(a) A continuing professional development “course” means a form of systematic learning at least one hour (60 minutes) in length including, but not limited to, academic studies, extension studies, lectures, conferences, seminars, workshops, and self-study courses.

(b) A “self-study course” means a form of systematic learning performed at a licensee's residence, office, or other private location including, but not limited to, viewing or listening to recorded courses, or participating in “self-assessment testing” (open-book tests that are completed by the licensee, submitted to the provider, graded, and returned to the licensee with correct answers and an explanation of why the answer chosen by the provider was the correct answer). A self-study course does not mean a course taken at an accredited university towards a degree, nor does it include any interactive courses offered via electronic media where the course offering affords participants the opportunity to interact with an instructor and/or other course participants.

(c) A continuing professional development “provider” means an accredited institution of higher learning, a nonprofit education association, a nonprofit professional association, an individual, or other organization that offers continuing professional development courses and meets the requirements contained in this article.

(d) A “renewal period” means the two-year period that spans from a license's expiration date to the licensee's next expiration date.

(e) An “operational plan” means a detailed, written description which contains information that explains how the provider intends to conduct business, advertise its courses, provide educational services, and meet the minimum standards established in this article.

(f) “Professional development” shall have the same meaning and effect as the term “continuing education” when interpreting the provisions in this Article.