Is Online CE Credit Legit?

Let’s be honest—when most of us think about continuing education, we’re not exactly filled with excitement. For many therapists, counselors, and social workers, continuing education (CE) can feel like just another box to tick. And when it comes to online CE credits, some people worry about their legitimacy. Are they as valuable as in-person trainings? Will licensing boards take them seriously?

Because Therapist Continuing Education Online is a new-ish thing, it makes sense that some therapists wonder if these trainings will be given the same status as in-person trainings. In fact, it wasn’t that long ago (think pre-2020) that many licensing seriously limited how many of your CEs could even be online.

But now?

Well, spoiler alert: online CE credits are legit. And they can be an important part of your continuing education plan as a counselor, therapist or social worker.

In fact, online CE events can be just as valuable, if not more so, for those in the mental health field as those long, draining workshops that leave you reaching for another cup of coffee. Not Boring CEs Online continuing education offers flexibility, convenience, and accredited providers that make sure you’re getting quality education, without sacrificing your precious time.

In this post, we’re going to break down the myths and concerns around online CEUs for counselors, talk about why they’re worth your time, and show you why they’re the future of continuing education. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s dive in!

Is Online CE Credit Legit?

Yes, online CE credits are absolutely legit, as long as you’re taking them through an accredited provider. Whether you’re attending a workshop in person or logging on from the comfort of your own home, the key to legitimacy lies in who is offering the course. Accredited providers ensure that the material is not only informative but also meets the standards set by your state’s licensing board.

One of the biggest concerns for counselors and therapists is whether online CE courses are taken seriously by licensing boards. The short answer? They are. Licensing boards typically accept online CE courses from accredited providers, meaning that your online credits will count toward your licensure requirements just like in-person courses. As long as you’re ensuring your course provider is recognized by your licensing body, you’re good to go.

Some therapists also worry about distractions at home when taking online courses. While it’s true that being at home can mean more interruptions, well-designed online CE courses keep engagement high through interactive content, quizzes, and real-world applications. Plus, you get to learn on your own schedule. This means you can take a break when life gets in the way, and pick back up when you’re ready to focus.

What is the Point of CEs?

The point of CE credits is to keep you sharp, informed, and compliant with the latest ethical standards and therapeutic practices.

However, what most therapists think of is that CE credits are required to maintain licensure. And this is true. So they’re non-negotiable if you want to keep practicing as a licensed professional.

However, there’s a reason that they’re required. And while licensing boards putting an arbitrary number of CEs needed on licensing requirements often leads to us sitting in mind-numbing lecture-type training, at its best, continuing education is so much more. Continuing education is about growth.

Continuing Education Presents an Opportunity for Therapists & Counselors

In the mental health field, things are always evolving. New research, updated ethical guidelines, and innovative techniques are constantly emerging. Fortunately, continuing education is how you stay up to date. Whether it’s learning a new modality, deepening your understanding of a specific population, or simply brushing up on ethics, CE credits push you to stay engaged with your profession.

Beyond the immediate benefit of meeting licensure requirements, CEs have a long-term impact on your professional growth and client outcomes. When you commit to ongoing learning, you’re investing in your ability to provide high-quality care for your clients, improving both your competence and confidence.

What is CEU in Online Courses?

CEU—Continuing Education Unit—is often used interchangeably with CE credits. While technically not the same, many therapists and counselors still refer to both as CEUs out of habit. Here’s the key difference: a CEU represents 10 hours of contact time in a continuing education course, while a CE credit typically equals 1 hour of learning.
This distinction may seem small, but it matters when calculating your credits for licensure renewal. Whether you’re referring to CEUs or CE credits, the most important thing to remember is that online CEUs for counselors can be just as effective as in-person ones, as long as they’re accredited.

Online CEUs are flexible, accessible, and often just as interactive as in-person options. The beauty of online CEUs for counselors is that you can squeeze them into your schedule whenever you have time. Overall, making it easy to learn, grow, and stay licensed without sacrificing your work-life balance.

Is CEU a Credit?

Here’s where things get a bit technical: CEUs and CE credits are related but not identical. One CEU is typically equal to 10 contact hours of continuing education. But for most therapists and counselors, CE credits are the more commonly used term for tracking licensure requirements. For example, attending a one-hour ethics course will earn you 1 CE credit, not 1 CEU.

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably because, in practice, they both refer to the time and effort invested in your ongoing education. However, the term CE credit is more relevant for licensure purposes. Whether it’s a CEU certificate or CE credits, both can help you maintain your license and grow as a professional.

Are CEUs Worth It for Therapists & Counselors?

Absolutely! Whether you’re earning CE credits or CEUs, continuing education is so much more than just checking a box for your license renewal. It’s an opportunity to expand your expertise, explore new areas of practice, and keep your clinical work fresh and effective.

For example, some therapists look for training on a specific treatment modality, like “online CE credits EMDR.” However, many counselors are also diving into other areas like sex therapy and adapting DBT skills in the therapy room. Additionally, learning about the impacts of harmful Christian communities in the workplace. These courses not only help you stay current but also open up new perspectives that you can bring into your sessions.

CEUs aren’t just about meeting requirements—they’re about helping you grow your competency, build your confidence, and keep your passion for the work alive. So yes, CEUs are absolutely worth it for therapists and counselors. Especially those who want to stay engaged, provide better care, and continue evolving in their careers.

Online CE Courses: Engaging and Essential for Counselors’ Growth

If you’ve ever worried about whether online CE courses are legit, hopefully, this blog post has put your mind at ease. Not only are they legitimate, but they’re also incredibly valuable for busy therapists. Therapists who want to grow in their practice without sacrificing their personal time.

With the flexibility to learn when and where you want, and the ability to explore niche topics like online CE credits, online courses are a fantastic way to stay sharp and engaged in your work. At Not Boring CEs, we pride ourselves on offering NBCE continuing education courses that are not just informative but actually enjoyable. We believe continuing education should be fun, and we design our courses with that in mind.

So, if you’re ready to ditch the boring CEs and explore a new world of engaging, accredited learning, check out therapist continuing education online options from Not Boring CEs. You won’t regret it!

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