The difference between an Online Interactive CE Course and a Home-Study Course includes the following: If you submit a completed course/exam to the CE provider via regular mail, then you have taken a home-study course. If the course/exam is completed and submitted online, then the hours are approved as an online interactive CE course. Many state boards, such as the California Board of Behavioral Services, allow all required continuing education to be earned from online interactive continuing education courses. Check with your respective board to determine the amount of hours/units that are permitted online.