Ask ten licensed professionals how many CEUs they need, and you might get ten different answers. That’s because terms like “CEs,” “CEUs,” and “contact hours” are often used interchangeably. But they don’t always mean the same thing.
If you’re a therapist, social worker, nurse, or mental health professional, this guide clears up what each one actually means, how licensing boards define them, and how to make sure your continuing education credits count where it matters.
Quick Answer – What’s the Difference Between CEs, CEUs, and Contact Hours?
In simple terms:
- CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are a formal measurement system.
- CEs (Continuing Education Credits) refer more generally to educational hours.
- Contact Hours are time-based: one hour of learning equals one credit.
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Still, these terms overlap depending on your profession and state.
| Aspect | Continuing Education Units (CEUs) | Continuing Education (CEs) | Contact Hours | |
| Definition | Standardized unit to quantify participation | General term for professional learning | Time-based measurement of instruction | |
| Measurement | 1 CEU = 10 contact hours | Often: 1 CE = 1 hour = 0.1 CEU | 1 hour = 1 contact hour | |
| Purpose | Tracks formal, structured education | Supports clinical skill growth and license renewal | Used for hourly credit tracking | |
| Common Use | Healthcare, nursing, corporate training | Counseling, social work, psychology, massage therapy | Nursing, education, behavioral health | |
| Examples | University-sponsored CEU certificate | 3-hour ethics workshop from a CE-approved provider | Webinar with certificate for 2 contact hours | |
| Accepted by Boards | Depends on field and licensing body | Accepted across many mental health professions | Widely accepted, but still board-dependent | |
| Accrediting Bodies | ANSI/IACET | NBCC, APA, ASWB, state boards | Varies by field |
Read more: Live vs on-demand CEUS
What Are CEUs (Continuing Education Units)?
The CEU system began with IACET (the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training), which defined 1 CEU as 10 contact hours of structured participation. It was developed to standardize adult education across healthcare, education, and business training.
You’ll see CEUs used most frequently in nursing, continuing medical education, or academic settings. However, CEUs are not always interchangeable with CEs, especially in behavioral health.
Unless a provider is IACET-accredited, CEUs used casually may simply refer to contact hours. That is why understanding the source of the training is just as important as the unit used.
What Are CEs (Continuing Education Credits)?
“CEs” is the most common term in mental health professions. Most state licensing boards (including NBCC, ASWB, APA, and NAADAC affiliates) approve continuing education using contact hours as the unit, and refer to them as “CE credits” or simply “CEs.”
Here’s how they typically work:
- 1 hour of approved content = 1 CE credit
- Providers must hold board-approved status
- Professionals must submit certificates showing hours earned
At Online CE Credits, licensed professionals can earn CEs online, through live CE webinars, or via self-paced learning. Each activity clearly states credit hours and board approvals, removing the guesswork.
What Are Contact Hours?
Contact hours are exactly what they sound like: one hour of instructional time equals one contact hour. This format is especially common in:
- Nursing
- Education
- Social work
- Substance use counseling
While contact hours and CEs often match 1:1, not all states treat them the same. Some boards require that contact hours come from an approved provider. Others use them synonymously with CEs. Still others convert them into CEUs using a 10:1 ratio.
If your board lists requirements in contact hours, be sure to verify how they define credit and whether the provider lists the same format on your certificate.
CE vs CEU vs Contact Hour – Are They Interchangeable?
Sometimes. But not always.
The most important factor is how your board defines credit, not what the provider calls it.
How Licensing Boards Interpret Each Term
- Psychology Boards typically accept CEs from APA-approved providers.
- Nursing Boards often use CEUs or contact hours, but prefer ANCC-accredited activities.
- Counseling Boards vary by state; many align with NBCC or state-specific CEU terms.
A CE credit from one provider might not translate across professions or states. Always verify what format your license board accepts.
How to Know What/How Many CEs Your License Requires
Every state and profession defines requirements a little differently.
Some boards list requirements as:
- “30 CEUs every 2 years”
- “40 contact hours”
- “20 CE credits, including ethics and supervision”
While the language may vary, what matters is whether the provider is approved and the certificate includes the correct language.
You can search by profession and state using our license requirement lookup tool. Whether you’re in Florida, Texas, or California, this saves time and ensures compliance.
For Professionals – What to Look for Before Buying a CE / CEU Course
Before signing up for a course, check these essentials:
✅ Accreditation: Make sure the provider is approved by your board (e.g., NBCC, ASWB, APA, NAADAC)
✅ Credit Format: Does it clearly state CE credits, CEUs, or contact hours?
✅ Certificate Wording: Your board may reject certificates missing format or a provider number.
✅ Provider Number: Look for NBCC ACEP or state license approval listed.
You can view full CE approvals for all Online CE Credits courses.
Conclusion
While CEs, CEUs, and contact hours are often used interchangeably, their definitions and acceptance can differ depending on your profession and licensing board. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure that your continuing education efforts meet licensure requirements.
The most reliable approach is to choose accredited providers that clearly state how credit is awarded and which boards approve the course.
OnlineCECredits offers self-paced, board-approved courses that specify credit format and compatibility, making it easier to meet your continuing education goals with confidence.
FAQ
How many hours is 1 CEU worth?
One CEU equals 10 contact hours of participation in a structured continuing education program, typically led by a qualified instructor and accredited by an approved body.
How many credits is equal to 1 CEU?
Most licensing boards treat 1 CEU as 10 CE credits, since one CE credit usually represents one contact hour of approved educational activity.
Are online courses eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
Yes, if the course is offered by an approved provider and clearly states the number of CEUs, CE credits, or contact hours awarded upon completion.
Are CEUs the same as credits?
Not exactly. CEUs measure 10 hours, while CE credits typically equal 1 hour each. Boards may accept either, depending on the language used in the regulations.
Why are Continuing Education Units important?
CEUs help professionals maintain competence, fulfill licensure requirements, and stay updated on ethical practices, clinical skills, and research-backed treatment strategies across specialties.
What are CEU credits good for?
CEU credits are used to renew licenses, expand clinical knowledge, and support career advancement in fields like counseling, psychology, social work, and healthcare.
Are CEUs worth it?
Yes. Earning CEUs shows a commitment to lifelong learning, helps meet state-mandated continuing education requirements, and strengthens professional development and public trust.
