Are Webinars Considered Live CE? Discover the Truth Now

Are webinars considered live CE? This is one of the most common questions among professionals who need to fulfill their continuing education (CE) requirements. With the rise of virtual events and remote work, many learners wonder if attending a live webinar is equivalent to attending an in-person session.

This post gives you a clear, direct answer backed by real guidelines. We’ll also explore the types of webinars that qualify as live CE and which do not. If you want your CE credits to be accepted by licensing boards, read on.

What Is Considered “Live” Continuing Education (CE)?

Before answering whether webinars are considered live CE, it’s essential to understand what qualifies as live CE in general.

Live CE typically involves:

• Real-time delivery (not pre-recorded),

• Interaction with the instructor,

• Verifiable attendance.

Traditionally, this meant sitting in a classroom or seminar room. However, many organizations now accept virtual formats—if they meet the same interactive and real-time standards.

So, Are Webinars Considered Live CE?

Yes, webinars are considered live CE—but only if they meet the criteria for real-time engagement. Simply watching a pre-recorded video does not qualify. However, attending a scheduled webinar where you can ask questions, interact with the host, and verify your presence can count as live continuing education.

Why It Matters

CE credits are mandatory in industries like healthcare, law, finance, and insurance. If your session doesn’t meet your board’s definition of live CE, your time (and money) could be wasted.

Types of Webinars That Count as Live CE

1. Real-Time Interactive Webinars

These webinars are streamed live, often via platforms like Zoom, Webex, or Microsoft Teams. You join at a specific time and can:

• Ask questions via chat or voice,

• Participate in polls,

• Engage with peers or instructors.

This format is typically approved as live CE by boards like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) regulators.

2. Moderated Live Broadcasts

Some webinars are technically pre-recorded but include a live moderator or presenter for Q&A. These may be accepted if there’s live interaction, so always confirm with your accrediting body.

3. Verified Attendance Webinars

These sessions require check-ins or verification through:

• Pop-up prompts during the session,

• End-of-session quizzes,

• Certificates with timestamps.

These mechanisms ensure your participation and are often required for live CE credit.

When Webinars Don’t Qualify as Live CE

Here’s when the answer to “are webinars considered live CE?” is no:

• On-demand or self-paced webinars, where no interaction is possible,

• Webinars without Q&A or engagement tools,

• Sessions without attendance tracking or certificates.

Even if the content is great, your board may classify it as distance learning or self-study, which often has limited credit allowances.

What Do Professional Boards Say?

Healthcare Boards

Healthcare licensing bodies have embraced webinars for live CE. For instance, the ACCME allows live webinars with audience interaction to count toward live CME (continuing medical education).

Legal Boards

Many CLE regulators, including the California State Bar and New York CLE Board, accept interactive webinars as equivalent to live, in-person CLE hours.

Insurance & Finance

Bodies like FINRA and state insurance commissions also accept live webinars with verified participation for CE.

You can refer to NAIC’s consumer education hub for updated guidance across insurance-related CE compliance.

How to Ensure Your Webinar Counts as Live CE

Before signing up, make sure the provider or event clearly meets these three conditions:

1. Live, scheduled broadcast

2. Interactive features like Q&A or polls

3. Proof of attendance, such as certificates or login records

If in doubt, reach out to the provider or check with your licensing board.

The Role of Technology in Defining “Live”

The pandemic reshaped learning. CE boards had to modernize quickly, allowing for real-time digital experiences. Now, webinars are not only accepted—they’re encouraged in many industries. The key is maintaining engagement and accountability, just like in-person sessions.

Summary: Are Webinars Considered Live CE?

Let’s end with a direct answer to the main question:
Yes, webinars are considered live CE—if they are held in real time, offer interaction, and include attendance verification.

Don’t assume all webinars qualify. Check the format, accreditation, and features before registering.

At LiveCastHub, we specialize in hosting fully compliant, interactive webinars designed to meet the live CE requirements for multiple professions. If you’re looking for a trusted partner in your professional learning journey, we’re here to help.