I am a Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC). Can I count my mandatory continuing education courses by an approved provider as an education expense?

[xikipilli]

These are not university courses, but are approved by a national provider. State and national licenses require them to maintain a license and for professional development. I took these CE courses to maintain my license and improve skills in my profession, which I worked in all year.

[MaryK1]

No, for purposes of the lifetime learning credit, qualified education expenses are tuition and certain related expenses required for enrollment in a course at an eligible educational institution. The course must be either part of a postsecondary degree program or taken by the student to acquire or improve job skills.  

You may be able to deduct as a Job Related Expense.