Which of the following conditions can be a justification for extreme hardship in CE requirement exemptions?

A physical or mental disability can be a justification for extreme hardship in continuing education (CE) requirement exemptions because it can significantly impact an individual’s ability to fulfill their professional obligations, including completing mandatory CE courses. This condition is often recognized by regulatory bodies as a valid reason for allowing exemptions since disabilities can directly affect one's capacity to participate in educational activities.

Recognizing disabilities as a basis for exemption acknowledges that individuals may face challenges that are outside of their control, which can prevent them from maintaining the typical pace of professional development required by the profession. In such cases, providing an exemption is a means of ensuring that those unable to engage in CE due to their health conditions still have the opportunity to maintain their license without facing undue penalties.

In the context of the other options, a voluntary leave of absence might not qualify as extreme hardship because it is a chosen circumstance, rather than an unexpected challenge. Not working in the field could result from various personal choices or career transitions, which may not be deemed as extreme hardship. Financial distress may be considered a serious issue, but it is often more related to management rather than an absolute inability to engage in educational activities, and thus may not always justify an exemption from CE requirements. Therefore, physical or mental disabilities are the most