SCTE Recertification Process
SCTE Recertification Process Update: Simpler, Clearer, More Consistent
Effective April 1, 2026: SCTE will update the recertification process to make it easier to understand, easier to track professional development, and consistent across the certification landscape.
What’s changing:
- ✅ Continuing Education Hours (CEH) replace Recertification Units (RU)
- Continuing Education Hours are earned on a 1:1 ratio- one hour of training/professional development equals one CEH for recertification credit.
- ✅ Three Clear Categories for Recertification Credit: Training | Conferences | Certifications
- Recertification credit will be organized into three straightforward categories, making it easier to determine eligible professional development activities.
- ✅ Consistent Recertification Requirement across certifications
- All SCTE Professional and Specialist Certifications will require 36 CEH earned within a three-year period.
- ✅ Updated Recertification Window
- The recertification window will open six months prior to certification expiration and remain open through the certification expiration date, eliminating the twelve-month post expiration period.
- Concerned about how this might affect your ability to renew a lapsed certification? Certified individuals have until the earlier of 12 months post certification end date or July 30, 2026 to renew a certification with an end date between April 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. After this date, the recertification window will open six months before- and close on- your certification end date.
- The recertification window will open six months prior to certification expiration and remain open through the certification expiration date, eliminating the twelve-month post expiration period.
These updates are designed to better reflect how professionals learn, train, and stay current- while making recertification more transparent and manageable.
Recertification Process
To ensure continued competence, SCTE certifications are valid for three years. This periodic recertification ensures professionals maintain current knowledge and skills aligned with industry developments. Renewing certifications every three years demonstrates an individual's ongoing commitment to professional credibility, continuous learning, and keeping pace with emerging industry standards and practices.
Recertification Process
1. Log In to your SCTE account and from your
User Profile, click on the Transcript icon.
2. Submit all external professional training, certification, or presenter units using the
External Training Form.
3. Complete the
Recertification Application Form once you’ve gathered all necessary RU counts.
4. Pay the
Recertification Application Fee.
Recertification Units
Recertification Units (RUs) must be accumulated during the three-year certification period listed on your certificate.If the required RUs are not earned, individuals may opt to retake the certification exam. This option will require payment of the exam fee.
To renew a certification without retaking the exam, candidates must earn:
- 12 Recertification Units (RUs) for most certifications, or
- 21 RUs for DVEP, IPEP certifications
To maintain your certification status, be sure to complete the recertification process within the required time frame. If your certification expires, you’ll need to restart the full certification process—including retaking and paying for the full exam. We’ll do our best to send you helpful reminders along the way. However, it’s ultimately your responsibility to ensure all requirements are met before your certification expires.
Recertification Links
Use the links below for questions related to consolidation of certification dates (if you have multiple certifications and want to align dates for recertification purposes), emeritus certification (open to members who have maintained active SCTE Certification by meeting SCTE recertification criteria continuously for a period of 21 years, without lapse), or for frequently asked questions related to the recertification process.