What is a clock hour?

Each 60 minutes of state and district approved inservice, including reasonable time for breaks, equals one clock hour of continuing education credit. Clock hours are only issued in two increments: One Hour and One Half Hour.

Why are clock hours important?

1. Your clock hours partly determine your place on the pay scale; meaning, more clock hours contribute to higher pay.
2. Additionally, clock hours are a requirement for recertification. Many certificates read that 150 clock hours must be earned every 5 years. To find out for sure, pull out your certificate and read the fine print.

How can I tell if the course I want to take offers valid clock hours?

If the course is sponsored by the district or your school it is an approved course. Any courses sponsored from outside the district will usually clearly write that they are an approved clock hour provider. If the literature you receive does not assert this, contact Jim Roberts in HR to check before you register.

Can I take college/university courses to fulfill the recertification requirement?

Any regionally accredited 2 or 4 year college credit at the 100 level or above may be used as clock hours. One quarter hour of college credit is the equivalent of 10 clock hours, and one semester hour of college credit is the equivalent of 15 clock hours.

Who is responsible for keeping track of my clock hour record?

OSPI mandates that you are responsible for keeping your own records for recertification purposes. However, Human Resources will keep track of your clock hours for payroll purposes. By always remembering to retain your Goldenrod copy of the verification form at the time of the course, you will be able to ensure that you receive your offical signed copy (Pink).

What is the deadline for getting in clock hours for the new salary schedule each year?

Courses must be completed prior to October 1. Forms must be in to Quiana Kirkland by October 10. It is recommended that you DO NOT wait until the last minute, due to the heavy volumes of paperwork that are received at that time.

What procedure should I follow to get district sponsored clock hour credit?

1. Attend a district sponsored clock hour event for at least 3 hours.
2. Sign in everyday for the exact number of hours of attendance.
3. At the end of the course, fill out a Clock Hour Verification Form (carefully following the directions) and an Evaluation. Completing both is mandatory according to state law.
4. Remove the last copy (Goldenrod) and submit the remaining forms to the instructor. If you neglect to turn them in to the instructor you may mail them directly to Quiana Kirkland at the ESC, though processing will take longer in that case.

What procedure should I follow to get out of district clock hour credits applied to my salary?

1. Make sure that the clock hour provider is officially approved by the state. The course materials should say whether or not clock hours are available.
2. Fill out a Pre-Approval Form and get your principal to sign it.
3. At the event be sure to fill out their forms.
4. Mail your transcript/signed clock hour form and your signed Pre-Approval form to Jim Roberts in HR.

Clock Hour Tips

• You must attend at least 3 hours of any course to get clock hour credit for it and clock hours are only available in hours and half-hours. Meaning, if you attend a course for 3 hours and 45 minutes you will receive 3.5 clock hours.
• Clock hours often take up to a few months to process, so don't worry if you don't get a copy back right away.

Who can help me if I...

Want to lead/teach a clock hour offering: Click Here
Have a question about an in-district offering: Quiana Kirkland
Have not received my signed pink copy: Quiana Kirkland
Want a copy of my clock hour transcript: Jim Roberts
Want to know if the provider of a course that I want to take is offering valid clock hours: Jim Roberts
Need help with recertification: OSPI, Professional Education and Certification Dept.

• Phone: (360) 725-6400
• email: cert@ospi.wednet.edu