(1) The commission shall certify as approved continuing education activities those courses, lectures, seminars, or other instructional programs which it determines would protect the public by improving the competency of licensees. The commission may require descriptive information about any continuing education or training activity and refuse approval of any continuing education or training activity which does not advance the purposes of sections 81-885.49 to 81-885.54. The commission shall not approve any provider of continuing education or training courses, lectures, seminars, or other instructional programs unless such provider meets the standards established by the commission.

(2) The commission shall certify the number of hours to be awarded for participation in an approved continuing education activity, based upon contact or classroom hours or other criteria prescribed by rule and regulation of the commission.

(3) The commission may certify the number of hours to be awarded for successful completion of a course delivered in a distance education format, based upon the number of hours which would be awarded in an equivalent classroom course or program or other criteria prescribed by rule and regulation of the commission.