How to Track Your California CE Credits: Free Templates and Tools

Sometimes, keeping up with your continuing education requirements in California can be overwhelming, especially when juggling all your clients, paperwork, and personal commitments. Missing a continuing education deadline is not only stressful; it may also affect your professional license.

That is why it's so important to have a clear system for tracking your California CE credits. Whether you're a therapist, counselor, psychologist, or social worker, learning how to organize and manage your continuing education progress keeps you compliant and confident in your career.

Here, we will share some easy ways to stay on top of your continuing education requirements, along with some free templates and tools to make tracking easier than ever.

Why Tracking Your CE Credits Matters

Continuing education requirements are an ongoing condition for an active license for every behavioral science professional licensed in California. The BBS requires hours of continuing education relevant to each profession and discipline as one way of maintaining professional competence.

When these events occur throughout the year, like workshops, e-learning courses, and conferences, sometimes it is hard to remember what has been done and what is pending.

Tracking your CE credits matters because it helps you:

• Avoid missed renewal deadlines
• Ensure every CE course meets BBS approval
• Keep records for auditing and verification purposes.
• Ease your stress during this period of license renewal.

By maintaining an accurate record, you protect your license and professional reputation.

Step 1: Know Your BBS CE Requirements

Before you start tracking, make sure you know your CE requirements: The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) has different requirements for the different types of licenses.

For instance,

• Most states require LCSWs to complete 36 hours of CE every two years.
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists require the same number of hours, 36, within the same period.
• The requirements set for both LPCCs and LEPs are somewhat similar in nature.

Some courses are required, including ethics, law, and professional conduct, and/or suicide risk assessment training.

Please refer to the official BBS website for the list of current CE requirements for your license type. You will know exactly what your specific requirements are, which will ensure that every credit you earn counts toward renewal.

Step 2: Creating a Basic System for Tracking CE

You will not need a complicated system to manage your CE credits, but just something constant and easy to update.

Here are a few options:

1. Use a Spreadsheet Template (Free & Customizable) 

One of the easiest ways to keep track of your CE hours is in a spreadsheet. You can download a free CE tracking template that includes columns for:

• Course title and provider
• Date completed
• CE hours earned

Course topic: Ethics, Supervision, etc.

Means of verification: Certificate, Receipt, etc.

Safely storing it both on your device and in the cloud means you have access to it instantaneously when you need it, which you will.

2. Utilize CE tracking apps and tools

If you prefer to organize things digitally, there are plenty of free and paid applications specifically for tracking CE. Tools like CE Broker, Accredible, or Licensee's Hub will let you upload your certificates, set renewal reminders, and show you your progress in one screen.

3. Keep a CE Folder (Digital or Physical)

If you still like having paper records, create a folder entitled “Continuing Education 2025–2027” and place all your completion certificates, receipts, and course confirmations inside. Set them up alphabetically by year or by topic to ensure it is easy if audited.

Step 3: Set Reminders and Renewal Goals

The best tracking system in the world won't help if you forget to update it! Instead of making CE tracking a last-minute scramble, make it a small monthly habit.

Here's how:

• Add your license renewal date to your digital calendar.
• Set reminders six months and three months in advance of the end of your renewal period.
• Check your CE log quarterly to determine how many hours you've completed.

You could even set goals for yourself on a yearly basis, like taking half your CE credits in the first year of your cycle, so it's easier to keep up and doesn't result in the end-of-cycle rush.

Step 4: Check Course Approvals Before You Enroll

Not all courses count as California continuing education. Check to see that your course provider is approved by the BBS or another BBS-recognized approval agency before you register.

Commonly accepted CE providers include:

• APA-approved organizations (for psychologists)
• NASW-approved organizations (for social workers)
• CAMFT-approved CE providers (for marriage and family therapists)

This saves you beforehand from wasting time and money on courses that are not eligible.

Step 5: Keep your certificates and proof of completion

The BBS may request verification of CE completion at any time, especially during audits or renewals. Keep records for at least four years from the completion date of a course.

The documents that you'll want to keep (as applicable) include:

• Certificates for course completion
• Receipts for payment and/or registrations
• Syllabi or course outlines

Keep this documentation in your CE log (digital or printed), you will have proof if ever needed.

Step 6: Consider Free Tools to Help You Stay Organized

Here are a few free tools you can use to get organized with tracking CE:

Google sheets or Excel:  both are great for editable CE tracking spreadsheets.

Google Calendar: Use this for CE deadlines and reminders!

Dropbox and/or Google Drive: Keep scanned copies of your certificates and receipts.

Canv: If you want something a bit more customized, just design your own CE tracker.

Evernote or Notion: Use these for your notes and summaries from your continuing education courses.

Free, accessible, and easy to use from any device, these tools mean

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Rouse Academy

Even the most organized professionals can sometimes slip up with tracking CE credits. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Waiting until the renewal deadline to collect your CE records.
• Taking unapproved CE courses that do not count toward renewal.
• Forgetting to log continuing education hours immediately after a class.

Conclusion
 

The BBS is dedicated to assisting licensed professionals to remain compliant while continuing to provide quality mental health services throughout California. Take the next step today—download the free CE tracking template, get your CE records organized, and set your reminders. Stay ahead of deadlines and let your professional development feel effortless. 

Get ready to remain current with your continuing education for California. Visit the Rouse Academy website now to access official CE requirements, renewal tools, and resources designed to keep you informed and compliant. Stay organized. Stay licensed. Stay confident with the Board of Behavioral Sciences.