Act 48 requires all educators holding Pennsylvania public school certification including Intern, Instructional I and II, Educational Specialist I and II, Administrative, Supervisory, Letters of Eligibility and all vocational certificates to participate in ongoing professional education. (This includes all substitute teachers, school nurses, guidance counselors and those holding Pennsylvania public school certificates who are not currently working in a public school but who still want to keep their current certificate active.)

All professional educators must obtain six credits of collegiate study; six credits of continuing professional education courses; 180 hours of continuing professional education programs, activities or learning experiences; or any combination of credits or activity hours equivalent to 180 hours, every five years for all types and areas of certification to maintain active status. One credit equals 30 activity hours. All credits and activity hours must be related to an educator's certificate type or area of assignment.

The commencement date for Act 48 requirements for all professional educators certified after July 1, 2000 will be the date the initial certificate was granted. The requirements will be renewed at the end of each five-year period.