How to Find Approved Continuing Education Courses

Completing 40 hours of continuing education only to discover the provider was not approved by your specific state board is a costly, time-consuming error. Verification is the most critical step in the CE process.

State licensing authorities maintain lists of approved education providers. In some professions, the board approves the provider globally. In others, the board must approve each individual course. Always confirm approval status directly with your regulatory board or check for an official state approval number on the provider's course description before submitting payment.

The method of instruction can matter. A licensing authority may distinguish among in-person classes, live webinars, and asynchronous self-paced courses, or limit how many hours can come from a particular format. Read the applicable format rules carefully and verify them with the board before enrolling.

A generic bundle of CE hours may not satisfy every renewal requirement. Many authorities require specific subjects based on the profession, credential, or renewal cycle. Confirm mandatory topics first, then choose elective courses that count toward the remaining total.

• Confirm provider or course approval status directly with your regulatory board.
• Read the applicable delivery format rules to ensure the instruction method is permitted.
• Confirm mandatory topics first before selecting elective courses.
• Check for an official state approval number on the provider's course description.

• Assuming a provider is approved for your state without checking the official list.
• Ignoring limits on the number of hours that can come from a specific delivery format.
• Failing to complete required subjects like ethics or state laws.

Once you have completed your courses, be sure to store your documents properly. Read how to organize and track your CE certificates for more information.

LicenseReminder provides a directory of CE providers for supported professions and states that can help you begin your search. A directory listing is not a guarantee that every course will count for your license, so verify the provider, individual course, delivery format, and approval status with your licensing authority before paying.