CRI Continuing Education & Certification 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CRI's renewal deadline falls on December 31, but they complete their final CEU on January 5 of the following year. What is the most likely outcome?
- The CEU counts retroactively and the credential renews on time
- The credential lapses because CEUs were not completed within the cycle (Correct answer)
- NCRA automatically extends all December deadlines by 30 days
- The CRI must petition a state board for an extension
Correct answer: The credential lapses because CEUs were not completed within the cycle
CEUs completed after the renewal deadline do not count for that cycle; the credential lapses and reinstatement is required.
Question 2: Which scenario correctly illustrates the concept of 'stacking' credentials in NCRA's certification system?
- Earning the CRI before the RPR as a shortcut
- Holding RPR → RMR → RDR, where each higher credential requires the previous one (Correct answer)
- Combining a CRI with a paralegal certificate to earn a hybrid credential
- Renewing two credentials simultaneously to earn a fee discount
Correct answer: Holding RPR → RMR → RDR, where each higher credential requires the previous one
NCRA credentials build hierarchically: RPR is the base, RMR requires RPR, and RDR requires RMR, creating a stacked progression.
Question 3: An NCRA member who allowed their RPR to lapse wants to reinstate CRI. What is the correct order of reinstatement?
- Reinstate CRI first, then RPR automatically follows
- Reinstate RPR first since CRI requires an active RPR (Correct answer)
- Apply for both simultaneously through a combined reinstatement form
- Only the CRI needs to be reinstated since it is the higher credential
Correct answer: Reinstate RPR first since CRI requires an active RPR
Since the CRI requires an active RPR, the RPR must be reinstated before the CRI can be reinstated.
Question 4: A CRI takes a 2-year leave of absence from teaching. Their credential renewal date falls during this period. What should they do?
- The credential automatically enters inactive status with no renewal required
- They must still fulfill CE requirements and renew on schedule regardless of teaching status (Correct answer)
- They can request a one-time 2-year suspension waiver from NCRA
- Non-practicing CRIs are exempt from CE requirements per federal law
Correct answer: They must still fulfill CE requirements and renew on schedule regardless of teaching status
NCRA credentials do not pause for leaves of absence; holders must renew on schedule regardless of current practice status.
Question 5: Which of the following best distinguishes the CRI from the RPR for the purposes of CE planning?
- CRI holders need more total CEUs than RPR holders per cycle
- CRI holders must include CE in instructional technology or pedagogy relevant to teaching (Correct answer)
- CRI holders are exempt from the ethics CE sub-requirement
- RPR holders must renew every 2 years while CRI holders renew every 3 years
Correct answer: CRI holders must include CE in instructional technology or pedagogy relevant to teaching
CRI CE plans should emphasize instructional relevance — courses in pedagogy, curriculum design, and educational technology satisfy the teaching focus of the credential.
Question 6: A CRI who co-presents a workshop with another instructor at an NCRA event — how is CE credit typically split?
- Only the lead presenter earns credit; co-presenters receive none
- Each co-presenter earns full credit as if they presented alone
- Credit is divided proportionally based on each presenter's time on stage (Correct answer)
- Co-presenters may each claim a percentage negotiated with NCRA in advance
Correct answer: Credit is divided proportionally based on each presenter's time on stage
NCRA typically allocates presentation credit proportionally based on each co-presenter's actual contribution time.
Question 7: A CRI discovers an error in their submitted CE documentation after renewal is approved. What is the appropriate action?
- No action is needed since the renewal has already been approved
- Contact NCRA Testing & Certification to correct the record proactively (Correct answer)
- Wait to see if an audit is triggered before addressing it
- Resubmit the entire renewal application from the beginning
Correct answer: Contact NCRA Testing & Certification to correct the record proactively
Proactively contacting NCRA to correct documentation errors upholds professional integrity and avoids potential audit complications.
CRI Continuing Education & Certification 5
A CRI's renewal deadline falls on December 31, but they complete their final CEU on January 5 of the following year.
What is the most likely outcome?