What Is The Difference Between a CE and a CEU?

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “CE” and “CEU” late at night while trying to figure out your continuing education requirements, you’re not alone. It’s a common question in the mental health field, and one that often leads to a bit of confusion. While the two terms are frequently used interchangeably, they aren’t exactly the same thing. So let’s dive into the difference between a CE and a CEU, and why understanding this matters as you work to meet your licensure needs.

Whether you’re fulfilling therapist continuing education online requirements or looking for live, in-person workshops, knowing how many credits you need—and which ones count—can save you from a last-minute scramble. After all, continuing education doesn’t have to be boring (you’re here, so clearly, you know that already). Let’s break it down!

What is the Meaning of a CE Course?

Let’s start with the basics: what even is a CE? A CE stands for Continuing Education, and it’s exactly what it sounds like—ongoing learning for mental health professionals after they’ve entered the workforce.

CE courses are designed to help you stay updated on the latest practices, trends, and ethical standards in the field of mental health. In other words, continuing education courses keep you sharp, engaged, and informed. They’re not just boxes to tick off—they’re opportunities to level up your practice.

From ethics refreshers to new therapeutic modalities like online CE credits EMDR, continuing education helps therapists, counselors, and social workers offer better care to their clients. Plus, they help you stay licensed, which is kind of important, right? Most states require a certain number of CE credits to renew your license, so whether you’re just starting your career or you’ve been practicing for years, CEs are a must.

What Do You Use CE Credits For?

You might be wondering, “Why do I even need these credits?” Good question! CE credits are required by state licensing boards to ensure that you’re keeping up with industry standards. When it comes to what CE credits are for, think of them as your golden ticket to maintaining your license. Without them, you run the risk of losing your ability to practice as a counselor, mental health therapist, psychologist, substance abuse counselor or clinical social worker.

CE credits are also a way to keep learning and growing. Remember how exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) grad school was? Continuing education is like that—but in bite-sized, manageable chunks. Instead of a semester-long course, you get to focus on specific topics that directly impact your practice. And let’s not forget the importance of staying engaged with new developments in mental health care, like trauma-informed approaches or understanding how to navigate the complexities of teletherapy.

Whether you’re taking CE credits online or attending in-person workshops, the goal is the same: stay relevant, stay informed, and keep doing great work for your clients.

Is CE Different Than CEU?

Ah, the big question: Is a CE different than a CEU? Technically, yes—but in practice, they’re often used interchangeably. Here’s the official breakdown:

• CE (Continuing Education) refers to any professional learning activity that helps you grow in your field. This could be a workshop, a course, or even an online training.
• CEU (Continuing Education Unit) is a specific measurement. One CEU typically equals 10 contact hours of participation in an organized education program. So, if you attend a 3-hour workshop, you’re earning 0.3 CEUs.

Many therapists and counselors use the terms CE and CEU synonymously, even though CEU is technically more precise. But don’t stress—what really matters is making sure your training meets your social work CEU requirements or whatever standards apply to your field.

For most of us, we’re just focusing on getting a specific number of CE credits. And sometimes, those need to be in a specific area such as law & ethics or suicide prevention. Again, this varies a bit depending on your type of license (LPC vs. LCSW for example) and your specific state. Just remember to double-check how your state board refers to them.

Are Contact Hours the Same as CE?

You’ve probably heard the term “contact hours” thrown around in the world of continuing education. So, what exactly are contact hours, and are they the same as CEs? Well, contact hours refer to the actual time spent in direct participation during a continuing education course. For example, if you’re sitting through a 5-hour ethics webinar, you’ve earned 5 contact hours.

However, contact hours don’t always translate directly into CE credits. While many licensing boards use contact hours as the base measurement for awarding CE credits, some states and boards have different conversion rates. So, it’s always a good idea to check with your specific licensing board or professional organization to ensure you’re meeting the requirements.

How to Get CE Credits as a Counselor

Now that you know the difference between CEs, CEUs, and contact hours, you might be wondering, “Okay, how do I actually earn these credits?” Good news! There are more options than ever for earning your CE credits, and it’s easier (and more fun) than you might think.

Online CE Credits: In this fast-paced world, therapists continuing education online offers flexibility and convenience. You can take courses from the comfort of your home, at your own pace, without sacrificing quality. There’s a ton of variety too, from specific niche courses like online CE credits EMDR, to broader ethics training. Plus, online learning means no travel or taking time off work—just log in and learn when it works for you.

In-Person Workshops: If you prefer a more hands-on approach, in-person workshops are a great way to earn CE credits while connecting with other professionals. These workshops often involve live demonstrations, role-play, or collaborative learning, which can be incredibly enriching. Plus, you get the added bonus of networking with other therapists in your area.

Whichever method you choose, it’s all about finding the format that works best for your learning style and schedule. Both options are totally legit (and fun, especially when you’re learning with Not Boring CEs).

CE vs. CEU – Does it Really Matter?

At the end of the day, whether you call them CEs or CEUs, the most important thing is that you’re continuing to grow as a professional. Staying informed, expanding your skills, and meeting your counseling or social work CEU requirements (or other licensure standards) helps ensure you’re offering the best care possible to your clients.

So, whether you’re logging into an engaging therapist continuing education online course or attending a live workshop, the key is to keep learning.

And remember, continuing education doesn’t have to be dull. With Not Boring CEs, we’ve ditched the snooze-fest and brought fun and excitement back into the world of therapist education.

Now that you’re all clued in on the difference between CEs and CEUs, why not check out one of our engaging online courses and take your professional development to the next level?

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