A continuing education unit (CEU) is a unit of credit that equals a set number of hours of participation in an accredited program, such as the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). CEUs are typically used to measure a professional’s involvement in a continuing education program.
The annual number of CEUs required varies by state, profession, or licensing board. There is no set standard for what a CEU is worth.
For example, one professional group may grant a CEU after a test is completed, while another group may only require completion of a course.
Ready to learn more about a CEU? Let’s dive into what a CEU is, why it’s important, and where professionals can earn CEUs.
What Is A CEU?
A continuing education unit (CEU) is a unit of credit equal to 10 hours of participation in an accredited program, such as the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). CEUs are typically used to measure a professional’s involvement in a continuing education program.
A certain number of CEUs are typically required for licensed or certified professionals to continue to practice professionally. The annual number of CEUs required varies by state, profession, or licensing board.
There is no set standard for what a CEU is worth. Additionally, the value of a CEU varies for every group and is different if it’s license-based.
For example, one professional group may grant a CEU after a test is completed, while another group may only require completion of a course.
Importance Of A CEU
A CEU is important because it continues to encourage and reinforce a culture of ongoing learning. Professionals earn CEUs and complete continued education programs for two reasons:
- Continue skill-building and expanding their knowledge
- Maintain their license or earn certificates that allow them to keep practicing their services
Although there is no set standard for what a CEU is worth, a rule of thumb is that one CEU unit is equal to 10 contact hours or hours approved by a continuing education program.
CEUs aren’t just for service-related professionals that need to maintain their license, like engineers, lawyers, architects, etc. CEUs are beneficial for any professional who decides to create new opportunities to better succeed in their role or someone looking to expand their knowledge in a particular area.
Where Are CEUs Earned?
There are a number of sources and events that offer CEUs for professionals looking to earn them. These sources include:
- National conferences
- Trade shows
- Universities
- Online
As always, it’s important to ensure your CEU is issued by a legitimate and reputable source.
