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Jun 24, 2025

Step-by-Step Guide to Offering CEs/CMEs

Continuing education (CE) credits elevate the value of any training or course, but the path to offering CE credit can feel overwhelming. Different professions have their own accrediting boards, and each has specific requirements. Whether you're looking to become an accredited provider yourself or want to partner with one through co-sponsorship, this guide walks you through the options and key steps.

We’ve also included a helpful guide to visualize offering CEs/CMEs with CE-Go.

Understanding CE Accreditation

Accrediting bodies exist to uphold standards in continuing education. Here are a few key examples:

  • APA for psychologists
  • NBCC for counselors
  • NASW for social workers
  • ACCME for physicians and healthcare professionals

Though requirements vary, most accrediting bodies require:

  • Clearly defined learning objectives
  • Evidence-based, non-commercial content
  • Qualified instructors
  • A method to evaluate learning outcomes
  • Procedures to resolve conflicts of interest

Two Paths to Offering CE/CME Credit

1. Direct Accreditation

Best for: Organizations or individuals offering ongoing CE/CME content who want full control over the accreditation process.

Steps:

  1. Choose your accrediting body. Select the one that aligns with your target audience.
  2. Prepare your documentation and sample activities. This typically includes:
    • Learning objectives (usually three per session)
    • Session descriptions and timing
    • Speaker bios or CVs
    • Conflict of interest disclosures
    • Evaluation forms
    • References to peer-reviewed research
    • Sample certificates for participants
    • Documentation of your organization's processes for reviewing content, storing personal data, implementing feedback, and other goals specific to the accrediting body
  3. Submit your application. Each board has its own timelines and fees. For example, NBCC charges $800 for initial approval and may take several months to process or receive feedback.
  4. Wait for review and respond to feedback. Once approved, you can begin offering CE credits under your own provider status.

What to expect: This process takes time and administrative effort, often 6 months to several years. It's worth it for frequent CE providers, but may not be practical for one-off events.

How CE-Go helps: Even if you manage your own accreditation, CE-Go streamlines event registration, attendance tracking, and certificate delivery. It reduces your team’s workload and helps ensure compliance.

2. Collaborate with an already Approved Provider

Best for: New providers, those offering one-time events, or professionals who want help navigating the accreditation process.

Sometimes referred to as co-sponsorship, an approved provider (like CE-Go) will review your content and provide logistics to ensure your educational activity meets compliance standards, allowing your audience to receive CE/CME credits.

Steps:

  1. Connect with an accredited approved provider or co-sponsor. CE-Go offers this service through our parent company, CE Learning Systems.
  2. Submit your event details. This includes:
    • Session titles and learning objectives
    • Speaker bios
    • References
    • Disclosure forms
    • Your marketing copy
  3. Review and approve final documents. CE-Go helps ensure the event meets accreditation standards.
  4. Host your event. CE-Go manages attendance tracking, evaluations, and automated certificate generation.

What to expect: Co-sponsorship is faster and easier than pursuing accreditation alone. With CE-Go, you can often move from planning to offering CE/CMEs in a few weeks.

Want a quick overview? Check out our Co-Sponsorship Process to visualize every step.

How CE-Go helps: CE-Go provides a guided partnership from start to finish. We ensure your content meets the standards, submit the application, and handle all credit fulfillment logistics. You stay focused on delivering great education.

Which Path is Right for You?

Situation Recommended Path
Offering frequent CE/CME events Direct Accreditation
Hosting your first CE/CME event Collaboration with an Approved Provider
Need CE/CME credit but not ready for accreditation Collaboration with an Approved Provider
Want full control over CE/CME credit management Direct Accreditation

Final Tips for Success

  • Start early. The accreditation process can take months to years to complete.
  • Be specific. Clear, measurable learning objectives are a must.
  • Focus on quality. Strong content with peer-reviewed references improves approval chances.
  • Keep documentation. Most boards require records to be kept for 4 to 7 years.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're unsure where to begin or want help navigating the process, CE-Go is here to support you. Whether you're looking for a full event management platform or simply need help securing CE credit through co-sponsorship, our team is ready to help.

👉 Request a Demo of the CE-Go Platform

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