Do You Put CEUs on a Resume?

When you’re a therapist, counselor, social worker, or psychologist, continuing education is not just a requirement—it’s an opportunity to grow your expertise and build a more impressive resume.

But how do you showcase that you have this expertise? How do you let others know that you have this additional training and experience which sets you apart?, Do you put CEUs on a resume?

The short answer is yes! Your continuing education credits can showcase your commitment to professional growth and demonstrate that you’re not just meeting licensure requirements, but you’re also expanding your skill set in meaningful ways.

So, if you’re working hard to build up your credentials, especially with therapist continuing education online, you’ll want to ensure that those CEUs are front and center on your resume. In this blog, we’ll answer your most pressing questions about how to effectively list your ongoing education, professional memberships, and certifications to stand out to potential employers. Let’s dive in!

Should I put CEUs on my resume?

Absolutely! Including CEUs on your resume is a great way to demonstrate your ongoing commitment to professional development. Many employers in the mental health field value employees who actively seek out continuing education, especially if it aligns with their clinical interests or areas of expertise. Listing relevant CE courses shows potential employers that you’re staying up to date with the latest therapeutic practices, ethical standards, and research.

Not all CEUs are created equal, so you want to highlight those that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re applying for a position as a school counselor you may want to highlight a CE course you took related to conflict resolution or attachment based learning. On the other hand, if you’re a psychologist applying for a testing position, you may want to focus on advanced courses related to psychological assessments and diagnoses. Tailoring the CEUs you list to the job you’re seeking can help you stand out.

Continuing education is not just about ticking off requirements for licensure—it’s about showing employers you’re engaged and proactive in your professional growth. And adding relevant courses to your resume helps demonstrate that commitment to professional growth and your unique expertise and qualifications for the position.

A Quick Note on CEUs vs. CEs

You’ve probably heard both “CEUs” and “CEs” used in conversations about continuing education, but what’s the difference? Technically, a CEU (Continuing Education Unit) represents 10 hours of participation in a recognized continuing education program. However, most licensure boards and professionals in our field use the term CE (Continuing Education) to refer to the credits you earn for courses that help maintain your license. At Not Boring CEs, we use the term “CEs” because that’s what our courses provide, but we’re using “CEUs” here because it’s the common term people search for.

How do you list CE courses on a resume?

So, how do you list CE courses on a resume to make the best impression? Create a dedicated section called “Professional Development” or “Continuing Education” to showcase your relevant CE courses. Under this section, include the course title, the provider, and the date of completion. For example:

Advanced Trauma-Informed Care – Not Boring CEs – Completed June 2023

DBT Skills for Adolescents – NBCC-Approved Provider – Completed March 2023

This formatting allows potential employers to see at a glance the areas in which you’ve invested your time and energy. It’s also a smart idea to include the number of CEUs or credits, particularly if the course involved specialized or advanced training. How to include training in resume formatting is critical to showing off your skillset, so make sure this section is well-organized and concise.

Should you put college credits on resume?

Generally, listing courses on resume—such as individual college credits—isn’t necessary unless those credits are directly related to the job you’re applying for. Degrees, on the other hand, should definitely be listed. But if you’ve taken graduate-level courses that are highly specialized or niche and relevant to your role as a therapist, you can include them under the “Education” section.

For example, if you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in trauma work, and you’ve taken several graduate courses specifically on trauma and PTSD, it might make sense to list those as additional qualifications. For most people, though, your formal degree will speak for itself, and CE courses are a better indicator of your ongoing growth.

Should I list professional memberships on resume?

Yes! Listing professional memberships on your resume can be just as valuable as listing your ongoing education. Being a member of organizations like the American Counseling Association (ACA), NASW, or other professional bodies shows employers that you’re dedicated to staying informed and engaged with the latest research and best practices.
Not only does membership often grant you access to great resources (example, access to NBCC-approved CEU providers), but it also signals that you’re committed to maintaining high ethical standards and are networked with other professionals in the field. In other words, being a member of these organizations can make you a more attractive candidate.

How do I list certifications on my resume?

Certifications related to the field of mental health and counseling should definitely have their own section on your resume, particularly if they demonstrate specialized skills or advanced training. To list certifications, create a section called “Certifications” and include the name of the certification, the issuing organization, and the date of completion. For example:

Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – EMDRIA – Completed August 2022

DBT Foundational Training – Behavioral Tech – Completed February 2023

These certifications highlight areas of specialty that make you stand out from the competition. How to put training courses on CV can vary, but emphasizing certifications that show unique expertise can be a key factor in landing a job.

Should I list in-progress certifications on my resume?

Yes, you should! In-progress certifications, such as EMDR or DBT certification, show that you’re committed to enhancing your expertise, even if you’re not quite finished yet. When listing in-progress certifications, include an expected completion date, which signals to employers that you’re serious about advancing your career. For example:

EMDR Certification – EMDRIA – In Progress, Expected Completion: December 2023

This is especially important when you’re pursuing a role that might require specific certifications, as it demonstrates that you’re already taking steps to meet those qualifications.

Beyond CE Requirements: Showcasing Your Commitment to Professional Growth on a Resume

Incorporating your ongoing education on resume not only helps you stand out, but it also shows employers that you’re invested in your career and committed to growing as a therapist, counselor, or psychologist. Whether you’ve completed therapist continuing education online or earned certifications in trauma-informed care, listing these accomplishments demonstrates that you’re ready to bring something unique to the table.

Remember, employers are looking for professionals who are not only qualified but also passionate about their ongoing professional development. So don’t be shy—let those CEUs shine! Whether you’re mastering EMDR, diving into DBT, or learning how to work with new populations, your commitment to interesting trainings for therapists can make all the difference in getting that next great opportunity.

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