(1) Each CBHPSS shall earn 20 clock hours of accredited continuing education for each year. Clock hours or contact hours shall be the actual number of hours during which instruction was given.

(2) CBHPSSs may apply for exemption from the continuing education requirements of these rules by filing a statement with the board setting forth good faith reasons why the CBHPSS is unable to comply with these rules, and an exemption may be granted by the board.

(3) CBHPSSs certified before July 1 of the renewal year will be required to fulfill the 20-hour requirement. Those certified July 1 through October 1 are required to obtain one-half of the 20-hour requirement. Those certified after October 1 will not be required to obtain continuing education credits for renewal. These dates apply only in the first year of certification.