Navigating continuing-education requirements is challenging enough without overspending. You need CE courses that are high-quality, relevant to your practice, and, most importantly, approved by the ASWB or your state board.
Below is a verified list of free CE courses for social workers — ASWB-approved or state-recognized — to help you earn credits toward renewal without paying a dime.
Verified Sources for Free Social Work CE Credits
These providers offer free ASWB-approved or state-recognized courses, whether as part of a university program, a non-profit initiative, or a high-value free trial.
- SWTP CEUs (us!) Continuing education by social workers, for social workers from the team at Social Work Test Prep. ASWB ACE-approved provider. Affordable, fast, practical courses. Start with the Free Digital Ethics in Social Work Practice course
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW-CA EmpowerEd) The California chapter of the NASW (a non-profit professional association) often provides a listing of free courses covering critical topics. Many may apply to CA only–always verify state-specific acceptance. Explore Free NASW-CA Courses
- Agents of Change Continuing Education: Innovative & Relevant Agents of Change provides several a free CE course–possibly a little outdated–ChatGPT and AI for Social Workers.
- CEU Academy: Video-Based Learning Trial CEU Academy offers one free CEU course, allowing you to experience their video-based learning format. They cover a broad spectrum of social work and healthcare topics. Try CEU Academy’s Free CEU
💡 Quick Tip: Earn your next CE instantly → Start Free Ethics Course at SWTP CEUs
- Think Cultural Health (HHS.gov): Fulfilling Cultural Competency This resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers free online training–”Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals.” An excellent way to meet mandatory cultural competency requirements. Access Think Cultural Health Behavioral Health Training
- National Kidney Foundation: Social Work in Chronic Illness Offers courses focused on kidney disease, patient support, and the crucial social determinants of health in chronic illness. Essential for social workers in healthcare settings. Check specific course details in their professional education catalog. Try Community Healthcare Worker Training for Kidney Disease
- AATBS (Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences) Offers a small selection of free CE courses, focusing on clinical topics such as mindfulness research or collective trauma. A great way to sample their quality. Find AATBS Free CE Courses
- CE4Less CE4Less offers one course for free: “Ethics and Boundary Issues.” Helps you meet essential ethics requirements without cost. Free Ethics Course
- Continued.com Continued.com often provides a promotion for a single free course to try their platform. Look for a promo code like 1FREECOURSE at checkout. Get Your Free Continued Social Work Course
- Therapy Trainings Therapy Trainings offers a unique free CE access program for new graduates (within 6 months of graduation–usually before you need CEs!). If you’re fresh out of your program, this may be useful. Learn About Therapy Trainings Free CEUs for Grads
Need more?
While these free options are great, they won’t get you all the way to renewal. When you’re ready for fast, affordable, and instantly certified CE credits, check out the full catalog from ASWB-approved provider, SWTP CEUs. Explore All SWTP CEUs Courses Here.