Student next to CDL truck.

Continuing Education

The NMU Continuing Education and Workforce Development office provides opportunities for continuing your education in the areas of commercial driver's license (CDL), Real Estate Appraisal, school bus drivers, motorcycle safety, social work, test preparation, online certifications, online cannabis studies, and more. CEWD offers online and in-person training and testing opportunities.

Programs Offered

NMU offers Real Estate Appraiser continuing education courses that are in person at convenient Grand Rapids and Lansing locations.  These courses are relevant, of high quality and affordable.

APPRAISAL

2026 Schedule will be out in February 2026

NMU is the state-approved School Bus Driver Training Agency for the central and western Upper Peninsula. The purpose of school bus safety instruction is to promote safe, efficient pupil transportation programs, using Michigan Department of Education approved curriculum.

BUS DRIVER SAFETY

See the schedule for a complete listing of classes.

NMU's Truck Driving School offers comprehensive CDL A, B, and School Bus training. For more information about these programs please follow the link below:

CDL - NMU TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL 


 

Become Certified in Sugaring with NMU Cosmetology! 

Join Northern Michigan University’s Cosmetology School for a 3-Day Sugaring Certification Training led by instructor Michelle Whitaker. This hands-on training follows The Kennedy Theory of Sugaring and includes a full sugar training kit.

Dates: January 5, 6 & 7, 2026
Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: NMU Cosmetology Department, Northern Center
Cost: $450 (includes kit)

Requirements: Must be a licensed cosmetologist and provide proof of license by the first day.

Register today for this exciting opportunity! This class has limited seats and will sell out, so reserve your spot today! 
 

Questions?
Michelle Whitaker
mihendri@nmu.edu
(906) 227-2383

For any questions or concerns please contact us at 906-227-2103 or conteduc@nmu.edu.

If you can't find what you're looking for among our current programs, reach out to us to explore our customized training options. Through the combined expertise of our staff and our extensive list of internal and external partners, we customize training opportunities to advance the knowledge and skills of your employees. 

Working with you, we will:

  • Conduct a needs assessment to identify issues, gaps in skills, and opportunities to improve performance
  • Determine a training budget
  • Research and secure a subject matter expert/instructor
  • Develop training content in collaboration with the instructor
  • Determine the best possible training delivery and location (virtual, in-person or self-paced online)

Customized Training Examples

  • Supervisor Training
  • Management and Leadership Training
  • Microsoft Suite Training (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Publisher)


 

As a certified GED Testing Center, we provide a supportive environment for individuals seeking to take their GED tests. Whether you're aiming to advance your career, pursue higher education, or fulfill personal goals, our center offers a convenient and professional setting for your testing needs.

For more information on GED testing or to register please visit www.GED.com

If you have any additional questions or concerns please contact us at 906-227-2103 

The Michigan Learning Channel is a relatively new statewide program from Michigan's PBS stations that offers high-quality distance learning resources to students, teachers, and families. This course will introduce the programming and content available on the platform, demonstrate how to accesses resources via television and on the website, and share MLC's plans to support learning initiatives throughout the school year, especially during out of school hours. 

The on-demand course is self-paced. You can register for it and complete it whenever is convenient for you. You will receive your SCECHs when you complete the course. 

https://wnmutv.nmu.edu/education/michigan-learning-channel/

The course is approved for 1.5 SCECH hours and is $25.00 to attend. To register call (906)227-2103 today or email a completed registration form to conteduc@nmu.edu. 

With the popularity of motorcycle riding on the increase statewide and across the country this program offers riders of all skill levels some of the most comprehensive training available anywhere. All of our instructors are MSF certified rider coaches in addition to being experienced avid riders.

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

2026 Motorcycle Schedule will be available by the end of February 2026. 

Cannabis skills are in demand. The cannabis industry is creating thousands of exciting career opportunities in Michigan, and nationally, yet a significant shortage of qualified professionals exists. NMU now offers the highest quality non-credit university certificates with focused instruction from top experts in the cannabis industry.

Click here for more details on Cannabis Studies.

Whether you are looking to expand your skillset, earn professional credits, or learn something new, our online professional development courses and certificates pair perfectly with a busy schedule. Courses are self-paced and online, accessible from anywhere, and available on mobile. 

Click here for a list of available courses.

We are thrilled to announce that we are now officially a Pearson Vue Certified Testing Center! This designation signifies our commitment to providing secure and reliable testing services in partnership with Pearson Vue, a global leader in computer-based testing solutions.

As a Pearson Vue Certified Testing Center, we offer a wide range of certification and licensure exams across various industries, including IT, healthcare, finance, and more. This certification ensures that our testing environment meets Pearson Vue's rigorous standards for security, convenience, and accessibility.

To register for your test please click here

For any questions or concerns please contact us at 906-227-2103 or conteduc@nmu.edu

Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) provides quality courses that address contemporary issues that social workers face today. CEWD is dedicated to helping social workers meet their professional development and continuing education needs. 


Training Opportunities:

Child Welfare Training: 

  1. Transforming Hearts & Minds Through Racial Equity & Cultural Diversity in Child Welfare Systems
    Friday, November 14, 2025 • Program 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM (ET); In Person at NMU
     
  2. Skill Building: Understanding & Recognizing Compassion Fatigue in the Workplace
    Thursday, February 5, 2026 • Program 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM (ET); Zoom 

Free for students and $40 for non MDHHS folks.

The training is designed for social workers and others who work with diverse populations facing various challenges such as child protection, foster care/adoption, domestic violence, mental health issues, addiction, disabilities, and more. It aims to enhance understanding of common challenges like secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, burnout, and working with diverse populations. Participants will explore the latest research and practice self-care techniques to improve their wellbeing. The webinar also provides a safe space to address relationship issues with supervisors, colleagues, clients, and families, emphasizing the importance of building trusting and respectful relationships for a positive workplace environment.

Register Here

Ethics and Pain Management

See you in 2026.  If you would like to be on our email list, email conteduc@nmu.edu.