continuingeducation

Continuing education, sometimes written as continuingeducation or continuing-education, refers to post-secondary learning activities undertaken after formal schooling to maintain, develop, or broaden knowledge and skills. It encompasses professional development, personal enrichment, and lifelong learning, and is distinct from degree-seeking study, though some programs offer academic credits or certificates.

Providers include universities and colleges, professional associations, government agencies, industry groups, online platforms, and employers. Programs may be credit-bearing (college credit or CEUs) or non-credit. Common credentials include certificates, diplomas, microcredentials, and continuing education units; professional bodies may require ongoing participation to maintain licensure, such as CME for healthcare, CLE for law, or CPD for accounting.

Delivery formats have expanded with technology: in-person workshops, online courses, synchronous or asynchronous formats, hybrid programs, and modular curricula. Online platforms have broadened access through MOOCs and micro-learning modules. Employers increasingly sponsor continuing education as part of workforce development and organizational learning.

Purposes include keeping pace with technological and regulatory changes, improving job performance, meeting licensure or certification requirements, career advancement, and personal growth. Access and affordability, time constraints, and recognition of credits across institutions are ongoing considerations. In many countries, national standards bodies or accreditation agencies oversee program quality, while specific professional boards govern licensure-related education.