I get asked all the time if I offer CEUs (Continuing Education Credits) for my classes. The answer is NO, mostly because it is ridiculously (and prohibitively) expensive for a small training provider such as me to get certified to offer them.

While there are small organizations that certify training providers in niche markets like nursing and plumbing, the "general" CEU providers are managed by the IACET (International Association for Continuing Education and Training).

They charge THOUSANDS of dollars just to APPLY for a certification, without any guarantee of acceptance. Here's a quote from their web site:

"The cost of the Standards and application is $450. At the time of application submission, you are required to submit a non-refundable application fee of $2,800, which includes administrative costs, site-visit expenses, and honoraria. After approval, an organization pays yearly membership dues of $785."

So that's over $3000 just to apply without any guarantee of acceptance, and then another $785 a year. That's a lot of $5.99 CDs I'd have to sell, just to be able to offer CEUs.

Would offering CEUs bring in enough additional business to merit getting certified? That's the $4000 question. What do you think?