Cheap CEUs for Social Workers

Continuing education is a vital part of a social worker’s professional journey. It keeps you sharp, helps you grow, and ensures you meet the requirements to keep your license active. The challenge is that many CEU programs can feel out of reach financially, especially for those balancing heavy caseloads and personal commitments. That reality has left many professionals searching for affordable options that still deliver meaningful content.

The good news is that high-quality, budget-friendly continuing education units are available. Cheap CEUs for social workers do not mean cutting corners or settling for less. Instead, they provide opportunities to learn from experts, explore specialized areas of practice, and earn the credits you need without adding financial stress to your already demanding workload.

This article will guide you through the best ways to find CEUs that fit both your schedule and your budget. We will highlight resources like Agents of Change Continuing Education, share tips for saving money, and answer common questions about meeting CEU requirements. By the end, you will know how to meet your professional obligations while keeping your costs manageable.

Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ ASWB and NBCC-approved CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits and level up your career

We’ve helped tens of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 free CEUs.

1) Cheap CEUs for Social Workers: Where to Start

Finding affordable continuing education doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The truth is, there are plenty of reputable places where social workers can earn CEUs at little to no cost. The key is knowing where to begin your search and which options provide both quality content and state-approved accreditation.

Below are several practical starting points.

1. Professional Membership Organizations

Many professional associations provide discounted or free CEUs as part of their membership benefits. For example, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) often offers webinars and workshops at reduced prices for members. While the annual membership fee may seem like an added expense, the savings on CEUs, networking opportunities, and access to resources often make it worthwhile in the long run.

2. Online CEU Providers

Online providers are one of the most cost-effective ways to earn credits. Platforms such as Agents of Change Continuing Education stand out because they offer a $99 yearly subscription with unlimited access to over 150 ASWB and NBCC-approved courses.

Along with pre-recorded classes, Agents of Change also hosts more than 10 live events each year, which makes it easier to meet interactive CEU requirements. For anyone who prefers to try before committing, Agents of Change even offers a selection of free CEUs.

3. Universities and Continuing Education Departments

Some universities, particularly those with strong social work programs, provide low-cost or complimentary CEUs through workshops, guest lectures, or community partnerships. These programs often feature cutting-edge research presented by faculty or guest experts, giving you both affordability and academic quality.

4. Employer-Sponsored Opportunities

Don’t overlook your workplace as a source of continuing education. Many agencies set aside funds to cover CEU costs or invite trainers to conduct in-house workshops that qualify for credits. Ask your supervisor or HR department if your employer has an education reimbursement policy or a list of approved CEU vendors.

5. State Licensing Boards and Community Resources

Some state licensing boards publish lists of free or inexpensive CEU opportunities on their websites. Local nonprofits, mental health centers, or advocacy organizations also occasionally host free training events to support the professional community. While these may not provide all the hours you need, they can significantly reduce your overall costs.

Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education. We’ve helped tens of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with their continuing education, and we want you to be next!

2) Free CEUs from Agents of Change Continuing Education

If you’re looking for affordable ways to earn continuing education credits, you’ll be glad to know that Agents of Change Continuing Education offers free CEU opportunities as part of their lineup.

They’re committed to supporting social workers and other mental health professionals by providing high-quality content without cost barriers. Here’s a closer look at what they offer and how you can access those free courses.

What’s included in the free offerings

On the Agents of Change website, you’ll find a dedicated page for Free Social Work and Mental Health Continuing Education Content.

A course entitled ChatGPT and AI for Social Workers and Mental Health Professionals that provides 3 free CE credits.
A course entitled Powerful Home-School Partnerships: Involving and Empowering Parents to Drive Student Success that provides 1.5 free CE credits.
Another free offering is Business Skills and Extra Income for Social Workers and Mental Health Professionals, which helps you build foundational business knowledge on top of your clinical skills.
They also provide free webinars, podcasts, and YouTube videos, which further support professional learning and growth.

Why This Matters

As you’re looking for cheap CEUs, free options are especially valuable because they reduce your financial burden while helping you meet licensing requirements. With the free CEUs from Agents of Change you can:

Tackle required credits without adding cost to your renewal budget.
Explore newer topics (like AI in social work practice) that might not come up in more traditional CEU offerings.
Sample the quality and design of their courses before deciding to commit to a paid subscription.

How to access the free courses

Here’s how you can get started:

Visit the free CEU page at: Free CEUs – Agents of Change Agents of Change
Choose one of the free course offerings (like the ones above) and enroll.
Complete the content, pass any required assessment or post-test, and download your certificate of completion.
Check with your state licensing board to confirm the free course is accepted for your renewal. Although Agents of Change is approved by both ASWB and NBCC, each state may have specific rules.

If you’re working on fulfilling your license renewal hours but keeping an eye on cost, these free CEUs from Agents of Change are a smart place to start. They allow you to earn legitimate continuing education credits, broaden your knowledge base, and keep your budget intact.

Agents of Change has helped tens of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 free CEUs!

3) How to Choose Affordable CEUs Without Sacrificing Quality

Affordable CEUs can be a lifesaver, but cost shouldn’t be the only factor guiding your decision. Picking the cheapest option without considering quality can leave you with credits that don’t count toward your license renewal or content that isn’t relevant to your practice.

Here’s how to strike the right balance.

Verify Accreditation First

One of the most important steps in choosing CEUs is confirming they’re approved by recognized accrediting bodies.

Check ASWB or NBCC approval: These are the gold standards for social workers and counselors.
Review your state board rules: Each state has its own criteria for what counts, so double-check acceptance before enrolling.
Look for certificates: Legitimate providers always issue certificates with provider numbers listed for audit purposes.

Consider the Content Relevance

Cheap CEUs are only valuable if they cover topics that apply to your practice.

Match courses to your specialty: School social workers might prioritize bullying prevention or family systems, while clinical practitioners may focus on trauma or CBT.
Seek out trending topics: Emerging areas like telehealth or cultural humility are often highly useful in today’s field.
Balance ethics and clinical hours: Most boards require specific credits in ethics, cultural competence, or supervision.

Evaluate the Delivery Format

How the content is delivered can impact your learning experience.

Self-paced modules: Great for busy schedules, allowing you to stop and start when needed.
Live webinars: Often interactive, fulfilling “live” requirements some states impose.
Hybrid options: A combination of recorded and real-time events to maximize flexibility.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Other social workers can give you the clearest picture of what to expect.

Look for feedback on clarity, instructor knowledge, and ease of navigation.
Check how responsive providers are when students have technical issues.
Pay attention to whether reviewers mention smooth certificate downloads, since that can be a pain point.

Compare Pricing Models

The cheapest option isn’t always the most cost-effective. Sometimes subscriptions save more money than one-off purchases.

Per-course purchases: Typically $20–$60 per class, good if you only need a few CEUs.
Bundled packages: Multiple courses sold together at a discount.
Subscriptions: Unlimited access for a flat annual fee. For instance, Agents of Change Continuing Education offers a $99 per year membership that includes 150+ courses plus 10+ live events annually.

Key Takeaways for Quality and Savings

When you’re looking for affordable CEUs, keep this checklist in mind:

Accredited by ASWB, NBCC, or state boards
Relevant and practical for your current role or future career path
Flexible in delivery format to fit your lifestyle
Supported by strong reviews and customer service
Priced reasonably, with subscription options that maximize value

4) FAQs – Cheap CEUs for Social Workers

Q: Are cheap CEUs as credible as more expensive ones?

A: Yes, as long as they’re approved by accredited organizations like the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) or the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the price tag doesn’t affect credibility. The real difference comes down to the provider.

Some platforms keep costs low by offering online-only classes, while others charge higher fees for in-person events with travel and venue expenses. Providers such as Agents of Change Continuing Education demonstrate that you can access high-quality, accredited courses at an affordable rate without compromising standards.

Q: How do I know if my state will accept CEUs from an online provider?

A: Each state licensing board sets its own rules. While most states recognize online CEUs, some place limits on how many self-paced hours you can count toward renewal. The best way to confirm is by visiting your state board’s website and reviewing its continuing education requirements.

Reputable providers will clearly list their approvals, course provider numbers, and certificates of completion so you can document your credits in case of an audit. When in doubt, email the board directly before enrolling in a course.

Q: What’s the most cost-effective way to earn CEUs if I need a large number of credits?

A: If you need 20 or more credits every renewal cycle, a subscription model is often the smartest financial choice. For example, Agents of Change offers unlimited access to over 150 courses, plus more than 10 live events each year, for just $99 annually.

Considering that a single CEU course elsewhere can cost $40–$75, a subscription pays for itself after only a few classes. You can also supplement with free CEUs to bring costs even lower.

5) Conclusion

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► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangetraining.com

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals for more than 8 years. From all of this experience helping others, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

Cheap CEUs for Social Workers

Cheap CEUs for Social Workers