This is one of the most common questions I get from therapists who want to become CEU (Technically, CE) providers. The requirements feel confusing, the language is unclear, and it’s not always obvious which organization is the best fit.

So let’s walk through it together. I’ll break down what each CE organization covers, how to decide what’s right for your training, and what you don’t need to waste time on.

TL;DR: Most mental health CE providers don’t need all 3 of these approvals. Choosing strategically based on your audience saves time, money, and headaches.

Who are NBCC, ASWB, and APA, and what do they approve?

NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors)

NBCC approves CE providers for LPCs, LMHCs, LCPCs, and other professional counselors. They do this through their ACEP (Approved Continuing Education Provider) program.

Pros:

✔️ Recognized by many state boards for counselors

✔️ You don't have to be a counselor to apply, just a licensed mental health professional

✔️ They're the most forgiving of the three for topics related to business, career development or alternative modalities

✔️ Accepted by some Social Work and MFT boards (it's up to the state)

Cons:
🚩Not all Social Work, MFT, or Psychology boards accept NBCC approval
 

ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards)

ASWB runs the ACE program (Approved Continuing Education), which is geared toward Social Work CE. Approval through ASWB ACE can give you national recognition for LCSWs, LISWs, and other Social Workers, and is accepted by some other boards as well.

Pros:

✅ Widely accepted by state boards in the US and Canada for Social Workers

✅ Has a strong emphasis on cultural competency, diversity, and social justice

Cons:
🚩New York Social Work Board does not accept ASWB

🚩Fairly restrictive in terms of topics; does not allow self-care, business development or many complimentary modalities

🚩Requires a Social Work Consultant to be involved in planning and complaints
 

APA (American Psychological Association)

APA approves sponsors for CE credit for Psychologists, and their program is considered the gold standard in many circles. It’s rigorous, thorough, and respected.

Pros:

✅ Required or preferred for Psychologists in many states

✅ Surprisingly, course sample and promotional requirements are not as intensive as some other organizations

✅ Best for advanced clinical trainings or courses aimed at doctoral-level audiences

Cons:
🚩 Intensive application and compliance process, especially when it comes to policies and procedures

🚩 Requires regular oversight from a doctoral-level Psychologist

🚩 Denials are frequent if materials are not perfect

🚩 Applications are only open twice a year- Fall and Spring

How do I know which one to choose?

If your course isn’t super clinical or doesn’t fit neatly into a license box, NBCC is often the most flexible entry point. Their standards are rigorous but doable. They also allow for a wider variety of topics, including some business, professional development and holistic content, as long as it supports counselor development.

What if I want to be approved for all 3?

You can be approved by NBCC, ASWB, and APA, but it takes time, effort, and a clear strategy.

Many of my clients start with one (often NBCC), get their systems in place, and add the others later when they’re ready to scale. You don’t have to do it all at once.

Trying to apply to all three boards simultaneously, without knowing the differences in documentation, policies, and compliance, can turn into a full-time job fast. Trust me, I’ve helped dozens of therapist entrepreneurs through this process.

You need systems. You need templates. And you need to understand the nuances of what each board cares about and what they will deny your application for.

If you want help mapping this out or creating materials that meet multiple board standards, this is exactly what I help with in my 1:1 consulting.

What do the applications actually involve?

Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:

NBCC ACEP Application:

• Requires business information, policies, course samples, promotional materials, evaluations, and more
• Application can be done by course or by provider
• Sent in via email
• Typically takes 3-4 months to process

ASWB ACE Application:

• Similar documentation to NBCC but slightly different structure
• Entered into a web portal
• Application can be done by course or by provider
• Annual or per-course fees depending on path
• Takes around 3 months

APA CE Sponsor Application:

• Most detailed and rigorous
• Requires more specific policies, planning procedures, detailed recordkeeping, and more
• Reviewed by a committee during twice-yearly application periods, can take 3–6 months

All three boards expect:

• Clear learning objectives using only their allowed verbs (hint: no learn or understand)
• CE provider policies
• Timed agendas
• Evaluations
• Sample certificates
• Specific promotional language on websites and flyers

And all three have their own pet peeves.

That’s why reviewing and tweaking your CE program for board-specific standards is crucial before submitting.

What if I’m just starting out?

If you’re in the early stages of planning your CE training and don’t want to waste time creating something that won’t get approved, I highly recommend reading this next:

👉 How to Become a CEU Provider for Mental Health Professionals in 2026

It’s my up-to-date walkthrough of the CE approval process with timelines, links, common mistakes, and mindset tips for therapist entrepreneurs stepping into educator roles.