Complete guide to Act 48 continuing professional education requirements for Pennsylvania teaching certificate renewal.
Act 48 of 1999 requires all Pennsylvania educators holding public school certification to participate in ongoing professional education every five years to maintain active certificate status. This applies whether you're currently employed or not.
180
Hours of PD
OR 6
Collegiate Credits
OR 6
CPE Credits
You may also use any combination of these options to meet the requirement.
Pennsylvania treats credits and hours as follows:
Undergraduate or graduate coursework from accredited institutions. 1 credit = 30 hours.
Continuing professional education courses approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Professional development programs and activities from PDE-approved providers.
Mentoring an inductee or student teacher can earn Act 48 credit. Confirm current hour limits with your PDE-approved provider, as caps are set per activity type.
Presenting professional development can earn Act 48 credit, including preparation time. Confirm the current ratio with your PDE-approved provider.
Hours earned for obtaining initial and renewal certification through NBPTS.
School leaders in covered positions may be required to complete Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership (PIL) courses as part of their Act 48 requirements under Act 45 of 2007.
Covered positions include: Principals, Assistant Principals, Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, IU Executive Directors, and Directors of Area Vocational-Technical Schools.
The Professional Education Record Management System (PERMS) is Pennsylvania's official system for tracking Act 48 compliance. Through PERMS, you can:
Since July 2016, Pennsylvania allows educators to carry over excess Act 48 hours to the next compliance period. This means:
Pennsylvania teachers must complete 180 hours of continuing education, 6 collegiate credits, or 6 CPE credits every 5 years. You can also use any combination of these options. One semester credit equals 30 Act 48 hours.
PERMS (Professional Education Record Management System) is Pennsylvania's online portal for tracking Act 48 compliance. You can view your hours, check compliance status, and review certificate information. Access it at perms.pa.gov with your educator credentials.
If you fail to complete the required Act 48 hours, your certificate status will change to "inactive." You won't be able to work in Pennsylvania public schools with an inactive certificate. Extensions may be available under certain circumstances through Acts 55, 13, 118, and 24.
Yes, but with limits. Since July 2016 Pennsylvania allows carry-over of up to 50 excess hours, and only hours earned in the last two years of your compliance period count toward the next one.
Yes! When you select Pennsylvania as your state, our system automatically configures the 180-hour requirement, 5-year compliance period, credit conversions, and activity limits. You'll see real-time progress and get alerts as your compliance deadline approaches.
Not in Pennsylvania? Find requirements for your state.
Part of EX in Education
Act 48 tracking is one part of how districts support educators. In EX in Education, it connects to the bigger picture: walkthroughs, coaching, evaluations, goals, PD, recognition, surveys, and retention. Bring your own process, or start from a template, then run it across every school so every educator moves from hired to thriving.