Exemptions

(1) A registrant may be exempt from continuing professional development education requirements for any of the following reasons: (a) A new registrant is not required to satisfy the continuing education requirements prescribed in this chapter as a prerequisite for initial registration. However, at the time of first registration renewal, the registrant must demonstrate completion of the required continuing education for professional development. (b) A non-career military registrant serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States for a period of time exceeding one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days in a calendar year shall be exempt from obtaining the PDH required during that year. (c) A registrant employed as an architect, engineer, landscape architect or registered interior designer and assigned to duty outside the United States for a period of time exceeding one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days in a calendar year shall be exempt from obtaining the PDH required during that year. (d) A registrant who lists the registrant’s occupation as “retired” or “inactive” on the Board- approved renewal form and who further certifies that they are no longer practicing shall be exempt from the PDH required. In the event such a person elects to return to active practice, PDH must be earned for each year exempt, not to exceed the annual requirement for two (2) years before the person returns to active practice. Inactive or retired registrants returning to active practice must report PDH earned within no more than two (2) years of the request to reactivate. (e) A registrant experiencing physical disability, a serious medical condition, or other extenuating circumstances may apply for an exemption or an extension of time to obtain the credits, subject to the review and approval of the Board. Supporting documentation must be furnished to the Board, and the Board reserves the right to deny requests lacking adequate documentation or justification. Registrants granted an exemption or extension may still be subject to disciplinary action for violations of this chapter that occurred outside the period of exemption or extension.