Can I Get CE Credits From American Library Association Webinars?

I've attended quite a few American Library Association webinars, and yes, many of them do offer CE credits. The ALA is pretty transparent about which webinars qualify, so I always check the event details before signing up. Some are specifically designed for professional development and include the credits as part of the package. Others might be more casual and don’t offer them, so it’s important to look closely. I’ve found their website super helpful for filtering webinars by whether they provide CE credits. It’s a great way to keep up with my professional requirements while learning something new.

One thing to note is that the type of credit can vary. Some webinars offer general CE credits, while others might be geared toward specific certifications or specializations. I make sure to keep track of the certificates they provide after completing a webinar, just in case I need to submit proof later. The ALA also sometimes partners with other organizations, so the credits might be recognized beyond just library-specific credentials. If you’re counting on these for recertification, it’s worth double-checking with your accrediting body to confirm they’ll accept ALA webinar credits.

As someone who’s always looking for ways to earn CE credits without leaving my desk, I’ve explored the ALA’s webinar offerings extensively. Their events cover a wide range of topics—from cataloging innovations to diversity in libraries—and many of them do come with CE credits. The key is to look for webinars labeled as ‘certified’ or ‘accredited,’ which usually means they’ve been pre-approved for professional development hours. I’ve even seen some that offer credits for multiple certifications, which is a huge time-saver if you’re juggling different requirements.

Not all ALA webinars are created equal, though. Some are shorter and more informal, focusing on quick tips or trends, and those typically don’t include credits. The ones that do are often longer, more in-depth, and sometimes require a small fee. I don’t mind paying if it means I can knock out a few credits while learning something valuable. The ALA also archives some of their webinars, so you can earn credits after the live session, which is perfect if your schedule is packed.

Another thing I appreciate is how clear they are about the process. After completing a webinar, you usually get a certificate emailed to you within a few days. I’ve never had issues submitting these for my CE requirements, but I always save the confirmation emails just in case. If you’re unsure whether a particular webinar will count, the ALA’s customer service is really responsive—I’ve emailed them a couple times with questions, and they’ve always gotten back to me quickly with solid answers.

I’ve been relying on ALA webinars for CE credits for years, and they’ve never let me down. The best part is how convenient they are—I can log in from home and still meet my professional development goals. Most of their high-profile webinars, especially those tied to big initiatives or annual themes, come with CE credits attached. I’ve taken sessions on everything from digital literacy to grant writing, and the certificates have always been accepted when I submit them for my recertification.

One tip I’ve picked up is to register early. Some of the credit-bearing webinars fill up fast, and I’ve missed out a couple times by waiting too long. The ALA also does a great job of promoting these events through their newsletters, so I stay subscribed to make sure I don’t overlook any opportunities. If you’re looking for a no-stress way to earn credits, their webinars are definitely worth checking out.