CE requirements for social workers across the Northern Plains states vary more than people might expect. Montana requires annual CE with ethics. Wyoming runs on a biennial cycle with mixed online/in-person options. Idaho stays simple but strict, requiring annual continuing education. North Dakota emphasizes ethics and competence. South Dakota follows a Professional Development Plan (PDP) approach—more like Colorado’s system than a traditional CE model.
Below is an up-to-date breakdown of each state.
Montana
Montana requires annual CE with an ethics requirement for all LCSWs and LMSWs.
Basic Requirements
- 20 hours every year
- 2 hours ethics required annually
Required Topics
- Ethics: 2 hours
- No statewide suicide-prevention mandate
What Counts
Accepts CE from:
- ASWB ACE-approved providers
- NASW
- Accredited universities
- Board-recognized trainings
- 100% online hours allowed
Renewal Timeline
- Renew annually by December 31
Board Contact
Montana Board of Behavioral Health
📞 406-841-2394
🔗 https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/behavioral-health/
Wyoming
Wyoming uses a two-year CE cycle and allows significant online learning.
Basic Requirements
- 45 hours every 2 years
- Up to 30 hours may be online/distance learning
Required Topics
- 3 hours ethics per cycle
- No suicide-prevention mandate
What Counts
Accepted:
- ASWB ACE providers
- NASW
- Academic coursework
- Workshops, conferences, home-study
Renewal Timeline
- Every 2 years, based on license issue date
Board Contact
Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board
📞 307-777-5403
🔗 https://mentalhealth.wyo.gov/
Idaho
Idaho requires annual CE for all license levels.
Basic Requirements
- 20 hours every year
- 1 hour ethics
Required Topics
- Ethics: 1 hour
- No mandated suicide training
What Counts
Accepts:
- ASWB ACE providers
- NASW
- University coursework
- Workshops and preapproved training
- Unlimited distance learning
Renewal Timeline
- Annually, on license expiration date (varies)
Board Contact
Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners
📞 208-334-3233
🔗 https://ibol.idaho.gov/
North Dakota
North Dakota requires a biennial cycle with an ethics component and a competence emphasis.
Basic Requirements
- 30 hours every 2 years
- 3 hours ethics required
Required Topics
- Ethics: 3 hours
- No statewide suicide requirement
What Counts
Accepted:
- ASWB ACE providers
- NASW
- Academic coursework
- Online, workshops, and seminars related to practice
Renewal Timeline
- Every 2 years, tied to original licensure month
Board Contact
North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners
📞 701-222-0255
🔗 https://www.ndbswe.com/
South Dakota
South Dakota does not use traditional CE hours.
Instead, it uses a Professional Development Plan (PDP) with Professional Development Hours (PDH) — similar to Colorado’s CPD model (Colorado reference verified; ACE handbook notes Colorado uses a CPD structure but does not dictate state rules. )
Basic Requirements
Licensees must:
- Complete a Self-Assessment
- Create a Professional Development Plan (PDP)
- Accrue 40 PDH every 2 years
- Retain all documentation for possible audit
- PDH prorated for new licensees
Required Topics
- No required ethics hours
- Ethics is strongly encouraged within your PDP
What Counts
PDH may include:
- CE courses from ACE or NASW providers
- Workshops, webinars, trainings
- Supervision or consultation
- Teaching, publishing, presenting
- Practice-relevant self-study
- Academic coursework
Renewal Timeline
- Every 2 years, documentation kept for audit
Board Contact
South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners
📞 605-642-1600
🔗 https://dss.sd.gov/licensingboards/socialwork/social.aspx
Quick Reference: Northern Plains Comparison
| State | Total Required | Cycle | Ethics Required | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 20 | 1 year | 2 hrs | — |
| Wyoming | 45 | 2 years | 3 hrs | 30-hour online limit |
| Idaho | 20 | 1 year | 1 hr | — |
| North Dakota | 30 | 2 years | 3 hrs | — |
| South Dakota | 40 PDH | 2 years | None required | PDP/PDH system |
Staying Compliant: Practical Tips
- Track whether your state renews annually (MT, ID) or biennially (WY, ND, SD).
- Complete ethics early in the cycle.
- Save all certificates in one folder—audits happen.
- South Dakota: maintain PDP + self-assessment as required.
- Use ACE providers to ensure broad acceptance.
Where SWTP CEUs Fits
SWTP CEUs is an ASWB ACE-approved provider (#2486), meaning:
- All CE courses count in:
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Idaho
- North Dakota
- In South Dakota:
- Courses count toward PDH within your PDP
- You must retain certificates + PDP documentation
Browse SWTP CEUs courses here to get started on on your Nothern Plains state renewal. Also take a look at the low-price Unlimited CE Pass, which brings down the cost of CEs by a lot.
Note: Always check with your state for the most current rules, renewal deadlines, and approved course formats before purchasing or completing courses.