Review of the history of mandatory continuing education shows that it has increased the variety, quality, and number of programs; it increases participant knowledge but has not been proven to ensure competence. Only one-third of states require continuing education for physical therapy relicensing. (SK)

Includes an historical review of continuing medical education (CME) in the United States from 1909, when the Blackburn Plan began, to the post-World War II era, with the growth of instructional technology. Two earlier studies that reviewed evaluation research in CME are discussed. Lloyd's brief response disputes some of Abrahamson's points. (SK)

Rapid changes make mandatory continuing education (MCE) for clinical laboratory professionals imperative. Recent well-designed studies refute arguments of ineffectiveness by showing how (MCE) alters professional practice. Problems other professions have had with licensure can be avoided. (SK)

This article states that constant changing workplace technology requirements have placed a burden on the employees to remain competent. This problem can be alleviated by community colleges that offer credentials in different occupations. Community colleges can aid in the creation of new jobs by providing students with the skills that are highly…

Evaluates mandatory continuing education in social work and suggests alternatives for ensuring continued competence. Current programs under development show a trend toward real-life practice simulations instead of paper and pencil tests. Continuing education will be the result of self-motivation instead of simply meeting a requirement. (Author/JAC)

Reviews of the disciplines of law, medicine, engineering, and math/science teaching in Australia examined five issues concerning continuing professional education: (1) importance; (2) purpose; (3) relationship to preservice training; (4) mandatory/voluntary options; and (5) delivery. (SK)

Although mandatory continuing education (MCE) has a positive effect on the knowledge level of medical practitioners, effects on performance are limited and impact on quality of care is unproven. Similar effects in law have not been studied. Compulsory education has improved quality of and access to programs, but MCE is not assurance or guarantee…

Synthesis of 2 studies--1 of 429 accountant participants in continuing education (CE) and 1 of CE accounting courses taught by practitioners and academics--found that (1) academicians were rated slightly higher than practitioners and (2) assessments of learning indicate proficiency rather than competence in practice. (SK)