Act 48

Act 48 hours are a requirement in Pennsylvania for educators to maintain an active certificate.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that persons holding Pennsylvania professional educator certification to complete continuing education requirements every five years to maintain their certificates in active status. This requirement, established in July 1, 2000, is referred to as Act 48.

All educators holding Pennsylvania public school certification must earn 180 Act 48 hours (approved professional development hours) every five years to remain in active status.

The five-year period begins on the day the educator’s initial instructional certificate is issued. At least 12 months before the five-year period ends, the Pennsylvania Department of Education will notify educators and their schools of their current status, i.e. the number of hours completed and the numbers of hours needed.