By Matt Harrington, BCBA · Behaviorist Book Club · Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
On-demand webinars are pre-recorded presentations that can be accessed at any time, while live webinars occur at a scheduled time with real-time interaction between the presenter and participants. From a CEU perspective, both formats can count toward BACB continuing education requirements when offered by approved providers. The key difference is the learning experience: live webinars allow for questions and discussion, while on-demand webinars offer flexibility and the ability to review content at your own pace. Both formats must include assessment components to verify engagement with the content. The choice between formats should be based on your schedule, learning preferences, and the availability of specific topics.
The BACB does not impose a specific limit on the proportion of CEUs that can be earned through on-demand webinars, though continuing education requirements may specify that certain CEUs must be earned in specific content areas such as ethics or supervision. The number of CEUs earned per webinar corresponds to the instructional time of the content. A 60-minute webinar typically offers 1.0 CEU. Behavior analysts should check the current BACB continuing education requirements for their certification level to ensure they are meeting all category-specific requirements. Diversifying your CEU sources across formats, including live events, conferences, and on-demand options, can provide a more well-rounded learning experience.
High-quality on-demand webinars share several characteristics: the presenter has documented expertise in the topic area, the content is current and evidence-based, the presentation is well-organized with clear learning objectives, the assessment component (quizzes or learning modules) requires genuine engagement with the material, and the continuing education provider is approved by the BACB. Additionally, look for webinars that include practical examples and case applications rather than exclusively theoretical content. Reviews or recommendations from colleagues can also help identify valuable learning opportunities. Be cautious of webinars that promise easy CEUs without rigorous assessment, as these are unlikely to produce meaningful learning.
Yes, on-demand webinars can count toward ethics CEU requirements when the content is classified as ethics-related by an approved BACB continuing education provider. The BACB requires that a specified number of CEUs within each certification cycle be in ethics content. Ethics topics may include the BACB Ethics Code, ethical decision-making, professional conduct, cultural responsiveness, scope of competence, supervision ethics, and other topics related to ethical practice. When selecting on-demand webinars to fulfill ethics requirements, ensure that the provider has designated the content as ethics-applicable and that it addresses substantive ethical issues rather than merely mentioning ethics in passing.
Research on learning suggests several strategies for maximizing retention: take handwritten notes rather than relying on slides alone, pause the recording periodically to summarize key points in your own words, relate new information to specific cases or experiences from your practice, complete the assessment activities without referring back to the recording on the first attempt to test your understanding, discuss the content with a colleague within 48 hours of completing the webinar, and identify a specific application of the content that you will implement within the following week. Spaced repetition, reviewing your notes at increasing intervals after completing the webinar, also supports long-term retention.
Code 1.04 (Integrity) of the BACB Ethics Code (2022) requires behavior analysts to be truthful and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. This extends to continuing education activities. Completing quizzes without watching the webinar, having someone else complete the assessment on your behalf, or multitasking during the presentation rather than attending to the content undermines the purpose of continuing education and violates the spirit of professional integrity. The intent of CEU requirements is to ensure that practitioners maintain and develop their competencies throughout their careers. Genuine engagement with continuing education content is an ethical obligation, not merely a suggestion.
Both breadth and depth are important for professional development, and the optimal balance depends on your career stage, role, and practice context. Early-career behavior analysts may benefit from greater breadth to ensure exposure to diverse populations, settings, and approaches. More experienced practitioners may benefit from deeper dives into areas of specialization. A useful framework is to allocate approximately 60-70% of your CEUs to topics directly relevant to your current practice, 20-30% to topics that expand your knowledge into adjacent areas, and 10% to topics that are entirely new to you. This balance maintains competence while promoting growth and preventing the stagnation that can come from exclusively pursuing familiar topics.
While on-demand webinars are convenient, relying on them exclusively for continuing education has potential drawbacks. The lack of real-time interaction means you cannot ask clarifying questions or participate in discussions that deepen understanding. The isolated nature of on-demand learning means you miss the networking and peer learning opportunities that in-person events provide. Self-paced learning requires greater self-discipline and motivation, and without external accountability, it is easier to engage passively. On-demand formats also cannot replicate hands-on practice, role-play, or supervision components that some topics require. A balanced approach that combines on-demand webinars with live events and interactive formats provides a more comprehensive learning experience.
The BACB maintains a list of approved continuing education providers that can be accessed through the BACB website. When selecting on-demand webinars, verify that the provider is listed as an approved ACE (Approved Continuing Education) provider. The provider should display their BACB ACE provider number on their website and on the CEU certificates they issue. If you cannot verify a provider's approved status, contact the BACB directly before completing the webinar. Earning CEUs from non-approved providers may result in those credits not being accepted toward your continuing education requirements, which could jeopardize your certification status.
Encountering content that conflicts with your understanding is actually a valuable learning opportunity. First, consider whether the webinar may be presenting updated research or perspectives that supersede your current knowledge. Consult the primary literature referenced in the webinar to evaluate the evidence. Second, consider whether the conflict reflects a legitimate area of professional disagreement where multiple evidence-based perspectives exist. Third, if you believe the content is inaccurate or outdated, discuss your concerns with colleagues or supervisors to get additional perspectives. If you determine that the webinar contains substantively inaccurate content, you may report your concerns to the continuing education provider and to the BACB.
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.