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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have put together the following list of FAQs to help with any questions you may have about changes to CET.
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If you still need answers about the enhanced CET scheme, you can get in touch with us by calling 020 7580 3898 and selecting option three, emailing education@optical.org, or send us a tweet to @GOC_UK
How many points will I need to gain?
The points requirement will continue to be 36 points over three years. For those who join the register mid-way through a cycle this requirement will be pro-ratered on the basis of one point for each month of registration.
From 2013 registrants will need to be able to demonstrate that they have not only obtained a sufficient number of points but also have undertaken CET in the required competency areas.
Registrants will also be expected to spread their CET across the three years and not limit their learning to a concentrated period within the cycle with no activity in the remaining years.
Can I carry points forward across a cycle?
No. A registrants CET requirement will continue to be reset at the start of each new cycle. When the next cycle starts on 1st January 2013 registrants will start with zero points against their target, regardless of whether they achieved more than the required number in the previous cycle.
Will the GOC make sure there is enough CET available in my area to enable me to meet the requirements?
Between now and next cycle (2013) the GOC will be working with CET Providers to ensure that all registrants, regardless of geographical location will have access to sufficient CET to meet the GOC requirement. This includes exploring new forms of CET and increased use of interactive technology.
In particular, we are working with stakeholders to ensure that all registrants have access to a peer discussion group. A toolkit containing guidance on the role of the discussion leader and example case records will also be produced to support registrants in meeting the requirements.
The GOC also recognizes that there may be exceptional cases where a registrant experiences difficulty in physically attending a discussion group. Where a registrant can demonstrate exceptional circumstances the GOC may consider permitting participation via online real-time audio and video services. Online groups will need to be arranged through an approved provider trained in the use of this technology.
Do I have to do separate CET activity for each competency unit?
No. Many CET activities will be approved for more than one competency area.
From 2013 CET events will be advertised according to both the number of points available, the target group (eg optometrist, dispensing optician, contact lens optician or therapeutic specialist) and the competencies covered. This will mean that by attending one CET event a registrant may be able to meet two or three competency targets.
How will I know whether the CET I have completed has met all of the requirements?
When logging into their CETOptics portfolio from 2013 registrants will be able see their progress via a new tracking facility. This will show registrants what competencies have been covered by the CET undertaken to date and highlight those which are still outstanding as well as how many points have been achieved against the target number.
When will these changes come into effect?
From next cycle starting on 1st January 2013 registrants will be expected to comply with these new requirements.
At the end of each year within the cycle, those registrants who are not on target, having failed to obtain at least six points per year, will be contacted and asked to explain the reasons for the failure to comply.
Registrants who wish to apply to have exceptional circumstances taken into account must do so as soon as those circumstances occur and not wait until the end of the cycle. Failure to declare exceptional circumstances before the end of the cycle may result in the registrant being removed from the register at the end of the cycle.
Restoration to the Register under the new CET Requirements from January 2013
If I come off the register what will be the restoration requirement?
When applying to restore to the Register applicants will still need to demonstrate that they have obtained 12 CET Points in the 12 months preceding the date of restoration but also show that all of the competency units relevant to their professional group have been covered. One CET point may cover multiple competences so this is easily achievable by doing 12 points.
In addition those applying to restore after January 2014 will be expected to demonstrate that 50% (so 6 out of 12 points) were gained in CET activities that involve interaction with others, such as peer discussion, attendance at lectures etc
What if I am in shortfall?
We will look back to the previous full CET cycle to ensure the registrant has no outstanding shortfall. Any shortfall will need to be made up prior to restoration.
Therefore Registrants will need to ensure they have gained the required number of points for the current cycle (1 point per month of registration between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012) as we will check this when an application is made to restore.
If I come off the GOC register for a longer period will the requirement be any different?
Anyone who applies to return to the register from 1st January 2014 will need to demonstrate that they have also participated in a peer discussion requirement within the last 3 years as well as having the 12 restoration points and covered all of the competencies before coming back onto the register.