Avoid Last-Minute CEU Panic! How to Track and Organize Your CEUs

This post may contain affiliate links.

Keeping up with continuing education units (CEUs) is essential for pediatric occupational therapists (OTs), speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and physical therapists (PTs). However, with different state requirements, certification renewals, and employer expectations, staying organized can feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, by using the right strategies, you can save time, reduce stress, and ensure compliance. Let’s dive into the best ways to track and organize your CEUs efficiently.

First, Know Your CEU Requirements

Before you start tracking, it’s crucial to understand your specific CEU obligations. Be sure to check:
✅ State licensure board requirements (these vary by state and profession, click this LINK to search for yours)
✅ Certification requirements (NBCOT, ASHA, APTA, etc.)
✅ Employer or facility policies (some have stricter rules than licensing boards)

👉 Pro Tip: To stay on track, create a quick-reference document listing your CEU deadlines and required hours.

Use a CEU Tracker Template

Once you know your requirements, the next step is choosing a system to track your CEUs. Some of the best options include:
📊 Spreadsheets (Google Sheets, Excel – great for customization)
📂 CEU tracking apps (CE Broker, MedBridge, ASHA’s CEU registry)
📜 Printed log sheets (ideal if you prefer a physical copy)

Not sure where to start? 🔗 Download our free CEU Tracker Template here:

Organize Your CEU Certificates

After completing each CEU course, you’ll need to store your proof of completion safely. Here’s how to keep everything in order:
📁 Digital Folder System: Create folders on Google Drive, Dropbox, or your desktop (e.g., “CEUs 2025”).
📑 Email Organization: Use labels or a dedicated inbox folder for CEU confirmations.
🗂️ Physical Binder: If you prefer paper records, store certificates in a labeled binder by year.

👉 Pro Tip: To make documents easy to find, rename files clearly. For example:
✅ ✅ “MedBridge_PedsFeeding_3CEUs_2025” instead of “Certificate123.pdf”

Set CEU Reminders & Deadlines

Now that your certificates are stored, the next step is staying on top of deadlines. Here are some ways to avoid last-minute scrambling:
📅 Google Calendar Alerts: Set reminders 3-6 months before renewal.
📩 Email Notifications: Sign up for alerts from CEU providers.
📋 Checklists: Keep a running tally of required vs. completed CEUs.

Use CEU Tracking Services

To make things even easier, consider using platforms that track your CEUs for you. Some of the best options include:
✅ CE Broker – A state-approved tracking system for many disciplines.
✅ ASHA CE Registry – Automatically tracks SLP CEUs.
✅ MedBridge & Continued.com – Stores certificates and tracks progress.

If your licensing board allows automatic reporting, these tools can be a game-changer!

Plan Your CEUs in Advance

Rather than scrambling for last-minute CEUs, take a proactive approach by:
✅ Looking for free or discounted CEU courses throughout the year.
✅ Choosing CEUs that align with your career goals (e.g., specializing in sensory integration, feeding therapy, or early intervention).
✅ Signing up for live webinars (many states require a certain number of live hours).

👉 Pro Tip: Keep a “CEU Wishlist” of courses you want to take. That way, when it’s time to renew, you already have a plan!

Final Thoughts: Stay Organized, Stay Licensed!

At first, tracking CEUs may seem like a hassle. However, by using the right system, you can:
✅ Stay compliant with licensing and certification boards.
✅ Avoid last-minute CEU panic.
✅ Make the most of continuing education opportunities to grow your skills.

🔗 Get started today! Download our free CEU tracker template to keep everything organized and stress-free.

📌 Save this post for later & share with fellow therapists!