What It Is
Licensed fields (like law, accounting, real estate, healthcare) require practitioners to complete continuing education (CE) credits. If you're qualified to teach these topics, you can earn money as a CE speaker at conferences, webinars, or local chapter meetings while helping fellow professionals maintain their credentials.
How the Monetization Works
Event organizers and professional associations compensate CE speakers through:
- Session fees ($500-$2,000+ based on length)
- Hourly rates for approved content
- Travel and accommodation coverage
- Recurring opportunities as topics evolve
The more timely and relevant your content (such as new regulations or emerging best practices), the higher fees you can command. Organizations value speakers who can deliver engaging sessions that satisfy strict accreditation requirements.
Example
Lawline offers online CLE (Continuing Legal Education) courses where lawyers, judges, and legal experts deliver sessions that fulfill mandatory credit requirements. Presenters receive payment based on session length and popularity, with top speakers developing multiple courses. Similarly, local bar associations pay in-person speakers for half-day or full-day seminars that combine educational value with practical application.
Practical Steps to Get Started
- Obtain Accreditation: Ensure your materials meet specific CE requirements for your industry.
- Focus on High-Demand Topics: Develop content on areas facing significant changes or challenges.
- Partner with Associations: Connect with professional organizations regularly hosting CE events.
- Build a Diverse Curriculum: Create multiple offerings to maximize booking potential.
Key Takeaways
Paid CE speaking leverages your specialized knowledge to help peers maintain their professional standing while creating a reliable revenue stream. As you build a reputation for delivering valuable, compliant sessions, you'll enjoy consistent demand, repeat bookings, and the satisfaction of keeping practitioners at the forefront of their fields.
Further Reading & Resources
- Lawline – CLE provider working with legal experts as paid instructors
- Becker Professional Education – Known for CPA/CPE training with specialized speakers
- CE Zoom – Healthcare CE aggregator featuring potential speaking opportunities
