Can Anyone Offer CEUs? Understanding Continuing Education Approval and Accreditation

People participating in a symposium or training

If your organization offers professional development or training, you may eventually hear a simple question: Can we offer CEUs?

The answer is yes, although what that means depends on the audience your training serves. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are commonly associated with professional learning, but the term carries different expectations across industries and professions. While organizations can generally provide educational opportunities and document participation without formal accreditation, having that training count towards a professional license or certification is another matter. In those cases, the requirements of the relevant licensing or credentialing body determine whether the education qualifies for credit.

Rather than beginning with the question of accreditation, organizations should first consider who their training is intended to serve and how participants will need to use the credits they earn. That distinction helps clarify what approvals, if any, are necessary.

Where Does Accreditation Come In?

Offering continuing education does not automatically make an organization an accredited continuing education provider. Depending on the approving or accrediting body and the type of education being offered, approval or accreditation may apply to an individual course, a training program, or the organization providing the education.

These processes help establish that educational offerings meet defined quality standards and provide a meaningful learning experience supported by qualified instruction.

There is no single pathway that fits every situation. An organization offering an occasional webinar may have very different needs from one providing continuing education throughout the year.

Two Common Pathways to Offering Recognized Continuing Education

Organizations generally have two approaches to consider when seeking to offer recognized continuing education credits.

1. Course-by-Course Approval

Organizations offering individual courses, webinars, conferences, or occasional training events may seek approval from the appropriate professional licensing board or continuing education approval organization. For example, organizations offering training for social workers, counselors, or other licensed professionals may need approval from the relevant professional association, state licensing authority, or another recognized approval body.

Requirements vary by profession and jurisdiction, and approval may apply to a specific course or educational activity. Some professional approval organizations also offer provider-level approval, allowing eligible organizations to offer multiple courses under an established approval framework. This pathway may be particularly appropriate for organizations that offer training periodically or need to provide credits for a specific professional audience.

2. Organization-Wide Accreditation

Organizations that provide continuing education on an ongoing basis may benefit from pursuing accreditation as a continuing education provider. One example is the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), which accredits organizations that demonstrate compliance with established standards for the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of continuing education and training.

Once accredited, organizations can award IACET CEUs for qualifying educational activities developed and delivered under their accredited processes, without seeking separate IACET approval for every course. Under the IACET model, 10 contact hours equal one IACET CEU. This differs from some professional continuing education systems in which one hour of instruction may equal one continuing education credit.

Organization-wide accreditation can be especially valuable for training providers, educational organizations, and nonprofits offering multiple courses or programs throughout the year. Importantly, IACET accreditation does not automatically guarantee that its CEUs will be accepted by every professional licensing board or certification organization. Providers must still understand the requirements of their intended audience.

What Does Approval or Accreditation Tell the Learner?

Approval or accreditation provides learners with added confidence in the education being offered. It indicates that an appropriate external body has reviewed the course, program, or provider against established standards. For professionals who must complete continuing education to maintain a license or certification, however, the most important question is whether the credits will be accepted by their particular licensing or credentialing authority. Because requirements vary, training providers should clearly communicate the type of credit being awarded, the applicable approving or accrediting organization, and any relevant limitations.

Which CEU Pathway Is Right for Your Organization?

The appropriate pathway depends on several factors, including the type of training offered, how frequently courses are delivered, and which professionals need to recognize the credits. An organization planning a single course or annual conference may find that obtaining approval for individual educational activities is the most practical approach. An established training provider offering numerous courses throughout the year may benefit from organization-wide accreditation, such as IACET, to establish a consistent framework for developing and delivering quality continuing education. Before pursuing either option, organizations should consider their intended audience, applicable approval requirements, and long-term educational goals.

In many cases, much of the course content or training program may already be developed. The next step is determining what additional documentation, processes, or quality measures are needed to meet the applicable standards.

So, Can Anyone Offer CEUs?

Organizations can offer continuing education, but not all continuing education credits carry the same recognition or meet the same professional requirements. Whether your organization is seeking approval for a single course, planning a professional conference, or considering organization-wide accreditation to offer continuing education on an ongoing basis, understanding the available pathways is the first step.

The ultimate goal is to provide meaningful, high-quality education and ensure that participants receive credits appropriate to their professional development needs.

How Accreditation Guru Can Help

Accreditation Guru helps organizations navigate both individual course approvals and organization-wide continuing education accreditation, including IACET. Whether you're developing your first course or expanding an established training program, our experienced team can help identify the appropriate pathway and guide you through the process.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your continuing education goals and determine the best next steps for your organization.