
Keep audit-ready records automatically — set up your free Compliance Manager.
This information is general guidance, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with your state licensing board.
