Continuing Education Requirements by State

Continuing education (CE) is ongoing training that licensed professionals must complete to keep their license active. State licensing boards set the required number of hours, the renewal cycle, and which topics are mandatory. CE keeps practitioners current on legal, ethical, and technical changes in their field.

Most state-issued professional licenses require CE, but the exact rules vary by profession and state. Check the profession hub above and then your state's row to see total hours, cycle length, and mandatory topics. When in doubt, verify with the state licensing board link provided on each state page.

Sometimes. Some states accept CE completed under another state's approved provider, especially for professions with interstate compacts. Other states require CE be completed under their own approved-provider list. Always confirm with the receiving state's board before relying on out-of-state CE.

Missing your renewal deadline typically triggers late fees and, if prolonged, license lapse or reinstatement requirements. Some states require additional CE or reexamination to reinstate a lapsed license. Check your state's board for the specific grace period and penalties.

Most states allow some or all CE hours to be completed online through approved providers. A handful of states still cap the percentage of hours that can be earned via self-study or recorded video. Always confirm against your state board's approved-provider list before enrolling.

CE costs vary widely by profession and provider, from free board-provided content to several hundred dollars for full-cycle packages. Many approved providers bundle the required hours for a single renewal cycle at a flat rate. Prices usually reflect total hours, whether mandatory topics (like ethics) are included, and format (self-paced vs. live).

No — LicenseMap is a research and reminder tool. We link to approved third-party CE providers where applicable but do not sell or deliver CE courses ourselves.