Navigating the world of continuing education (CE) can be confusing for mental health professionals, especially when different terms are used across various professional boards and states. At Elevate Continuing Education, we strive to make earning your CE credits simple and straightforward. To help you better understand what all these terms mean, we’ve put together this guide that breaks down the most common terminology used by licensing boards, including CE credits, CEUs, CE hours, and more.
Common Terminology for Continuing Education
Continuing education credits are crucial for mental health professionals to maintain their licenses and stay up-to-date with industry best practices. However, the terms used to describe these credits can vary widely. Here are some of the most common terms you’ll encounter:
CE Credits
Continuing Education Credits
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Hours
Clock Hours
CEs
Contact Hours
Each term essentially refers to time spent in an educational program, but subtle differences in definitions and usage can cause confusion.
The Differences and Similarities Between CE Terms
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not always synonymous. Understanding the distinctions can help you ensure compliance with your specific licensing requirements.
CE Credits / Continuing Education Credits / CE Hours / Clock Hours These terms are most commonly used across various boards, including the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Generally, one CE credit, CE hour, or clock hour equals one hour of participation in a continuing education program. These terms are straightforward and the most commonly accepted by licensing bodies for social workers, counselors, and other mental health professionals.
CEUs (Continuing Education Units) The term "CEU" is often misunderstood and misapplied. According to the ASWB, a CEU is defined as 10 hours of participation in an educational program (1 CEU = 10 CE credits). However, most social work regulatory boards prefer using the term CE or CE credits, and they discourage using CEU unless it is used correctly. Importantly, ASWB and NBCC do not recognize "CEUs" as a standard measurement for continuing education credits for social workers.
Adding to the confusion, the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners defines a CEU as one hour (60 minutes) of participation in an approved program, differing from the ASWB's definition. This discrepancy emphasizes the importance of knowing your specific state board's terminology and requirements.
Contact Hours The term "contact hours" is often used interchangeably with CE credits, CE hours, or clock hours. It simply refers to the amount of time a participant is engaged in an educational program. Some boards, like NBCC, permit the use of "contact hours" to describe CE credits, emphasizing hours rather than units.
How Elevate Continuing Education Defines CE Credits
At Elevate Continuing Education, we align with the terminology set forth by our primary national licensing boards, ASWB and NBCC. Therefore, we use "CE credits" and "CE hours" when referring to our courses. We reserve the term "CEU" specifically for Maryland Social Work CE credits due to their unique definition.
Why Understanding Terminology Matters
Using the correct terminology is essential for compliance with your licensing board’s standards. Misinterpreting terms like CEU can lead to misunderstandings about the value of your credits and potentially impact your license renewal process. Always double-check the terminology used by your specific licensing board and ensure that the courses you take align with their requirements.
Conclusion
Continuing education terminology can be confusing, but understanding the differences between terms like CE credits, CEUs, and clock hours can help you stay on track with your professional development. At Elevate Continuing Education, our goal is to simplify the process so you can focus on what matters most—growing your skills and advancing your career.
If you have any questions about our courses or the terminology used, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you elevate your education journey! If you're ready to get started earning some CE Credits, check out our Live Webinars or Recorded Webinars.