Can my employer require me to take continuous education?

Question

I am a contracted employee required to take 40 hours of computer-related continuous education annually. However, my employer will not cover the expense, nor provide the training. Is this common practice, or even lawful?

Answer 1

Some employers pay for CPE's and some don't. Do you have some type of certification that requires the CPE's? If so, it benefits you personally to keep the certification (not just for this job, for any future jobs you may have).

Answer 2

If you are an independent contractor the employer has the right to determine what the finished work looks like but nothing in between. He could require employees to have continuing education but not you.

My canned explanation to clueless independent contractors seems to get posted every day:

Some employers try to get around paying employment taxes (social security and unemployment) and other employee benefits like workers compensation insurance by improperly classifying employees as independent contractors. If you are required to show up for work--personally--at a particular time, punch the clock, use the employers equipment and are paid an hourly rate, you are an employee. If you didn't understand the difference when you posed your question, I would be even more convinced that you are an employee. What is your preference, Slotted or Phillips? Complete an IRS Form SS-8 to get an official ruling on your status. This will help you get unemployment if you get fired.

Answer 3

I don't know if it is common but your employer can do that unless you have a contract that specifically says that they can not. No contract? the boss can do what ever they want as long as it is non discriminatory.
My old job required and paid, my wife's job requires and sometimes pays sometimes does not. If you pay it does come off the income tax as a business expense.