CEP Laura Barr, Emerging Consulting, LLC, Denver, CO offers advice on getting through the recertification process:

What I’ve Learned (and What We Can All Do) to Make CEP Recertification More Meaningful

I’m extremely proud to share that I just received notice of my CEP recertification—my second, in fact. I sat for my initial exam years ago in the beautiful garden of Dr. Antonoff, and I still remember the deep sense of pride I felt when I passed. It meant something then, and it means even more now.

If all goes well, I’ll be re-upping again in 2030. And while I’ve learned a lot about the profession in those years, I’ve also learned how to make the recertification process itself feel less overwhelming and more reflective.

Whether you’re working toward your first five-year renewal or you’ve been at this for a while, I’d love to offer a few tips and habits that have helped me—and might help you too.

Tip #1: Download the Application Early and Use It as a Tracker

Don’t wait until year five to download the CEP recertification form. I treat it as a living document, one I revisit at the end of each week (or at least monthly). It lives in my professional development folder and serves as both a log and a reminder of the professional identity I’m always evolving.

Tip #2: Set Intentional Growth Goals Each Year

Each fall, I choose one area of professional focus. Some years, it’s been curriculum development. One year I completed a certificate in Curriculum & Instruction. Another year I revised our entire team training model.

These annual intentions help me grow with purpose—and make my recertification packet feel like a curated story rather than a list of hours.

Tip #3: Keep a “Proof” File

I keep a simple Google Doc or spreadsheet labeled “CEP Proof” and update it weekly. Inside, I list:

●     College visits

●     Conferences and webinars

●     Speaking engagements

●     Articles, trainings, or curriculum I’ve authored

●     Leadership or service roles

I often paste in screenshots, links, or agendas—anything I might need later. Trust me, this will save you when it’s time to track down certificates or documentation.

Tip #4: Make College Visits Personal, Purposeful, and Fun

Each August, I map out the college visits, conferences, and webinars I want to prioritize. I add them to my calendar with built-in reminders to log them afterward. Planning in advance keeps me intentional and ensures I’m meeting the standards of CEP recertification with depth, not just breadth.

After visiting over 400 colleges over the years, I’ve learned I need to make visits meaningful for me too—not just for my students. The travel, the repetition, the blur of dorm tours and dining halls… it can get monotonous if I don’t approach each trip with curiosity and care.

Here’s what’s helped me stay engaged:

●     Choose a theme for the year: Some years I focus on music schools, others on urban campuses, or I’ll thread in a set of “what-if” schools—places my students might overlook but I want to explore.

●     Include a wild card: I love adding in one school that “pops off the page”—like University of Utah or Montana State in Bozeman—and building a family trip around it. These trips give me fresh perspective and help me understand what campus life looks like in less traditional settings.

●     Pursue my own learning: I carve out time during visits to explore places off the beaten path—a local bookstore, a museum, a writing workshop, a historic site. These moments nourish me as an educator and a lifelong learner.

●     Bring my husband along: Many of these trips double as quality time together. We’ve learned to weave in great meals, a scenic detour, or a quiet morning walk before the day begins. It keeps the work from feeling transactional.

Staying connected to the why behind our visits—understanding students more deeply, staying curious about higher education, and continuing our own growth—makes each stop feel more intentional and alive.

Tip #5: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Even though I’ve recertified twice now, I still reach out to colleagues when I’m unsure about whether something counts—or when I just need a little motivation.

There’s strength in community. If you’re feeling stuck, talk to someone else who’s done it. We’re all better for it when we help each other rise.

Final Thought

This credential matters. It reflects a level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to growth that I believe is core to our work. Recertification doesn’t have to be a burden.

-Laura Barr, www.emergingconsulting.com