Self-Paced, Online Continuing Education Policies & FAQs

For FAQ Information about our Live, Interactive WebConference workshops, please click HERE.

How do I access the courses?

When you visit our online course portal, you will see a place to log in with your username and your password.  If this is your first time accessing the site, and your agency has not contracted for the all-access package such as with the FBMHS programs, follow the directions here to register for a course.

On the other hand, if your agency has contracted with us, enter your username and password as provided to you by your Family Based supervisor. Once you have logged in, you may change your password. You may enroll in courses using your “enrollment key” provided by your supervisor. Feel free to email [email protected] with any questions.

How are the online courses set up?

Once you are in a specific course, you will notice there are several sections, each focusing on one topic, and usually containing one webinar.  You are encouraged to download and print the handouts that contain the slides shown in the webinar. This may make it easier to follow along and take notes. As you complete one topic, check it off, then proceed in order to the next topic.  You do not have to finish the course in one sitting, and are free to come and go from the course as often as you like.  Once you certify that you have completed all activities and readings associated with the course, you can gain access to the post-test. Post-tests are completed online and are comprised of short answer, multiple choice, and true/false questions. A passing grade of 75% is required, with three attempts allowed. Once this is completed, press the link for the course evaluation.  It is at this point that the link to your certificate becomes active and you can download it for your records.

Where can I find details on the courses?

On the course description pages (listed here as well as on the right-hand side of most pages on this site), you will find links to an overview of each course, including learning goals, cost, and how many Continuing Education (CE) hours will be awarded.

What will I learn as a result of taking a CFBT course?

The courses are designed to provide information that is considered “essential” for practitioners who are committed to a systems-oriented approach to helping multi-stressed families and their children. The courses present this information in the briefest, most engaging, relevant way possible so that ideas are more likely to “stick.” Specific learning goals are indicated on the course description page for each course. You will demonstrate your learning in a post-test once you have viewed all the webinars, read the articles, and completed any activities associated with a course.

For whom are the courses designed? What skill level do these courses target?

Our courses are designed for busy front-line practitioners and supervisors who are interested in providing services that are evidence-informed, meaningful, and effective. All courses are appropriate for beginner through advanced level practitioners. The content of each course is designed to provide important basic knowledge, but is also rich with content that can deepen the skills and understanding of more experienced practitioners.

How long will each course take?

For most participants, the number of hours it takes to complete a course is the same as the CE hours offered.  Although we understand that people read at different speeds, professional CE approval boards have strict guidelines for establishing the number of hours credit that can be given for readings based on the length of the article.

What does the course involve? Will I get to interact with the faculty member?

All courses are comprised of pre-recorded video webinars, downloadable readings, links to external resources, an online post-test, and a course evaluation. Courses are structured to be on-demand and typically do not include interactivity with the faculty member. However, every course has a section titled “Participant Questions and Comments Forum”, which is regularly viewed by the Education Coordinator, faculty, and other course participants. To ask a private question related to the course, you may contact [email protected].

Who are the trainers? What are their qualifications?

All faculty are highly experienced practicing child and family therapists in good standing with their professional regulatory boards. Specific faculty for each course are listed on the course description page. For greater detail about the qualifications of each faculty member, please go to our faculty page.

How much do courses cost? Can I get a refund?

If you are not accessing courses as part of your employment with a Pennsylvania Family Based Mental Health Services (FBMHS) provider, course fees are listed on the course description page. Fees are based on the number of credit hours – $12 per CE hour. Course content is made available once payment is made via PayPal (although regular credit cards are also accepted). As a general policy, refunds are not provided. The exceptions would be in cases 1) involving technical issues on the part of the Center for Family Based Training that interfere with course access or 2) accommodations for a disability we were unable to effectively make.

How do I View a Webinar?

Once you click on the link for the webinar in a course, a new screen should pop up with the webinar video (if it does not, please disable your pop up blocker and try again). Click on the arrow at the center of the video to begin playing the webinar. To pause the webinar video player, either click on the middle of the video screen or click on the arrow at the bottom left-hand corner of the video. To view the webinar in full screen, click on the computer screen icon at the lower right-hand corner of the video screen. To exit full screen, click on that icon again.

To skip to different sections of the webinar, you may move your cursor to the left hand side of the video to display the different sections. Clicking on them will fast forward instantly to that section of the webinar. To manually go forward/backward in the video, move your cursor to the bottom of the video to display the progress bar and either click or click and hold to move through the webinar video manually.

What if I’m having technical trouble with a course?

If you have any difficulties either accessing or navigating within a course, please contact [email protected] or contact us via our Contact page. Please allow up to 24 hours (or 1 business day) for a response.

How long will I have access to my registered courses?

Once you are registered for an individual course, you can access it as often as you like for up to 90 days. You can go through all course activities on your own schedule as many times as you choose.

How do I request accommodations for a disability?

Given that the online courses occur in the cloud, most accommodations for disabilities would necessarily have to be made on the participant’s end. However, we invite you to contact us ([email protected]) for guidance on what you may need to access the courses more easily if you have a disability. We will make every effort to make accommodations where possible.

What is required for course completion?

The course is considered incomplete until all videos have been viewed, required readings have been downloaded, the post-test has been passed with a 75% grade (three attempts allowed), and the course evaluation has been completed. If a participant does not pass the post-test after three attempts, the participant should send an email to the instructor via the online moodle interface within the course and set up a phone appointment to review the missed items missed and receive clarification on concepts. The post test will then be re-opened for additional attempts.

How do I get my certificate?

Certificates become available for download after all required portions of the course are completed.

What are the system requirements for online courses?

  • A computer or mobile device running a current operating system (for example: Windows, Mac_OS, iOS, Android)
  • Access to the Internet. DSL or Broadband access is recommended.
  • An up-to-date browser with Cookies, and in some cases Pop-ups, enabled. Note: Firefox and Chrome are recommended browsers.
  • Speakers, headphones or ear-buds to listen to audio.
  • Anti-virus software with current updates.
  • Some courses will require specific software, hardware, plugins or applications. If so, you will typically see a message asking if you want to install the needed software (ex: Java, JavaScript, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Flash, Shockwave Player, Windows Media Player, etc.)

What are the instructions for addressing a grievance with The Center for Family Based Training?

All grievances should be placed in written form and directed to the Education Coordinator via email, [email protected]. This includes issues related to refunds, concerns about content, speakers, or facilities, issues with certificates, and all other grievances. All grievances are reviewed by the Continuing Education Director, Dr. C. Wayne Jones in collaboration with a faculty member representing the professional discipline (e.g. social work, psychology, professional counselor, or marriage and family therapy) of the person presenting the grievance. This would be Marlene Reiff, LCSW, LMFT, for any grievances filed by a licensed social worker or licensed marriage and family therapist. A response to the grievance is generally provided within 15 business days.

If you have additional questions, please click here to contact The Center for Family Based Training.