Earn Free CDEs With PSC Magazine Articles and Exams

Each issue of PSC magazine contains two continuing dispatch education (CDE) articles. Read the article and take the accompanying exam, available in the magazine and online, to earn continuing education credit. Unless indicated otherwise, each article and exam is worth one CDE.

Please note: Dated materials or information are current, applicable and relevant only as of the date of their issue and should not be relied upon as being current after that date. Nor is any of this information intended to serve as agency guidelines. As always, APCO advises you to follow your agency’s policies and procedures.

CDE #73784 9-1-1 Goes to School

In response to a shrinking applicant pool and declining quality among those who do apply, emergency communications centers (ECCs) are exploring alternative recruiting practices, including partnering with school districts. These partnerships help agencies find individuals with an interest in public safety, some of whom may be reluctant to pursue a career in law enforcement or fire service due to the inherent risks.

Read article

In collaboration with the local school district, one Michigan agency is pioneering a new approach to the public safety communications staffing crisis.

CDE #73783 Staff Alert

Unfortunately, the public safety sector is no stranger to staff shortages. We are in a period of change and must adapt accordingly. While staffing challenges have been present for many years, they are now more visible and pressing than ever. This heightened awareness calls for proactive measures to address these issues and implement sustainable solutions.

Read article

APCO initiates nationwide education and recruitment solutions to the public safety telecommunicator shortfall.

More CDE Articles

The following titles are currently available:

Using CDE Articles for Recertification

To receive a complimentary certificate of completion.
Take the CDE exam online. Go to ​http://apco.remote-learner.net/login/index.php to create your username and password. Enter “CDE article” in the search box, and click on “Public Safety Communications Magazine Article Exams,” then click on ”enroll me” and choose the name of the CDE to begin the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, a certificate of achievement will be available for download/printing.

To use the CDE articles for credit toward APCO recertification(s)
Each CDE article is equal to one credit hour of continuing education

  1. Study the CDE article in this issue.
  2. Answer the test questions online or on the quiz page from the magazine article. (Photocopies are not required.)
  3. Add/upload your CDE article information and certificate of achievement in the “My Classes Taken” section of APCO’s Training Central.

To use the CDE articles for anything other than APCO recertifications and get a printed copy of the certificate:

  1. Answer the test questions. Photocopies are acceptable, but please don’t enlarge them.
  2. Fill out the ordering information below and mail with the completed exam to:
    APCO Institute
    351 N. Williamson Blvd.
    Daytona Beach, FL 32114
  3. Include payment of $15.