What’s the Difference Between Psychology CEU vs PDU?

As professionals in the field many of us are familiar with continuing education units and(CEU) professional development units (PDU), but what is the difference and why do these credits matter? Many states and licensing boards require mental health professionals to obtain CE credits or CEUs to stay licensed. This ensures that people in the profession as a whole are staying up to date on the latest therapeutic research and methods. Professional licensing boards typically outline specific requirements for CE credits. For example, a licensing board may require a minimum number of CE credit hours per year in order for a clinician to maintain their state license. It serves as a nationally recognized measure of participation. CEUs usually have the following components: 2 or more hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. 

The Professional Development Unit (PDU) was established as an educational metric used to measure ongoing professional development for those with aspirations for managerial positions or who have an interest in program development and evaluation. In order to maintain certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP), you will need to maintain a specific number of PDUs, which can be earned by attending events, or accomplishing courses. 

Both units require taking certified classes and tracking the number of units you participate in. However, the units go toward maintaining different licenses. CEU’s help one maintain state licensure in Counseling or Social Work, whereas PDU’s are for certification as a Project Management Professional. Cognitive Behavior Institute’s Center for Education has been approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors as an Approved Continuing Education Provider. Each month we host a variety of courses that earn professionals credit units for their professional development. CBI is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs and works hard to find presenters who are both qualified and engaging. 

Cognitive Behavior Institute is also approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.

So if you’re working in the mental health field and are looking for ways to maintain your license or if you simply want to stay up to date on the latest research and work toward professional development, the Center for Education has options for you!