Credit vs. Clock Hours
What is the difference between credit and clock hours? How do I know if I need credit? What are clock hours? Does it really work to use just the hours to renew my teaching certificate?
These are just a sampling of the questions we’ve been asked in this age-old dilemma in the credit vs. clock hour controversy. Let’s clear up some of the confusion by comparing the two below.
Credit
• Offered through a college or university
• Fee based
• Official registration required
• Attendance at class required
• Outcome project/paper a requirement
• Grade issued at conclusion
• Transcript sent to registrant at conclusion
• Can be used to renew teaching license
• School districts accept for moving
ahead on the pay scale
Clock Hours
• Offered through RMC
• Free
• Fill out an easy form
• Earn hours every time you attend a workshop
• No project/paper required
• Certificate issued at conclusion
• Not eligible for inclusion on official transcript
• Can be used to renew teaching license
• Not usually accepted for district pay increase
To make things more difficult, clock hours can be referred to with other names, such as Professional Development Education (PDE) or Continuing Education Units (CEU). Credit is only referred to as credit. Phew!
If you have any questions about clock hours vs. credits, please feel free to reach out to Barbara Pierpoint, RMC-AOSA Credit Coordinator, at bpierpoint@comcast.net.