How to Create and Sell CEUs: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for BCBAs
How to Create and Sell CEUs: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for BCBAs
Are you a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) looking to share your expertise while generating additional income? Creating and selling Continuing Education Units (CEUs) can be an incredibly rewarding way to multiply your professional impact and build a sustainable revenue stream. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of developing a high-value CEU that BCBAs will actually want to buy.
If you'd like to dive into it all together, including my specific recommendations for selling platforms and marketing strategies AND gain access to free bonuses like a done-for-you slide template that will keep your audience engaged and coming back to you for more professional development, join us for our next [CEU Builder Workshop].
Why BCBAs Should Create CEU Courses
The demand for quality continuing education in applied behavior analysis has never been higher. With thousands more BCBAs needing to maintain their certification through ongoing professional development, and new stringent requirements, there's a significant opportunity for experienced practitioners to contribute valuable content to the field.
Creating CEU courses allows you to:
Scale your impact beyond your direct clinical work
Generate passive income from your specialized knowledge
Establish yourself as a thought leader in your area of expertise
Contribute to the professional development of fellow behavior analysts
Build your professional brand and expand your career opportunities
Understanding BACB CEU Requirements
Before you start creating your CEU course, it's essential to understand the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements for continuing education. BCBAs must complete 32 CEUs every two years to maintain their certification, with at least 4 hours in ethics and 3 hours in supervision (for those who supervise).
The BACB recognizes several types of CEU activities, including workshops, conferences, online courses, and more. For your CEU offering to be valuable and marketable, it should align with current practice standards and address relevant topics in the field.
Step 1: Choose Your CEU Topic Strategically
The foundation of a successful CEU course starts with selecting the right topic. Your subject matter should intersect three critical areas: your expertise, market demand, and gaps in existing continuing education offerings.
Identify Your Unique Expertise
Consider areas where you have substantial experience and specialized knowledge. Perhaps you've developed innovative approaches to working with specific populations, mastered complex assessment procedures, or created effective training systems for staff development. Your credibility comes from real-world application and demonstrated results.
Research Market Demand
Investigate what topics BCBAs are actively seeking. Browse BACB-approved CEU websites, join behavior analysis Facebook groups and online communities, and survey connections about their continuing education needs. Look for recurring questions and challenges that practitioners face in their daily work.
Find the Gap
The sweet spot for your CEU topic is where your expertise meets an underserved need in the market. Maybe there are dozens of basic courses on a topic but few advanced applications, or perhaps an emerging practice area lacks quality training resources. These gaps represent your opportunity.
Popular CEU Topics for BCBAs Include:
Ethics in challenging situations
Supervision strategies and skills
Assessment methods for specific populations
Behavior intervention planning
Verbal behavior and language acquisition
Organizational behavior management
Telehealth in ABA services
Cultural responsiveness in behavior analysis
Parent and caregiver training techniques
Staff training and performance management
Step 2: Understand CEU Approval Options
To offer authorized CEUs, you need to work with a BACB-approved CEU provider or become one yourself. Each path has distinct advantages and requirements.
Option A: Partner with an Approved CEU Provider
Many established organizations are authorized to offer BACB CEUs and will host your course on their platform. This partnership approach means you develop the content while they handle approval documentation, marketing support, and certificate issuance.
Benefits include faster time to market, established audience reach, and reduced administrative burden. However, you'll typically split revenue with the hosting provider and may have less control over pricing and marketing strategies.
Option B: Become an Approved CEU Provider
If you plan to offer multiple courses or want complete control over your continuing education business, consider becoming a BACB-approved CEU provider yourself. This requires submitting an application to the BACB, paying fees, and demonstrating you meet their provider standards.
This path involves more upfront work and ongoing compliance responsibilities, but you retain full control over your courses and keep all revenue. You'll need to maintain detailed records, issue certificates, and follow BACB reporting requirements.
Step 3: Design Your Course Content and Structure
Once you've selected your topic and approval pathway, it's time to develop your actual course content. High-value CEU courses share several characteristics that make them both educational and marketable.
Create Clear Learning Objectives
Every effective CEU course starts with specific, measurable learning objectives. These statements tell participants exactly what they'll be able to do after completing your training. Use action verbs like "implement," "evaluate," "design," or "analyze" rather than passive terms like "understand" or "learn about."
For example, instead of "understand token economies," write "design and implement a token economy system for classroom behavior management, including selection of target behaviors, token schedules, and backup reinforcers."
Develop Evidence-Based Content
Your course material should be grounded in current research and practice standards. Reference peer-reviewed literature, cite relevant studies, and connect concepts to the BACB Ethics Code and Practice Guidelines. BCBAs expect continuing education to be scientifically rigorous and professionally relevant. BUT, this does not mean your CEU needs to be a bore (more on that later).
Balance Theory and Application
The most valued CEU courses blend conceptual understanding with practical application. Include case examples, demonstration videos, implementation templates, and decision-making frameworks that participants can use immediately in their practice. Practitioners want takeaways they can apply on Monday morning.
Structure Your Content Logically
Organize your material in a progressive sequence that builds from foundational concepts to advanced applications. A typical structure might include introduction and objectives, theoretical framework, key concepts, case examples, and actionable takeaways. When you join our CEU Builder workshop, we include a free Canva template to help you structure your course.
Plan for Interactivity
Even in recorded courses, build in opportunities for active engagement. Include knowledge checks, case study analyses, reflection questions, and application exercises. Interactive elements enhance learning retention and make your course more engaging than passive lecture formats. And yes, engagement matters if you want to continue earning an income selling your intellectual property.
Step 4: Choose Your Delivery Format
CEU courses can be delivered in multiple formats, each with distinct advantages for both you as the creator and your target audience.
Live Virtual Workshops
Synchronous online training sessions allow real-time interaction, immediate question answering, and dynamic discussion. These work well for complex topics that benefit from dialogue or when you want to build community among participants. Schedule multiple session dates to accommodate different time zones and schedules.
On-Demand Online Courses
Pre-recorded video courses offer maximum flexibility for learners and scalability for you. Once created, they generate revenue repeatedly without requiring your ongoing time. Invest in quality recording equipment and create branded presentations. You do not need to invest heavily in equipment, but it's important to not appear like you're hosting your CEU on dial-up, while hostage in someone's basement.
Hybrid Models
Combine formats to maximize reach and revenue. Offer the same course as both live and on-demand options, or create a basic on-demand version with optional live Q&A sessions for higher pricing.
Step 5: Create Professional Course Materials
Develop Compelling Slide Presentations
Create visually appealing slides that support your teaching without overwhelming viewers with text. Use clear fonts, consistent branding, relevant images, and graphic elements that enhance comprehension. Each slide should communicate one key concept or idea.
Produce Quality Video Content
If recording video, ensure good lighting, clear audio, and stable camera work. You don't need an expensive studio, but do invest in a decent microphone and find a quiet, well-lit space for recording. Consider your background, appearance, and on-camera presence. Pro tip: Your forehead is not your face. Make sure your camera is angled to show your face.
Design Valuable Handouts and Resources
Provide downloadable materials that participants will reference long after completing your course. This might include implementation checklists, data collection forms, decision trees, reference guides, or case study examples. These resources increase the perceived value of your offering.
Create Assessment Materials
Develop pre- and post-tests or knowledge checks that verify learning and meet CEU documentation requirements. Questions should assess understanding of key concepts and ability to apply information to practice scenarios.
Step 6: Set Strategic Pricing for Your CEU Course
Pricing your CEU course requires balancing several factors: your time investment, costs, market rates, perceived value, and business goals.
Research Competitor Pricing
Survey what other providers charge for similar length and format courses. Basic one-hour webinars might range from free to 50 dollars, while comprehensive multi-hour courses can command 100 to 300 dollars or more. Specialized or advanced topics typically justify higher pricing.
Calculate Your Costs and Time
Factor in all expenses including development time, recording equipment, software subscriptions, hosting fees, marketing costs, and ongoing support. Don't forget to value your expertise and the unique knowledge you're providing.
Consider Value-Based Pricing
Price based on the transformation and results your course delivers rather than just the time investment required. If your training helps BCBAs improve client outcomes, reduce staff turnover, or increase billable hours, that value justifies premium pricing.
Offer Strategic Pricing Tiers
Create multiple pricing options such as basic course access, premium packages with additional resources, or organizational licenses for agencies. This allows different buyers to select options that fit their budgets while maximizing your revenue potential.
Attend our CEU Builder workshop to learn more about pricing and complete a worksheet to nail down your price.
Step 7: Build Your Marketing Foundation
Even the highest-quality CEU course won't generate sales without effective marketing. Start building your promotional strategy before your course launches.
Create a Professional Landing Page
Develop a dedicated webpage that showcases your course with compelling copy, clear learning objectives, instructor credentials, testimonials, and an easy purchase process. Your landing page should answer every question a potential buyer might have.
Fun fact: ALL of our CEU landing pages inside Clinical Boss (so far) have produced an ROI. Sometimes you just need the right branding, copywriting, and funnel to make sales. For a limited time, we're including a sales page FREE (valued at $500+) when you become a member.
Leverage Email Marketing
Build an email list of potential customers by offering free resources related to your course topic. Send valuable content consistently and promote your CEU offering to this engaged audience. Email remains one of the highest-converting marketing channels.
Utilize Social Media Strategically
Share valuable content on platforms where BCBAs gather, particularly LinkedIn and Facebook groups focused on behavior analysis. Provide genuinely helpful tips and insights that establish your expertise while naturally leading people to learn about your paid course.
Create Content Marketing
Develop blog posts, podcast episodes, YouTube videos, or infographics related to your CEU topic. This content attracts potential customers through search engines and social sharing while demonstrating your knowledge and teaching ability.
Network Within the BCBA Community
Attend conferences, participate in online forums, guest on podcasts, and collaborate with other professionals in the field. Personal connections and word-of-mouth referrals are powerful drivers of CEU course sales.
Step 8: Launch and Promote Your CEU Course
When your course is ready, execute a strategic launch that generates momentum and initial sales.
Build Pre-Launch Anticipation
Before your official launch date, create excitement by sharing behind-the-scenes content, previewing course materials, and offering early-bird discounts to your email list. Consider a founding member special price for the first group of buyers.
Coordinate a Launch Campaign
Plan a concentrated marketing push around your launch date with coordinated social media posts, email announcements, and promotional partnerships. Create urgency with limited-time bonuses or discounts.
Gather and Showcase Testimonials
Offer your course at a reduced rate or free to a small group of beta testers in exchange for detailed feedback and testimonials. Use these reviews prominently in your marketing materials to build social proof.
Step 9: Deliver an Exceptional Learning Experience
Your course delivery and student experience directly impact satisfaction, refunds, testimonials, and future sales.
Provide Clear Instructions and Expectations
From the moment someone purchases your course, communicate clearly about how to access materials, complete requirements, and obtain their CEU certificate. Remove any confusion or friction from the process.
Be Responsive and Supportive
Answer participant questions promptly and helpfully. Your accessibility and support enhance perceived value.
Request Feedback Actively
Survey participants about their experience and what would make the course even better. Use this feedback to refine your content and delivery for future cohorts. People appreciate being asked for input and it's the best data you can have to continue improving.
Follow Up After Course Completion
Send follow-up resources, check in on implementation, and maintain the relationship with past participants. These satisfied customers become your best source of referrals and repeat business for future offerings.
Step 10: Scale and Grow Your CEU Business
Once you've successfully launched your first CEU course, consider strategies to expand your impact and income.
Develop a Course Series
Create multiple related courses that progress from foundational to advanced levels or cover different aspects of a broader topic area. Students who complete one course become natural buyers for the next.
Add Coaching or Consultation Options
Offer premium services where participants can get personalized guidance on implementing course concepts in their specific situations. This high-ticket offering maximizes revenue from your most engaged students.
Create Corporate Training Packages
Develop versions of your course designed for agencies and organizations to train multiple staff members. Offer volume discounts and customization options to land larger contracts.
Build Passive Income Streams
Once your on-demand courses are created, they can generate income with minimal ongoing effort. Focus on driving traffic to your courses through evergreen marketing content and paid advertising.
Expand Your Brand
Use your CEU courses as a platform to launch related products and services such as books, consulting, speaking engagements, or resources. Your reputation as an educator opens doors to multiple revenue streams.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
As you build your CEU business, maintain the highest professional and ethical standards.
Comply with BACB Requirements
Follow all BACB rules for CEU providers including record-keeping, certificate issuance, and reporting. Stay current with any changes to continuing education requirements or provider standards.
Represent Your Credentials Accurately
Be truthful about your qualifications, experience, and the evidence base for your course content. Never overstate the benefits or outcomes participants can expect.
Protect Participant Information
Implement appropriate privacy and data security measures for student information. Clearly communicate your privacy policy and handle sensitive information responsibly.
Manage Conflicts of Interest
Disclose any financial relationships, product endorsements, or other conflicts of interest that could influence your course content. Maintain objectivity in your teaching.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from others' mistakes can save you time and frustration as you build your CEU business.
Creating Courses Nobody Wants
Don't develop a course just because you find the topic interesting. Validate market demand before investing significant time in course creation.
Underpricing Your Expertise
Many first-time course creators charge too little, devaluing their expertise and making it harder to be profitable. Price based on the value you deliver, not just your costs or market minimums. The only exception to this is if you're building your audience and want to attract as many dream clients as possible to build momentum.
Neglecting Marketing
Building a great course is only half the battle. Plan to invest at least as much time in marketing as you did in course creation, especially in the first year.
Overcomplicating Content
Resist the urge to include everything you know about a topic. Focus on the most actionable, valuable information that achieves your learning objectives. More content doesn't always mean more value. We talk all about how to synthesize your expertise at our CEU Builder workshop.
Ignoring Feedback
Pay attention to what participants tell you about their experience. Continuously improve your course based on real user feedback rather than assumptions about what they need.
Your Action Plan: Getting Started Today
Creating and selling CEUs as a BCBA is an achievable goal that can significantly expand your professional impact and income. Start with these immediate action steps:
Identify three potential course topics where your expertise meets market demand
Research what existing CEU courses are offered in these areas and at what price points
Survey 10-20 BCBAs about their continuing education needs and interests
Decide whether to partner with an approved provider or pursue your own approval
Select your first course topic and outline the key learning objectives
Block time in your calendar specifically for course development over the next 30 days
Begin creating your course outline and initial content
Start building your email list by offering free resources related to your topic
The key is to start now rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Your unique experience and perspective have value that other BCBAs need. By following this step-by-step process, you can create a high-quality CEU course that serves the field while building a meaningful additional income stream.
The field of behavior analysis needs more quality continuing education from experienced practitioners like you. What will your first CEU course teach?
Have Questions?
We address every single one at our CEU Builder Workshop: How to Create & Sell CEUs for BCBAs. Register now and email your questions to [email protected]!
