Best CE Tracking Software in 2026: Complete Comparison Guide
Managing continuing education requirements shouldn't be stressful. Whether you're a social worker juggling multi-state licenses, a therapist tracking supervision hours, or a nurse meeting board requirements, the right CE tracking software can save you hours of frustration.
This comprehensive guide compares the top continuing education tracking options to help you find the best solution for your profession.
Quick Summary: Top Continuing Education Tracking Apps
| Software | Best For | Price | Multi-State | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Education Tracking App | Multi-license professionals | Free - $9/mo | ✅ All 50 states | ✅ Web-based |
| Spreadsheets | Simple needs | Free | ❌ Manual | ❌ No |
| CE4Less Tracker | Course buyers | Included | ❌ Limited | ❌ No |
| Board Portals | Single state | Free | ❌ Single state | Varies |
What to Look for in CE Tracking Software
Before comparing specific tools, here are the key features that matter most for licensed professionals:
1. State-Specific Requirements
Your software should understand that California requires 36 hours for LCSWs while Texas requires 30. Manual tracking means constantly researching board rules.
2. Multi-Category Tracking
Most licenses require specific hours in ethics, cultural competency, or law. Good software tracks these separately.
3. Certificate Storage
When audit time comes, you need proof. The best trackers store certificates digitally.
4. Deadline Reminders
Missing a renewal deadline can cost you your license. Automatic reminders are essential.
5. Supervision Hours (If Applicable)
Pre-licensed professionals need to track direct and indirect supervision hours for licensure.
Detailed Comparison
Continuing Education Tracking App (cetracker.app)
Best for: Multi-license professionals, social workers, counselors, therapists
Continuing Education Tracking App is purpose-built for licensed mental health professionals and healthcare providers who need to track continuing education across multiple states and credential types.
Pros:
- ✅ All 50 states with built-in requirements
- ✅ Automatic category tracking (ethics, cultural competency, etc.)
- ✅ Supervision hours logging for pre-licensed professionals
- ✅ Certificate storage with audit-ready exports
- ✅ Free tier available
- ✅ Practice/team management features
Cons:
- ❌ Focused on specific professions (not for all license types)
Pricing:
- Free: Core tracking, 1 license
- Pro ($9/month): Unlimited licenses, advanced features
- Practice plans available for teams
Best Feature: Understands multi-state complexity. If you hold LCSW licenses in California, New York, and Texas, it knows exactly what each state requires.
Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets)
Best for: Simple needs, tech-savvy DIYers
Many professionals start with spreadsheets. While free and flexible, they require significant manual work.
Pros:
- ✅ Free
- ✅ Complete customization
- ✅ Works offline
Cons:
- ❌ No automatic requirement updates
- ❌ Easy to make errors
- ❌ No certificate storage
- ❌ No reminders (unless you set them manually)
- ❌ Audit prep is manual
When to Use: If you have one license in one state with straightforward requirements, a spreadsheet might work. But most professionals outgrow this quickly.
CE Provider Trackers (CE4Less, etc.)
Best for: People who buy all courses from one provider
Some CE course providers include tracking features for courses purchased through them.
Pros:
- ✅ Included with course purchases
- ✅ Automatic logging for their courses
Cons:
- ❌ Only tracks courses from that provider
- ❌ Doesn't understand state-specific requirements
- ❌ No multi-state support
- ❌ Miss courses from conferences, webinars, other providers
When to Use: Supplement only. You'll still need to track CEs from other sources.
State Board Portals
Best for: Single-state, single-license professionals
Many state boards offer basic CE tracking through their licensing portals.
Pros:
- ✅ Free
- ✅ Official record of approved courses
Cons:
- ❌ Only works for that one state
- ❌ Often clunky user experience
- ❌ No category breakdown
- ❌ No reminders
When to Use: As a secondary check, not your primary tracking method.
Which Continuing Education Tracking App Should You Choose?
Choose Continuing Education Tracking App if you...
- Hold licenses in multiple states
- Need to track supervision hours
- Want automatic requirement updates
- Need audit-ready exports
- Work in mental health or healthcare
Use Spreadsheets if you...
- Have one simple license
- Enjoy manual tracking
- Don't need reminders
Use Provider Trackers if you...
- Buy all your CEs from one provider
- Have simple requirements
Getting Started with CE Tracking
The best time to start tracking was when you got licensed. The second-best time is now.
Here's how to get started:
- Gather your current certificates - Collect everything from the past renewal cycle
- Know your requirements - Research what your board actually requires
- Choose your tool - Pick the option that fits your needs
- Enter historical data - Log what you've already completed
- Set up reminders - Never miss a deadline again
Ready to Simplify Your CE Tracking?
Continuing Education Tracking App helps thousands of professionals stay compliant across all 50 states. With automatic requirement tracking, certificate storage, and audit-ready exports, you can focus on your clients instead of your paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CE tracking software?
CE tracking software helps licensed professionals monitor their continuing education progress, store certificates, and ensure compliance with state board requirements.
Is there a free CEU tracker?
Yes! Continuing Education Tracking App offers a free tier that includes core tracking features for one license. Spreadsheets are also free but require more manual work.
Can I track CEs from multiple providers?
With Continuing Education Tracking App, you can log CEs from any approved provider - conferences, webinars, online courses, university classes, and more.
Does CE tracking software work for all professions?
Different tools serve different professions. Continuing Education Tracking App is designed for mental health professionals (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, psychologists) and healthcare providers. Other tools may specialize in nursing, pharmacy, or engineering.
How do I export my CE records for an audit?
Continuing Education Tracking App generates audit-ready PDF exports with all your certificates and a summary of completed hours by category. One click and you're ready for any board inquiry.