Continuing Professional Education

When is the Bloom Catalog available and how can I access it?

The Bloom Catalog is released twice a year and is available exclusively online at www.ssw.umaryland.edu/cpe. The Spring catalog is published in December, with workshops running January through July. The Fall catalog is released in July, covering workshops from August through December.  

Who are you authorized by?

While most licensing boards (Social Work, Professional Counselors and Psychologists) accept CE credits provided by Accredited Schools/Colleges of Social Work, licensees are responsible for determining whether specific courses meet their jurisdiction's requirements. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. 
 

The Office of Continuing Professional Education is also approved by the following organizations:

• Maryland Board of Social Worker Examiners (BSWE)
• Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
• Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists (and many others)
• DC Department of Health: Professional Counseling and Social Work
• Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) Program, Provider number 1611, which is accepted by most States and Provinces. Click here to see the map*

* Not every course is approved by each organization. It is the responsibility of the participant to check the approval statement on the website to determine which CE approvals are being offered for each course.

What Code of Conduct does CPE follow, and how can I uphold it during workshops?

CPE adheres to the NASW Code of Ethics and the University of Maryland, Baltimore Code of Conduct to ensure a respectful, professional, and productive learning environment for all participants. Attendees are expected to demonstrate professionalism by maintaining confidentiality, engaging respectfully, and contributing positively to the group dynamic.

Disruptive behavior that interferes with learning, disrespects others, or compromises the integrity of the program will not be tolerated.

Instructors and CPE staff reserve the right to dismiss participants who violate ethical or professional standards. In such cases, continuing education credits (CEs) will be adjusted to reflect only the time attended, unless otherwise specified.

Do we offer ADA Accommodations? 

We do! If you are requesting ADA accommodations, please contact us via email at least four (4) weeks prior to the course date. Requests after that date may not be fulfilled. 

How do I contact CPE? 

For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodation, please call 410.706.1839 or email us at cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu.  

For financial questions or concerns, please call: 410.706.5040. 

How do I purchase a workshop? 

Create a CPE account HERE. After creating an account, you will be able to register and pay online. We accept Visa and Mastercard. 

* We no longer accept personal checks. All personal checks will be returned.

We highly recommend online registration. However, if that is not an option, we accept cashier checks and money orders. Please contact our office if you are unable to register online at cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu or 410.706.1839.

What if my job is paying? 

There are multiple ways for your employer to pay the registration fee.  

• Online (Recommended) 

• The purchaser can create a CPE account and purchase workshops on behalf of other people.  

• Agency Check  

• The purchaser will need to complete a registration form and mail it along with the check. Contact CPE to access the registration form.  

If your employer needs additional information, please call 410.706.1839 or email cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu. 

Can I register late? 

Early registration is encouraged.  The registration deadline is two (2) weeks prior to the workshop(s). After the deadline, a non-refundable $20.00 fee will be added to the base cost of each workshop. 

You can still register up to 15 minutes after the workshop starts, however:

• Workshops approved by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE), your CE certificate will be adjusted in ½ hour increments based on your arrival time.
• Workshops approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) CE credit cannot be granted or adjusted for late arrivals—no exceptions.

Are there any workshops that are non-refundable? 

Yes. The following workshop categories are non-refundable and not eligible for CPE account credit or exchanges:

• On Demand Content
• Specials Offers

• Certificate Programs
• Intensive Programs

What if I registered but can’t attend the workshop? 

You may cancel your registration by emailing us (cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu) at least 24 hours prior to the start of the workshop. After this period, we are unable to offer refunds, CPE account credit, or transfers. Late fees are non-refundable. This policy also applies to multiday workshops—we do not offer partial refunds for any missed sessions.

If eligible, below are your options:

• Option 1 - You can have the base price credited to your CPE account for future use.
  • The credit is valid for one (1) year from the issue date. However, should a credit go unused, the credit is forfeited by the registrant.
  • Once a credit is issued, monetary refunds are no longer available.

• Option 2 - We can refund the base price of registration (minus a  $35 administrative fee) to the original payment method.

After 90 days from the purchase date, refunds can only be provided in the form of a workshop credit.

What if the workshop is cancelled? 

The Office of Continuing Professional Education may cancel workshops that are undersubscribed, and you will be notified by email.  

If you do not receive any email from us before your workshop, please call us at 410.706.1839 or email us at cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu.  

If a workshop is cancelled, you may request either a CPE account credit, or a full refund. The email you receive will include instructions on how to proceed. If we do not receive your preference, the amount will automatically be applied as a CPE account credit.

CPE account credits are valid for one (1) year from the issue date and if a credit goes unused, it will be forfeited.  Once a credit is issued, monetary refunds are no longer available. 

How do I redeem a CPE account credit? 

Paid workshop fees are placed in your CPE account, which can be applied at a later date. Once your credit is issued, it will be available in your CPE account. A new tab labeled Wallet will appear in your account.   

To use the account credit: 

When you're ready to make a purchase, go to Step 4 of the payment process—Confirm Cart and Payment. There, you'll see Credit Letters in bold. Just below that, you’ll see your name and your available credit balance. To apply your credit, click the Apply Credit Letters button under your name.

Please note the expiration date as they cannot be extended in the system. 

Are there any discounts? 

We offer 10% discounts off the base price to: 

• Individuals 65+ with valid I.D. 

• Current UMSSW Faculty, Staff, and Practicum Instructors with confirmation of role. 

We offer 50% discounts off the base price to:

• Current UMSSW and UMBC Bachelor and Master Level Social Work Students with valid I.D.

To redeem a discount, please submit your request to cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu no less than three (3) business days prior to the workshop start date.  

Discounts are not retroactive and do not apply to the non-refundable late fee. 

These items are excluded from ALL discount promotions:

• On Demand Content
• Specials Offers
• Certificate Programs
• Intensive Programs

Do you offer gifts cards? 

No, but we do offer CPE Flex Funds. If you are interested in purchasing CPE Flex Funds for yourself or others, please submit your request HERE.

After the request has been received, the amount will be placed in the participant’s CPE account Wallet, within five (5) business days. Once payment is submitted, funds are non-refundable.

For requests over $1,000 please contact our office at cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu.

Do CPE Flex Funds expire?

Yes, CE Flex Funds expire one (1) year from the issuance date. After this period, participants will be required to pay a $25 reactivation fee to access any remaining balance. Reactivated funds will then expire six (6) months from the reissued date.

How do I redeem my CE Flex Funds?

When you're ready to use your CPE Flex Funds, go to Step 4 of the payment process—Confirm Cart and Payment. There, you'll see Credit Letters in bold. Just below that, you’ll see your name and your available credit balance. To apply your credit, click the Apply Credit Letters button under your name.

Once CPE Flex Funds are used to purchase a workshop, the standard cancellation policy will apply.

What is the Wallet?

The Wallet is designed to simplify how you manage any funds you have with us. Whether it's a refund from a cancelled workshop or purchased CPE Flex Funds, you can quickly access and use your funds whenever you're ready.

This centralized system helps you stay organized and ensures you never miss the chance to use your funds before they expire. Think of your Wallet as your personal account hub where you can track and redeem future learning experiences—keeping everything in one place for your convenience.

How do I contact CPE? 

For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodation, please call 410.706.1839 or email us at cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu.  

For financial questions or concerns, please call: 410.706.5040.

Are webinars live?

Most of our webinars are live and interactive. If they are pre-recorded (On Demand), we will provide that information before registration.

You should treat the live and interactive webinars as if you are attending an in-person course in a classroom setting, which means Live Interactive Webinars require proper classroom etiquette. The instructor will always require your participation and attention.

Please note that we do not record our webinars.

What is the difference between Live Interactive Webinars, Live Webinars, and On Demand?

• Live Interactive Webinars are Category I CEs in Maryland. Live Interactive Webinars are equivalent to face-to-face workshops and meet Maryland BSWEs standards.  
• Live Webinars are Category II CEs in Maryland. Live Webinars participants only see the instructor and communicate through the Q&A and chat features.  
• On Demand videos are Category II CEs in Maryland. On Demand are recordings from previous live webinars. You can view on demand content at your own pace. After viewing the recording, you will need to pass a quiz to access your CE’s. (Please see #6 for more information about On Demand). 

How long do I have access to On Demand workshops? 

Once an On Demand workshop is purchased, you will have 30 days from the date of purchase to access the recording and complete the quiz. After 30 days, access will expire, and the workshop will need to be re-purchased if you wish to complete it.

On Demand content is NON-REFUNDABLE and not eligible for CPE account credit or exchanges.

How do I access my webinars?

If you're registered for a webinar, you must join through your CPE account, and click the GREEN ‘Launch Webinar’ button. This ensures your attendance is recorded properly, and you won’t run into any issues accessing your evaluation or certificate.

Zoom links will not be sent by email. The webinar can only be accessed through your CPE account. Please keep your login credentials and access links confidential and do not share them with others.

How do I get the materials for the workshop? 

Our office is paperless! Workshop materials will be uploaded to your CPE account 24 hours before the start of the workshop. If handouts are available for the workshop, you will click the BLUE 'Handouts' button. 

We will NO longer have copies available for purchase.   

How do I receive my CEs at the end of the webinar? 

First, you MUST log into your CPE account and click the GREEN 'Launch Webinar'  button specific to the workshop. This starts tracking your attendance. If you do not log on through your account, your attendance will not be tracked.

CE certificates will be made available to all participants who attend the webinar in full, and complete the evaluation found in their CPE account. The evaluation can be accessed by clicking the ORANGE 'Certificate’ button in your account.

Failure to perform each step may result in a participant’s inability to receive CE credit.

Evaluations will be available for one (1) week after the workshop has ended. After one (1) week, participants will no longer have access to the evaluation and will have to contact CPE about reactivation. There will be a reactivation fee of $25 per workshop. 

• If you are located outside of the DMV area and require an ASWB certificate, please contact our department by email at cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu.
• ASWB credit is not available for all workshops. Please refer to the CE statement on the specific workshop for details.

What if I am running late to join the webinar or have to leave the webinar early?

According to ASWB ACE standards, full attendance is required to receive CE certificate. Therefore, if you arrive late or leave the webinar early, you will not receive a CE certificate; partial credit is not offered for any of The Office of Continuing Professional Education workshops or webinars.

If you've never attended one of our webinars before, we recommend logging in at least 15 minutes early to get set up. Even if you're familiar with the process, it's a good idea to join a few minutes early to make sure everything is working smoothly, and you can log in without any issues.

What if I am having technical difficulties during the webinar?

If you have technical difficulties during the webinar, do not notify the instructor of these issues. CPE staff monitors each webinar; please notify CPE as soon as possible. There are multiple ways you can contact us during a webinar:

• Private message CPE staff in the webinar.
• Email: cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu
• Phone: 410.706.1839
• Technical Support: umbsswsupport@ce21.com
• Technical Support: 877.602.9877 

What if I get kicked out of a webinar and cannot get back in?

While we do our best to prevent disruptions, there are instances where you may be removed from the webinar due to inactivity—such as not joining breakout groups or not participating in the chat.

Using a phone to attend may increase the risk of losing access to the webinar; we strongly recommend joining from a computer. Please note that a call-in option is not available.

If you are disconnected, you can rejoin the webinar through your CPE account by clicking 'Launch Webinar.'Please note that you are only given a short window to sign back in. Failure to return promptly may result in not receiving CE credit.

Which platforms does CPE use to host webinars?

Our office hosts live, interactive webinars via Zoom, a high-quality and user-friendly platform for our participants. Please note that Zoom links will not be distributed via email; participants must access the webinar through their CPE account.

System Requirements:

• Operating Systems: Windows XP or higher; MacOS 9 or higher; Android 4.0 or higher.
• Internet Browser: Google Chrome; Firefox 10.0 or higher.

Our system is not compatible with the Safari web browser.

• Broadband Internet Connection: Cable, High-speed DSL and any other medium that is internet accessible.

** To avoid interruptions, ensure your device remains charged throughout the webinar.

What specific equipment do I need to attend the webinar?

The specific equipment that is essential to participating in a webinar is the following: a working computer with working speakers and a microphone. Headphones would provide you with the best quality audio experience to listen to the instructor’s lectures.

Using a phone to attend may increase the risk of losing access to the webinar, we strongly recommend joining from a computer. Please note that a call-in option is not available.

In addition, we suggest joining the webinar a few minutes early to make sure everything works, and you can log on without any issues.

We also recommend keeping your device plugged in and charging throughout the webinar to avoid losing power midway. If your device does shut down, don’t worry—you can rejoin the webinar. Just be sure to let the Webinar Assistant know what happened.

Do we offer ADA Accommodations? 

We do! If you are requesting ADA accommodations, please contact us via email at least four (4) weeks prior to the course date. Requests after that date may not be fulfilled. 

Instructors and CPE staff reserve the right to dismiss participants who violate ethical or professional standards. In such cases, continuing education credits (CEs) will be adjusted to reflect only the time attended, unless otherwise specified.

For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodation, please call: 410.706.1839. 

How do I know where the workshop is located?

All our workshops are accompanied by a number (excluding some specials). That number is also accompanied by letters that represent the workshop’s location. These letters are:

• B for Baltimore
• SG for Shady Grove Campus
• HC for Howard County
• DC for the District of Columbia  

The location is also listed on the website and in the workshop description in the Bloom Catalog. If there are NO letters behind the number, that means that the workshop is VIRTUAL.

Is parking available?

Yes. Parking is available at all our locations. Below are some options for parking at each of our locations.

• Baltimore: Price varies. A list of Baltimore parking garages can be found here.
• Howard County: Free parking in front of the building.
• Shady Grove: Price varies. More information about Shady Grove parking can be found here.

What if I want a hard copy of the handouts and do not have access to a printer?

Our office is paperless! Workshop materials will be uploaded to your CPE account 24 hours before the start of the workshop. If handouts are available for the workshop, you will click the BLUE 'Handouts' button. 

We will NO longer have copies available for purchase.   

When I arrive, do I need to sign in? What about when I leave?

When you arrive at the workshop location, please sign in at the registration table.

You MUST sign in and sign out to receive your full CEs. If you do not sign out, your CEs will be adjusted.

What happens if I’m running late for an in-person workshop?

Take a deep breath and arrive safely—you do not need to call us if you're running late. Please note that you are officially considered late if you arrive after the scheduled start time of the workshop. As soon as you arrive, sign in with the workshop monitor, don’t wait.

• Workshops approved by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE), your CE certificate will be adjusted in ½ hour increments based on your arrival time.
• Workshops approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); CE credit cannot be granted or adjusted for late arrivals—no exceptions.

What happens if I need to leave early or have an emergency during an in-person workshop?

If you need to leave early, please tell the workshop monitor as you MUST sign in and sign out.  Please do not tell the workshop instructor.

• Workshops approved by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE), your CE certificate will be adjusted in ½ hour increments based on your arrival time.
• Workshops approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), CE credit cannot be granted or adjusted for late arrivals—no exceptions.

How do I receive my CE certificate?

Each participant MUST sign in and out of the workshop. If you do not sign out, your CE’s will be adjusted (this only applies to workshops approved by BSWE). CPE staff will assume you left during the last break.

Evaluations and certificates will be available within five (5) business days in your CPE account. Click the ORANGE 'Certificate’ button for the workshop you attended to access the evaluation. Then you will have an option to download, print, or email your certificate.

Please note: As long as you have access to your CPE account, you will be able to access all your workshop certificates offered by CPE.

Do we offer ADA Accommodations? 

We do! If you are requesting ADA accommodations, please contact us via email at least four (4) weeks prior to the course date. Requests after that date may not be fulfilled. 

Instructors and CPE staff reserve the right to dismiss participants who violate ethical or professional standards. In such cases, continuing education credits (CEs) will be adjusted to reflect only the time attended, unless otherwise specified.

For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodation, please call: 410.706.1839.

What do I do if I have a complaint/grievance? 

We take all comments and/or complaints seriously. If there is a concern, please notify us by email as soon as possible. While refunds are not guaranteed, refunds or credits will not be issued for partially or fully attended workshops. The Office of Continuing Professional Education team is available by email: cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu. If the response to a complaint is unfavorable, please see our grievance policy. 

For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodation, please call: 410.706.1839. 

For financial questions or concerns, please call: 410.706.1839. 

The Office of Continuing Professional Education is approved by the following licensing boards: 

• Maryland Board of Social Worker Examiners (BSWE)
• Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
• Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists 
• DC Department of Health: Professional Counseling and Social Work
• Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) Program, Provider number 1611, which is accepted by most States and Provinces.