QEP Recertification by Point Submission

CM Point Submission Process

CM point submission (attestation) is available through the BGC website. BGC will only accept CM worksheets that have been issued by BGC. Diplomates are expected to follow the most current CM rules as posted on the BGC website.

1. Each QEP must submit a signed CM Point Submission Form before the end of the recertification cycle to comply with recertification requirements. You can find the end of your recertification cycle on the QEP Diplomate Public Roster.
2. Unless you have been selected for an audit, you do not need to include supporting documents. BGC will issue a certificate to each QEP meeting the requirements. Additionally, BGC will provide a public listing of your credential status and issue a digital badge that links to a digital version of your credential.
3. Each QEP must maintain a copy of the recertification attestation form, along with all supporting documentation, for at least one certification cycle (5 years). Records must be made available to BGC for verification upon request. The records maintained by the QEP in support of the attestation form filed with BGC should include the following information, as appropriate to the activity:

• • Title of the program and/or description of the content.
  • Dates attended.
  • Location of course or program.
  • Sponsoring organization.
  • Contact hours of credit as recommended by the course sponsor.
  • A letter, certificate, or other written independent attestation of course completion.
  • Documentation supporting publications, oral presentations, and committee or other participation.

BGC sends several reminder communications during the last 6 months of the CM cycle. During this time period, it is important that the Diplomate’s contact information is up to date.

Submissions should be completed at the end of the CM cycle according to the reporting calendar. Diplomates can check their CM cycle Due Date by viewing the QEP Diplomate Public Roster. (Note: The expiration date on the Diplomate’s paper certificate is not the CM Cycle End Date or CM Point Submission Due Date.)

CM Audits

During each CM cycle, five percent (5%) of Diplomates are randomly selected for a CM audit. Activities claimed on the CM Point Submission Form are verified through written, impartial records.

The purpose of the audit is to:

• Verify that the Diplomate has achieved the minimum requirements necessary for recertification.
• Identify areas where Diplomates have difficulty in providing records so that BGC may continuously improve its programs.

The annual CM audit notifications are sent at the start of each cycle for the prior year’s reporting cycle. If selected for an audit, individuals must provide evidence of previously-reported CM activities that meet the criteria described on this website. (If you self-claim activity hours, be sure to keep detailed records.) Individuals selected for a CM audit will be notified via email. The deadline and requirements for returning supporting documentation will be included in the email.

Diplomates selected for an audit are notified regarding which records are required. The provided records must be consistent with the dates and activities listed on the CM Point Submission Form. Examples of satisfactory records are listed in each of the CM category descriptions (see CM Point Categories BGC may review the records of diplomates or course sponsors in the manner it deems appropriate to determine compliance with the requirements set forth in this guidance. Submitting false information may result in revocation of certification.

Diplomates are normally allowed four weeks to send the records to BGC. This may occasionally be adjusted to account for holiday time periods. Additional time can be granted in some cases due to circumstances where the Diplomate does not have access to the records, e.g., extended business or personal travel, location shutdowns, medical illnesses, or family illnesses. The Diplomate must contact BGC to request additional time, which may or may not be granted.

Audit results are reported to the Diplomate. If the provided records support that the Diplomate achieved the required minimum CM credit, a re-certification letter and new certificate are mailed.

If the provided records do not support that the required minimum points were achieved, the Diplomate will be contacted to secure other records or look for additional, overlooked CM point opportunities.

The Diplomate will have failed to maintain certification if:

• the audit records were not submitted, or
• the audit records do not support that the minimum requirements were achieved

Record Retention

Records acceptable for CM are described in CM Category descriptions (see CM Point Categories). Ideally, the Diplomate should establish a records folder that can be built throughout the cycle. A single storage folder or location will also increase the chance that documentation will be available when needed. You can also upload your documentation to your online account; however, make sure you retain original copies. Practitioners often leave valuable records at a previous employer when changing jobs.

After the Diplomate has received the recertification letter and certificate from BGC, records pertaining to the previous CM cycle will not be needed by BGC. Records can be retained for personal, professional, and tax purposes, but BGC does not require that they be kept for purposes of its certification.

Persons who have retired or voluntarily surrendered their certification or have had their certification revoked should retain their records to accommodate future re-activation efforts.