The Internet has long been a viable source for finding all sorts of “stuff.” It can also be a great source for finding the right CEU provider. The problem lies in filtering the number of search results generated by whatever search engine is used. Just because a website ranks high in search engine results doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best fit. Companies are constantly fighting for rankings. So here are some things to ask when reviewing options found on search engine results pages.

First, “Are they approved in my state for my license?” There are so many options in the field of online continuing education; however, many are not approved in the United States. Some specialize in a few states that may be key to them. Others simply haven’t done the work to get approval in all states. Even if the provider is approved in your state, it may not be for your particular license. It’s always crucial to read the fine print on each provider and make sure they provide an easy-to-see table with this information.

Second, “Do you offer all the courses I need to renew my license?” Great question to ask. Please review their course list carefully and make sure they have the courses to meet your particular license requirements. Another thing to consider is that not only do they have the core courses you need, but they also have a sufficient selection outside of the core courses to meet your needs in the future.

Third, “Can I even find what I’m looking for?” How many times have you pulled a website out of a search result and spent too much time looking for what you were interested in only to end up leaving that site and back in the search results list? Sometimes this can be because the site was irrelevant; however, most of the time it’s probably because the website was so poorly designed that it made it too hard to find anything. Make sure everything is simple and easy to find. Without wasting time, which is critical in today’s hectic and fast-paced world.

Fourth, “Are your rates affordable and reasonable?” This is the brass tack of the matter. How much? It has been said “You get what you pay for”. For the most part this is correct. That’s why it’s a good rule of thumb to never pay the higher amount and, at the same time, never pay the lower amount. The higher amount is usually too expensive. The lower amount usually strips you of any value and can cost more in the long run in both time and money. Choosing a more intermediate price is usually the best option.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *