Professional and Continuing Education

Many adult learners regularly need a course or courses to meet professional requirements, to earn certification, re-certification, or licensure, or simply to enhance their skills. Professional or continuing education may be just what you need. Learn more about professional and continuing education services, tools and tips for finding the right course and provider, and search our inventory of courses.

What is professional and continuing education?

Professional education courses are typically short courses, workshops, seminars and other non-credit training activities designed to keep you current in your profession. The courses and programs may lead to a certificate of attendance, continuing education units (noted below) or a license or certificate. Most professional education activities are designed for adult working professionals and are built on employer or disciplinary needs and requirements. Training activities generally are for a short duration, thus lending this form of education to e-learning. Professional education may be provided by colleges and universities but many organizations and proprietary companies now are engaged in this arena.

Continuing education, at least those activities delivered by colleges and universities, typically carries regular academic credit and may lead to a certificate or degree. Courses and programs more typically follow academic terms and credits earned and any degrees awarded must meet the college or university's requirements for an academic degree.

Why take professional and continuing education courses?

Typically, professional education is designed to keep professionals and qualified practitioners at a high level of understanding or skill in their area of expertise. It ensures that professionals maintain currency in their work, stay abreast of any changes in their field, are made aware of the latest techniques, laws and regulations impacting their work, and helps to ensure the high standards of excellence. Your state may require professional or continuing education training as part of continuing or renewing licenses.

What are Continuing Education Units and are these different than regular credit granted for completing a course at a college or university?

Continuing Education Credits, or CEUs, are typically awarded for professional training courses and non-degree programs upon successful completion of the learning activity. CEUs are not academic credit and cannot be transferred or used to meet an academic requirement. CEUs measure participation in noncredit professional development activities. These standard units are nationally recognized. Generally one continuing education unit (CEU) is awarded for every ten hours of participation in a continuing education program. This provides a method for the documentation and recognition of professional development and life long learning activities individuals seek out after they have completed their initial education.

What kind of courses and programs are considered professional or continuing education courses?

The number and variety of courses truly runs the gamut from short courses that provide training in new security techniques, personal care training and small equipment maintenance to courses for lawyers, medical professionals, accountants and numerous other professionals. Additional examples are an updated computer certificate, a course for a certification renewal, an added degree for career advancement, a class in grant writing, or an endorsement in your chosen profession, etc.

Where do I find professional and continuing education courses?

A good place to start is with your employer and any professional organizations affiliated with your work. Many states maintain information for continuing licensure and certification requirements for professions that require continuing education for re-certification or re-licensure (e.g. teachers, nurses, building inspectors). The links below will take you to SREB state sites for this information. For credit-bearing courses and degree programs, you can quickly and easily search the Electronic Campus, where there are literally thousands of courses and hundreds of programs to continue your education.

Links to SREB State and Related Resources