INACTIVE STATUS

PCB has established an Inactive Status to allow certified professionals, who are experiencing extenuating circumstances, a means to put their certification on hold. During inactive status, the person may not refer to themselves, in writing or verbally, as a certified professional or use their credential(s) acronym(s) behind their name. Any use of the credential(s) during an "inactive status" could result in an ethical violation, which shall be investigated once the professional requests their credential to become active again. 

Inactive status is for certified professionals who expect to be inactive for a minimum of one (1) year.

The certified professional shall currently have an active credential with no ethical violations (to include pending or active ethics investigations) before requesting inactive status. Eligible reasons to request Inactive Status:

• Pursuing academic coursework and not working in the field for the duration of such course work
• On extended military active duty
• Experiencing health problems
• Experiencing extenuating personal circumstance

How to apply for Inactive Status:

• Complete the form on the PCB website, citing the reason for the request
• Attach any required supporting documentation
• Send to the PCB at info@pacertboard.org
• The PCB will notify you within 7-10 business days if the status of your request

If approved for the Inactive Status:

• No expiration fees will be assessed
• Even if your credential expires while it is in an inactive status, you are only required to pay the re-certification fee for that credential. (This means that you will not have to complete the re-application process and pay a higher fee.)

When you want to re-activate your credential(s), you must contact the PCB at info@pacertboard.org. Please know that, if your credential has expired during the "Inactive Status," when you request for your credential to become active again, you are required to complete the re-certification process, as well as pay the appropriate fee.

Depending on the length of time that your credential is in an Inactive Status and whether it has expired during that time, you may be required to re-take the credential test again, as appropriate. This will be discussed when you request re-activation of your credential. 

Approval of Inactive Status is at the discretion of PCB. Applicants will be notified by PCB of the approval or denial of Inactive Status via email approximately 7-10 business days after the request is received.

Insufficient hours of continuing education will not be accepted as rationale for requesting Inactive Status. Credentials placed on Inactive Status are not eligible for reciprocity.

Remember: During the period of Inactive Status, certified professionals are considered to be without PCB certification.  They cannot refer to themselves in writing or verbally as a certified professional or use the credential(s) acronym behind their name.  Any use of the credential during Inactive Status could result in an ethical violation upon reactivation.