Behind on California CE? Here's a Realistic Plan to Catch Up

CE deadline creeping up on you? You’re not alone. Plenty of licensed agents find themselves in a last-minute dash to finish their continuing education. But the good news? You don’t have to panic or pull an all-nighter.

Here’s a clear, doable plan to get back on track (without derailing your workday or weekend). Let’s go.

Step 1: Assess your CE status

Start with a quick CE status check. Head to your state licensing board’s website and confirm:

• How many CE hours do you need

• Which topics are required (Ethics? State-specific? Flood or LTC?)

• When your renewal deadline hits

Don’t guess. Don’t assume. The fastest path forward starts with facts.

Step 2: Set a realistic time budget

Now that you know what you need to accomplish, it's time to figure out how to fit CE into your already-packed schedule. The good news? You don't need to block off entire days or weekends to accomplish it.

You don’t need to binge study. You just need a rhythm.

Try this: 30–60 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

That adds up fast, 15 hours in three weeks. That’s most of your CE done without sacrificing client calls or dinner plans.

Block time on your calendar. Treat it like a meeting with your future (compliant) self.

Step 3: Prioritize the right courses

When you’re short on time, strategy matters.

• Start with Ethics + State Requirements. These are usually short, straightforward, and required. Get them done early.

• Pick topics that actually interest you. Sell life insurance? Take a course on beneficiaries or annuities. Your brain will thank you.

• Not sure what to prioritize? Skim the latest Insurance Journal articles to see what’s trending, then align your CE hours with the topics that matter most right now.

• Look for bundled CE packages. Especially if you need 24 hours or more — bundling = less clicking, more cruising.

Step 4: Maximize your study sessions

Make your study time count:

• Silence notifications. Close extra tabs. Go full screen.

• Use interactive features like practice quizzes; they make everything stick better.

• Take notes, jot questions, or do quick summaries to reinforce what you learn.

Need help? Our team is just a click away.

Step 5: Celebrate your progress

Checking CE off your list feels good. Keep that momentum going:

• Make a checklist of your required hours and cross things off.

• Treat yourself when you finish a course. (Coffee break? Victory dance?)

• Remind yourself why you’re doing this to stay licensed, serve clients, and continue building your career.

You've got this!

Remember, falling behind on CE is a common challenge for even the most experienced agents. What matters now is that you're taking proactive steps to get back on track, and with this realistic plan in hand, you're well on your way.

So take a deep breath, log in to your Aceable Insurance account, and knock out that next course. You'll be CE compliant before you know it!