CESA Applications
APA's Office of Continuing Education Sponsor Approval (CESA) has systematically reviewed and revised our application process to make it easier for you to apply to become an APA-approved CE sponsor. We transitioned from our paper-based process to CESA Online Application System (CESA OAS) on January 1, 2016, and we continue to make updates to the CES OAS on a consistent basis.
Applications for renewing and pursuing sponsors are the same and must be submitted in the CESA OAS.
Please refer to the CE Sponsor Approval Fees page for information regarding types of applications. Please note that all fees are subject to change and are non-refundable. Applicable fees charged will be those fees that are in place for the cycle for which the application is submitted.
Sponsors can begin working on their renewal application(s) for the year leading up to the due date of their renewal application(s). Please note that both submission and payment for applications will remain consistent with the submission and payment dates specified for your respective renewal cycle. For example, if your organization is due for renewal in Fall 2022, applications will be visible and ready for editing via your Applications tab as of Fall 2021; however, submission and payment will be enabled strictly according to dates indicated on the Applications and Payments tabs.
New applicants
If you’re a new applicant, then you must sign up for an account to access the CESA OAS. Please submit a new account requestopens in new window to obtain access to the OAS. After submitting your request, you will receive a confirmation by email.
Existing sponsors
Access the CESA OAS with your username and password. Be sure to include ‘.cesaoas' as a suffix to your email address. If you have forgotten your password, please send an email or utilize the ‘Forgot Your Password?’ buttonopens in new window to request a password reset.
Application deadlines
Organizations may submit applications as renewing or pursuing sponsors during either the Spring or Fall cycles. Applications and payments must be submitted via the Online Application System (OAS) according to the following deadlines every year:
Spring cycle applications
Deadline: February 19
Late applications are accepted with the applicable late fee no later than February 26.
Applications can be triggered in the OAS at any time, but payments will not be accepted prior to January 1.
Fall cycle applications
Deadline: July 30
Late applications are accepted with the applicable late fee no later than August 6.
Applications can be triggered in the OAS at any time, but payments will not be accepted prior to June 1.
Know what to expect
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CESA OAS application pre-check list (PDF, 116KB)opens in new window
A list of items and materials for applicants to gather and prepare as part of the application process. -
Estimated turnaround time for CESA application cycles
A sample application timeline, from submission of your application through the review process.