(1) The following standards shall govern the approval of continuing professional counselor education activities by the board:

(a) They shall have significant intellectual or practical content, and the primary objective shall be to increase the participant's professional competence as a professional counselor.

(b) They shall constitute an organized program of learning dealing with matters directly related to the practice of professional counseling, professional responsibility or ethical obligation of professional counselors.

(c) Providers of continuing professional counselor education shall apply to the board for accreditation.

(d) Applicants shall demonstrate that the offered course complies with the standards.

(e) The board, in its discretion, may determine the number of hours acceptable for any continuing education credit.