DISCLAIMER: CE requirements vary by license level and change frequently. Requirements may differ for initial licensure versus renewal. Verify requirements with your state licensing board before planning your renewal.
Understanding Social Work CE Requirements Across the United States
Social work CE requirements reflect each state’s priorities for professional development, public protection, and practice standards. Some states emphasize live learning and face-to-face interaction. Others focus on specific content areas like suicide prevention, cultural competency, or implicit bias training. A few states have moved beyond traditional CE hours entirely, adopting professional development planning models that emphasize goal-setting and self-assessment.
These variations create real challenges for social workers:
- Renewal cycles vary from annual to triennial (every 3 years)
- Total hours range from 10 to 45 hours per cycle
- Ethics requirements appear in nearly every state ranging from 1 to 6 hours
- Format restrictions limit online learning in some states while others allow unlimited distance learning
- Special mandates require specific topics like suicide prevention, veterans’ mental health, domestic violence, or anti-oppressive practice
- Provider approval varies—most states accept ASWB ACE providers, but New York maintains its own separate approval system
How to Use This Guide
Each state entry includes:
- Total CE Hours: Complete hour requirements, broken down by license level where applicable
- Renewal Period: When your license expires and how often you renew
- Ethics Requirement: Specific ethics hours required, including any format restrictions
- Special Requirements: Topic-specific mandates, format restrictions, one-time requirements, and important notes
- License Types: Which credentials require CE in that state
For multi-state licensees: If you maintain licenses in multiple states, your strategy is straightforward—plan for your most restrictive state first. If Georgia requires 20 hours of live/synchronous learning, schedule those face-to-face trainings early. Then fill remaining requirements with online courses where permitted. A single comprehensive ethics course often satisfies multiple states simultaneously, with hours applied separately to each license.
For specific situations: Some requirements apply only to supervisors, clinical practitioners, or specific license levels. Pay close attention to these distinctions—an LCSW in one state may have different requirements than an LMSW, and supervisors typically face additional training mandates.
Important Notes About This Guide
Verification is essential. State boards update requirements, adjust mandates, and modify renewal procedures throughout the year. Always verify current rules with your state board before finalizing your renewal plan.
License level matters. Many states tier requirements by credential level. Your specific hours, ethics requirements, and special mandates depend on whether you hold a bachelor’s-level license (LBSW, LSW), master’s-level license (LMSW, LGSW), clinical license (LCSW, LICSW), or supervisory designation.
First renewals often differ. Several states exempt new licensees from CE requirements at first renewal, require reduced hours, or mandate specific one-time courses. If you’re approaching your first renewal, check whether standard requirements apply to you.
Provider approval varies. Most states accept courses from ASWB ACE-approved providers like SWTP CEUs (#2486), NASW chapters, accredited universities, and board-recognized organizations. However, some states maintain separate approval systems or require specific provider credentials for certain mandates (particularly suicide prevention courses in Nevada, ethics courses in Kentucky, or any CE in New York).
About SWTP CEUs
SWTP CEUs is an ASWB ACE-approved provider (#2486) offering unlimited annual access to continuing education courses designed by social workers, for social workers. We focus on practical, immediately applicable content that serves working social workers—not just checkbox compliance.
For more information about SWTP CEUs courses, visit swtpceus.com.
Quick Reference Summary
Most states require 20-45 CE hours per renewal period, with renewal cycles ranging from annual to triennial (every 1-3 years). Here’s what you’ll find across the United States:
Common Patterns
- Most common requirement: 30-40 hours every 2 years
- Ethics: Required in 48 states plus DC (typically 2-6 hours)
- Format restrictions: About half of states limit online/asynchronous learning
- Special mandates: Cultural competency, suicide prevention, implicit bias, and domestic violence appear frequently
Range of Requirements
Total Hours:
- Lowest: 10 hours (LSWA in Massachusetts every 2 years)
- Highest: 45 hours (Alaska, Hawaii, Michigan, Wyoming)
- Median: 30-40 hours per cycle
Renewal Cycles:
- Annual: Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Oklahoma, Washington (associates)
- Biennial (2 years): 42 states plus DC
- Triennial (3 years): Hawaii, Kentucky, Michigan, New York
Ethics Requirements:
- Range: 1-6 hours
- Most common: 3 hours
- States without separate ethics mandate: Hawaii (though encouraged), South Dakota
Format Restrictions:
- Unlimited online: About 25 states
- Partial restrictions: About 20 states (typically 50% maximum online)
- Strict live requirements: Vermont (LMSW), Georgia, Louisiana, others
Special Note: Non-Traditional Models
Two states use Professional Development Planning instead of traditional CE:
- Colorado: 40 PDH with self-assessment and learning plan
- South Dakota: 40 PDH with professional development plan
Now, here’s the list…
State-by-State Breakdown
Alabama
- Total CE Hours: 30 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires last day of birth month)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours minimum
- Special Requirements:
- 10 hours must be live/in-person (includes interactive live webinars)
- LICSWs: 6 hours in clinical social work education (3 hours must cover current DSM)
- License Types: All levels require CE
Alaska
- Total CE Hours: 45 hours (all license levels: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW)
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by June 30 of even-numbered years: 2026, 2028, etc.)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours professional ethics
- Special Requirements:
- 6 hours cross-cultural education (3 hours must relate to Alaska Natives; remaining 3 can be any cross-cultural content)
- 6 hours cross-cultural education (3 hours must relate to Alaska Natives; remaining 3 can be any cross-cultural content)
- 6 hours substance abuse education
- 3 hours professional ethics
- 3 hours teletherapy practice
- 3 hours suicide education
- All 45 hours may be completed through home study/online
- In-service agency programs: Up to half of total hours
- License Types: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW
Arizona
- Total CE Hours: 30 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires last day of birth month)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours minimum
- Special Requirements:
- LCSW supervisors: 3 hours clinical supervision
- All hours may be completed online (no distance learning limits)
- License Types: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW
Arkansas
- Total CE Hours: 30 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (based on license issuance date)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours in professional ethics
- Special Requirements:
- Minimum 15 hours must be face-to-face (live in-person or live interactive webinars)
- Maximum 15 hours may be independent study (pre-recorded, asynchronous, or home study)
- License Types: All levels
California
- Total CE Hours: 36 hours (changed July 2023; previously 18 hours for first renewal)
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (up to 60 days before expiration)
- Ethics Requirement: 6 hours California law and ethics each renewal period
- Special Requirements:
- Out-of-state applicants: 12 hours California Law and Ethics for initial licensure
- 6 hours Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention (one-time, for licenses renewed after January 1, 2021)
- 3 hours Telehealth Training (one-time, for licenses renewed after July 1, 2023; must include law and ethics specific to telehealth)
- Associates (ASW): 3 hours California law and ethics annually
- All hours may be completed online (no distance learning limits)
- Teaching credits capped at 18 hours per renewal period (changed July 2023; was previously unlimited)
- HIV/AIDS training requirement eliminated for clinical licenses in 2023
- License Types: LCSW, ASW (Associate Clinical Social Worker)
Colorado
- Model: Continuing Professional Development (CPD), not traditional CE hours
- Hours Required: 40 PDH (Professional Development Hours)
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by August 31 of odd-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: Not specified separately (included within PDH)
- Special Requirements:
- Must complete Professional Practice Rubric and Self-Assessment at start of cycle
- Must establish learning goals and create a Learning Plan
- All PDH must connect to goals in Learning Plan
- Maximum 20 PDH from any single category of activity
- May carry over 5 PDH into next cycle (if completed within 6 months of expiration and above required 40)
- Must keep Learning Plan, PDH records, and documentation for 5 years
- Board does not pre-approve providers or courses
- New licensees: PDH prorated at 1.66 hours per month from license issue date
- License Types: All levels
- License Types: LSW, LCSW
Connecticut
- Total CE Hours: 15 hours
- Renewal Period: Annual (every year, expires last day of birth month)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours minimum
- Special Requirements:
- Minimum 5 hours live/synchronous (in-person or live webinar)
- Maximum 10 hours asynchronous/home study
- 1 hour cultural competency annually
- 2 hours veterans’ mental health (once every 6 years)
- First renewal exempt from CE requirements
- License Types: LCSW, LMSW
Delaware
- Total CE Hours: Varies by license level
- LCSW: 40 hours
- LMSW: 30 hours
- LBSW: 20 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires January 31 of odd years)
- Ethics Requirement: 6 hours (all license levels)
- Special Requirements:
- 1 hour mandatory reporting (all license levels)
- All hours may be distance learning (no format restrictions)
- Up to 10 hours self-directed activities (teaching, research, publishing) with Board approval
- License Types: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW
District of Columbia
- Total CE Hours: 40 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
- Ethics Requirement: 6 hours (must be live/interactive – no pre-recorded)
- Special Requirements:
- 2 hours LGBTQ training
- 4 hours in public health priorities (topics include opioid prescribing, abuse/neglect/trafficking identification, sexual health/HIV/AIDS, ethics/telehealth, tobacco cessation, emergency preparedness)
- Maximum 12 hours online/asynchronous (28 hours must be live/interactive)
- Live-interactive webinars count as “in-person”; pre-recorded courses do not
- License Types: LICSW, LGSW, LCSW-C
Florida
- Total CE Hours: 30 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires March 31 of odd years)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours in professional ethics/boundaries OR telehealth (alternates each renewal)
- Special Requirements:
- 2 hours in medical error prevention (every renewal)
- 2 hours in domestic violence (every 3rd renewal = every 6 years)
- 3 hours in laws and rules (every 3rd renewal = every 6 years)
- All hours may be completed online (no live requirement)
- Supervisors: 4 hours in supervisor training (every 3rd biennium = every 6 years)
- First renewal after initial licensure requires no CE
- Uses CE Broker for electronic tracking
- License Types: LCSW, CMSW
Georgia
- Total CE Hours: 35 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by September 30 of even years)
- Ethics Requirement: 5 hours minimum (must be live/synchronous only – no pre-recorded)
- Special Requirements:
- 15 hours must be “core” hours (specialty-specific content)
- Maximum 10 hours asynchronous/online
- Remaining 20 hours must be live (in-person or synchronous webinars)
- License Types: LCSW, LMSW
Hawaii
- Total CE Hours: 45 hours (all license levels: LBSW, LSW, LCSW)
- Renewal Period: Every 3 years (by June 30: 2025, 2028, 2031, etc.)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours
- Special Requirements:
- First renewal after initial licensure: Exempt from CE requirements (start accumulating hours during second three-year period)
- All 45 hours may be completed online
- License Types: LBSW, LSW, LCSW
Idaho
- Total CE Hours: 20 hours
- Renewal Period: Annual (every year, on license expiration date which varies by licensee)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 hour
- Special Requirements:
- All hours may be completed via distance learning (unlimited online)
- Accepted from ASWB ACE providers, NASW, university coursework, workshops, and pre-approved training
- License Types: Multiple levels
Illinois
- Total CE Hours: 30 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (ending November 30 of odd years)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours
- Special Requirements:
- 1 hour cultural competence (every renewal)
- 1 hour implicit bias training (every renewal)
- 1 hour sexual harassment prevention (every renewal)
- Rotating requirements: 1 hour Alzheimer’s/Dementia and 1 hour Domestic Violence (every third renewal cycle)
- 6 hours clinical supervision training (one-time, for LCSWs licensed after 12/1/2025; must be completed by second renewal)
- Maximum 50% (15 hours) may be completed through self-study/independent learning
- Remaining 15 hours must be live/interactive
- License Types: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW
Indiana
- Total CE Hours: 40 hours every 2 years (20 hours required annually)
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by March 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 hours total at renewal (1 hour per year)
- Special Requirements:
- 2 hours in supervision (for LCSWs who supervise)
- Minimum 50% (20 hours) must be Category I (Formally Organized learning, includes home study/online)
- Remaining hours can be Category II (Self-Directed activities)
- License Types: Multiple levels
Iowa
- Total CE Hours: 27 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (typically ending December 31 of even years)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours
- Special Requirements:
- 3 hours in supervision (required for those in independent supervisory roles)
- Unlimited distance learning hours allowed
- May earn up to 3 hours for board-approved pro bono services to underserved populations
- Accepts ASWB ACE providers
- License Types: Multiple levels
Kansas
- Total CE Hours: 40 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (based on original date of issuance)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours minimum
- Special Requirements:
- 6 hours in diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders (LMSW/LSCSW only; reduces to 3 hours effective July 1, 2025)
- 6 hours in social work safety awareness (one-time requirement upon initial licensure)
- All hours may be completed online (no distance learning limits)
- License Types: Multiple levels
Kentucky
- Total CE Hours: Varies by license level
- CSW/LCSW: 30 hours every 3 years
- LSW: 15 hours every 3 years
- Renewal Period: Every 3 years (date varies based on initial issuance)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours (must be Kentucky Board-approved course)
- Special Requirements:
- 6 hours Suicide Prevention (every 6 years, rolling mandate)
- 1.5 hours Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (every 6 years, rolling mandate)
- 3 hours Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse (one-time requirement after initial licensure)
- Format limits: LCSW/CSW max 27 hours online; LSW max 12 hours online
- License Types: LSW, CSW, LCSW
Louisiana
- Total CE Hours: 20 hours
- Renewal Period: Annual (every year, expires August 31)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours every 2 years
- Special Requirements:
- LCSWs: 10 hours clinical content annually (diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders)
- Maximum 10 hours distance learning (remaining 10 must be face-to-face)
- LCSW-BACS (Board Approved Clinical Supervisors): Additional 3 hours in clinical supervision every 2 years
- Note: Louisiana operates on annual cycle, not biennial
- License Types: Multiple levels
Maine
- Total CE Hours: 25 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires December 31 of expiration year; specific year varies by license issue date)
- Ethics Requirement: Varies by license level
- LSW/LMSW/LCSW: 4 hours
- LSX (conditional license): 6 hours
- Special Requirements:
- Minimum 15 hours live/interactive (synchronous)
- Maximum 10 hours asynchronous
- LSX licenses: 6 hours psychosocial assessment (in addition to 6 hours ethics)
- One-time requirement: 12 hours family/intimate partner violence training (all licensees; effective January 1, 2020)
- Accepts ASWB-approved providers
- License Types: LSW, LMSW, LCSW, LSX
Maryland
- Total CE Hours: Varies by license level
- LCSW/LCSW-C: 40 hours (minimum 20 Category I, maximum 20 Category II)
- LBSW: 30 hours (minimum 15 Category I, maximum 15 Category II)
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires October 31)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours (either Category I or II)
- Special Requirements:
- 3 hours anti-oppressive practice (Category I only – live/interactive)
- Category I: Live/interactive (workshops, seminars, conferences, live webinars)
- Category II: Self-paced (pre-recorded webinars, online courses, home study)
- Supervisors: Additional 3 hours in supervision content
- One-time implicit bias training (for licenses issued after April 1, 2022)
- License Types: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, LCSW-C
Massachusetts
- Total CE Hours: Varies by license level
- LICSW: 30 hours every 2 years (including 10 hours clinical content)
- LCSW: 20 hours every 2 years
- LSW: 15 hours every 2 years
- LSWA: 10 hours every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (on birthday)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours (all levels)
- Special Requirements:
- One-time: Domestic violence and sexual violence training (state provides free)
- 1 hour anti-discrimination (for renewal periods after September 28, 2023; addresses oppression based on ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, mental/physical ability)
- 1 hour anti-racism (for renewal periods after September 28, 2023)
- LICSWs only: Must apply to be MassHealth providers (fully participating or non-billing) regardless of practice setting
- Board permits some CE from other health-profession accreditors (APA, NBCC, NHA, ANCC, ACCME) when courses are relevant to social work; remaining hours from ASWB, CSWE, or NASW
- State, county, municipal employees exempt only when working exclusively in exempt roles
- License Types: LICSW, LCSW, LSW, LSWA
Michigan
- Total CE Hours: 45 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 3 years (ending April 30)
- Ethics Requirement: 5 hours
- Special Requirements:
- 2 hours in pain and pain symptom management
- 2 hours in human trafficking
- 3 hours implicit bias training (1 hour per year of the 3-year cycle; totaling 3 hours)
- At least half (22.5 hours) must be completed in person or via live, synchronous contact (live webinars count)
- Accepts board-approved courses including ASWB ACE providers
- License Types: LBSW, LMSW
Minnesota
- Total CE Hours: 40 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (based on license issue date; varies)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 hours in social work ethics
- Special Requirements:
- 4 hours in cultural responsiveness
- Maximum 50% (20 hours) may be completed through independent learning (non-live activities)
- Remaining 20 hours must be live/synchronous or interactive
- Accepts ASWB ACE-approved providers, NASW, accredited university coursework, board-approved providers
- License Types: LICSW, LMSW, LGSW
Mississippi
- Total CE Hours: 40 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
- Ethics Requirement: 4 hours minimum
- Special Requirements:
- 2 hours in cultural diversity
- 1 hour in mandated reporting
- Maximum 20 hours from online/distance learning (remaining 20 must be face-to-face or live webinar)
- Supervisors: Additional 2 hours in clinical supervision
- License Types: Multiple levels
Missouri
- Total CE Hours: 30 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by September 30 of even years)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours in professional ethics
- Special Requirements:
- 3 hours in explicit or implicit bias, diversity, inclusion, or cultural competency/humility
- 2 hours in suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management
- Maximum 15 hours via self-study/correspondence courses (temporarily waived for 2024-2025 renewal cycle, allowing all 30 hours distance learning)
- License Types: Multiple levels
Montana
- Total CE Hours: 20 hours
- Renewal Period: Annual (every year by December 31)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 hours annually
- Special Requirements:
- 2 hours in suicide prevention (first renewal and every 2 years thereafter)
- All hours may be completed online (100% distance learning allowed)
- Up to 10 hours may be earned through preparing new courses, workshops, or publishing
- Can carry forward up to 20 hours to next year
- License Types: LCSW (LCSWs have CE requirements; SWLCs do not)
Nebraska
- Total CE Hours: 32 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by August 31 of even years)
- Ethics Requirement: 4 hours minimum in ethics education
- Special Requirements:
- 6 hours relating to diagnosis and treatment of major mental disorders (Independent Mental Health Practitioners only)
- All hours may be completed online (no distance learning limits)
- License Types: Multiple levels
Nevada
- Total CE Hours: 36 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires last day of birth month)
- Ethics Requirement: 4 hours minimum
- Special Requirements:
- 6 hours suicide prevention (every renewal, from board-approved provider)
- 2 hours suicide risk assessment refresher (required in alternating cycles)
- All hours may be completed online (no distance learning limits)
- License Types: Independent and clinical-level social workers
New Hampshire
- Total CE Hours: 40 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (last day of month initially issued)
- Ethics Requirement: 6 hours (must be Category A)
- Special Requirements:
- Category A (eg, ASWB ACE-approved providers): Minimum 30 hours
- Category B (teaching, writing, independent activities): Maximum 10 hours
- Minimum 10 hours of Category A must be live/synchronous
- 3 hours suicide prevention (must be Category A)
- Single license type (LICSW) for all licensees
- Category B activities: New seminar presentation (10 hrs first time), peer-reviewed publication (6 hrs annually), graduate coursework (6 hrs per semester credit), teaching graduate courses (10 hrs for new course prep)
- License Types: LICSW (single license type)
New Jersey
- Total CE Hours: Varies by license level
- LCSW: 40 hours (20 clinical practice, 5 ethics, 3 cultural competency, 1 opioid)
- LSW: 30 hours (5 ethics, 3 cultural competency, 1 opioid)
- CSW: 20 hours (5 ethics, 3 cultural competency, 1 opioid)
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires August 31 of even years)
- Ethics Requirement: 5 hours (all license levels)
- Special Requirements:
- Clinical practice: 20 hours for LCSWs only (assessment, diagnosis, treatment)
- Cultural competency: 3 hours (all license levels)
- Opioid education: 1 hour (all license levels)
- All hours may be home study (no format restrictions)
- Surplus credit carryover allowed (8 hours LCSW, 6 hours LSW, 4 hours CSW)
- License Types: CSW, LSW, LCSW
New Mexico
- Total CE Hours: 40 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by June 30)
- Ethics Requirement: 6 hours minimum
- Special Requirements:
- 2 hours cultural competence
- All hours may be completed online (no distance learning limits)
- No reduced-hour exception for first renewal (full 40 hours required)
- License Types: All levels
New York
- Total CE Hours: 36 hours (both LMSW and LCSW)
- Renewal Period: Every 3 years (triennial; based on registration date)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours professional boundaries (for registration periods starting April 1, 2023 or later)
- Special Requirements:
- Maximum 12 hours self-study/asynchronous
- Minimum 24 hours must include live instruction with opportunity for interaction
- Child abuse training (mandatory for all licensees; updated curriculum includes adverse childhood experiences, trauma, implicit bias, identification in virtual settings; updated training must be completed by April 1, 2025)
- NOTE: New York does NOT accept ASWB ACE approval – maintains separate NY State Education Department provider approval system (look for SW-#### provider numbers)
- Exempt from CE during initial three-year registration period
- Dual LMSW/LCSW holders: Only 36 hours required (not separate requirements for each)
- License Types: LMSW, LCSW
North Carolina
- Total CE Hours: 40 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by June 30)
- Ethics Requirement: 4 hours minimum
- Special Requirements:
- Maximum 20 hours distance learning (online courses, home study, recorded webinars)
- Remaining 20 hours must be face-to-face or synchronous webinars
- Self-care/well-being CE limited to 6 hours per cycle
- Pro-rated for shorter renewal cycles (1 year: 20 hours/2 ethics; 6 months: 10 hours/1 ethics)
- License Types: Multiple levels
North Dakota
- Total CE Hours: 30 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (tied to original licensure month; renewal before December 31 of odd-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours
- Special Requirements:
- All hours may be completed online
- Accepted from ASWB ACE providers, NASW, academic coursework, online courses, workshops, and practice-related seminars
- License Types: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW
Ohio
- Total CE Hours:
- LSW and LISW: 30 hours
- SWA: 15 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (date varies based on license issue date)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours minimum
- Special Requirements:
- LISW-S (Supervisor designation): 3 hours in supervision
- No limit on online/distance learning format – all hours may be completed via distance learning
- License Types: SWA, LSW, LISW
Oklahoma
- Total CE Hours: 16 hours
- Renewal Period: Annual (by December 31 each year)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours (often required to be Category I – live/interactive)
- Special Requirements:
- Minimum 8 hours must be Category I (Formally Organized Learning Events – face-to-face or live interactive webinars)
- Maximum 8 hours may be Category III (Individual/Home Study or online self-study)
- Licenses expire December 31 annually regardless of issue date
- License Types: LSWA, LSW, LMSW, LCSW
Oregon
- Total CE Hours: Varies by license level
- LCSW: 40 hours every 2 years
- LMSW: 30 hours every 2 years
- RBSW: 20 hours every 2 years
- CSWA: No CE requirement
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
- Ethics Requirement: Varies by license level
- LCSW: 6 hours ethics
- LMSW: 4 hours ethics
- RBSW: 3 hours ethics
- Special Requirements:
- Cultural Competence: LCSW 6 hrs, LMSW 4 hrs, RBSW 3 hrs
- Suicide Risk Assessment, Treatment, and Management: 2 hours (all levels)
- First renewal after initial licensure: No CE requirement
- Carryover: Up to 10 excess hours may be carried to next cycle
- All hours may be distance learning (no online cap)
- Study groups: Max 50% of required hours, max 2 hours credit per session
- License Types: RBSW, LMSW, LCSW, CSWA
Pennsylvania
- Total CE Hours: 30 hours (all license levels)
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires February 28/29 of odd years)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours
- Special Requirements:
- 2 hours Act 31 child abuse recognition/reporting (3 hours for initial licensure)
- 1 hour Act 74 suicide prevention
- All hours may be online (no live requirement as of November 2019)
- First renewal exempt from 30-hour requirement (but must complete Act 31)
- No CE carryover between cycles
- Cannot repeat courses with same title in one cycle
- License Types: LBSW, LSW, LCSW
Rhode Island
- Total CE Hours: 30 hours (both LCSW and LICSW)
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by May 1 of odd-numbered years: 2025, 2027, etc.)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours professional ethics
- Special Requirements:
- 22 hours must be contact hours (live/interactive)
- Maximum 8 hours non-contact (self-paced/asynchronous)
- 3 hours cross-cultural practice (focusing on alleviation of oppression – must address systemic barriers and anti-oppressive frameworks, not just cultural awareness)
- Accepts courses from NASW, local chapters, other state licensing boards, ASWB, or CSWE-accredited programs
- Note: LCSW exam requirement temporarily suspended through August 15, 2025
- License Types: LCSW, LICSW
South Carolina
- Total CE Hours: 40 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by December 31 of even years)
- Ethics Requirement: Not specified (no separate ethics mandate)
- Special Requirements:
- 1 hour suicide assessment, treatment, and management (new requirement for renewals after 2025)
- LISW-CP: At least 20 hours must be clinical content
- All hours may be completed via distance/online learning (no live requirement)
- License Types: Multiple levels
South Dakota
- Model: Professional Development Plan (PDP) system, not traditional CE hours
- Hours Required: 40 Professional Development Hours (PDH)
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
- Ethics Requirement: None required (though encouraged within PDP)
- Special Requirements:
- Must complete: (1) Self-Assessment, (2) Professional Development Plan (PDP), (3) 40 PDH every 2 years
- PDH may include: CE courses (ASWB ACE/NASW providers), workshops, webinars, training, supervision, consultation, teaching, publishing, presenting, practice-relevant self-study, academic coursework
- PDH prorated for new licensees
- Must retain all documentation (PDP, self-assessment, certificates) for audit
- Similar to Colorado’s CPD model
- License Types: Multiple levels
Tennessee
- Total CE Hours: Varies by license level (must be earned annually)
- LCSW/LAPSW: 30 hours every 2 years (15 hours per year)
- LMSW: 24 hours every 2 years (12 hours per year)
- LBSW: 18 hours every 2 years (9 hours per year)
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (based on license issue date)
- Ethics Requirement: 6 hours in social work ethics every 2 years
- Special Requirements:
- 1 hour specific to Tennessee Code and Board Rules every 2 years
- 2 hours Suicide Prevention (once every 4 years – not one-time)
- Maximum 2/3 of required hours may be earned via multimedia/distance learning
- Annual accrual and reporting required
- License Types: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW/LAPSW
Texas
- Total CE Hours: 30 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires last day of birth month)
- Ethics Requirement: 6 hours minimum
- Special Requirements:
- 3 hours in cultural competency or distinct populations
- Supervisors: 40-hour supervision training course (one-time requirement before supervising LMSWs toward LCSW)
- Direct patient care providers: Human trafficking course (HHSC-approved)
- At least half (15 hours) must be from approved provider list effective January 1, 2024
- License Types: LBSW, LMSW, LMSW-AP, LCSW
Utah
- Total CE Hours: Varies by license level
- LCSW/CSW: 40 hours every 2 years
- SSW (Social Service Workers): 20 hours every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by September 30 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement:
- LCSW/CSW: 6 hours (including 3 hours directly on Utah law and practice standards)
- SSW: 3 hours
- Special Requirements:
- LCSW/CSW: 2 hours suicide prevention (from board-approved program)
- SSW: No suicide prevention requirement
- All hours may be completed online (no distance learning limits)
- License Types: CSW, SSW, LCSW
Vermont
- Total CE Hours: Varies by license level
- LICSW: 20 hours every 2 years
- LMSW: 10 hours every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (last day of birth month)
- Ethics Requirement: 1.5 hours (both levels)
- Special Requirements:
- LICSW format: Maximum 5 hours informal education (self-paced/online); minimum 15 hours formal (live)
- LMSW format: All 10 hours must be formal (live); no asynchronous allowed
- 1 hour systematic oppression/anti-oppressive practice (new requirement starting with 2026 renewal)
- Only master’s-level licensure available (no bachelor-level license)
- Formal education defined as programs with direct instructor-participant interaction
- License Types: LMSW, LICSW
Virginia
- Total CE Hours: Varies by license level
- LCSW: 30 hours every 2 years
- LBSW and LMSW: 15 hours every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by June 30 of even years)
- Ethics Requirement:
- LCSW: 6 hours in ethics, standards of practice, or Virginia social work laws
- LBSW/LMSW: 3 hours in ethics, standards of practice, or Virginia social work laws
- Special Requirements:
- No CE requirement for first license renewal
- Category I (formally organized learning): LCSW minimum 20 hours; LBSW/LMSW minimum 10 hours
- Category II (individual professional activities): LCSW maximum 10 hours; LBSW/LMSW maximum 5 hours
- Up to 2 hours may be satisfied through pro bono work (3 hours volunteer service = 1 CE hour)
- No restriction on online/distance learning
- License Types: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW
Washington
- Total CE Hours: Varies by license level
- LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker): 36 hours every 2 years
- LASW (Licensed Advanced Social Worker): 36 hours every 2 years
- LSWAA (Licensed Social Worker Associate-Advanced): 18 hours annually
- LSWAIC (Licensed Social Worker Associate-Independent Clinical): 18 hours annually
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years for LICSW/LASW; Annual for associates
- Ethics Requirement: 6 hours professional ethics and law every 2 years (3 hours annually for associates)
- Special Requirements:
- 6 hours suicide assessment, treatment, and management (once every 6 years; must be from state’s model list)
- 2 hours health equity training (once every 4 years, starting January 2024; addresses discrimination and bias in healthcare)
- Associates only: 6 hours suicide assessment after initial licensure and before first renewal
- All hours may be completed online (distance learning restrictions removed)
- Teaching credits: Earn same hours as attendees for preparing/presenting education
- License Types: LICSW, LASW, LSWAA, LSWAIC
West Virginia
- Total CE Hours: 30 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (by date of issuance)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 hour minimum in social work ethics
- Special Requirements:
- 2 hours in mental health conditions specific to veterans and their families
- Minimum 10 hours must be synchronous (live/face-to-face or live virtual with real-time interaction)
- Maximum 10 hours asynchronous (self-paced/recorded) online coursework
- Maximum 10 hours Independent Professional Activities
- (Note: 10 async + 10 independent = max 20 combined non-live hours)
- License Types: LBSW, LMSW, LICSW, LICSW-PIP, LGSW
Wisconsin
- Total CE Hours: 30 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (typically ending February 28 of odd years)
- Ethics Requirement: 4 hours in ethics and professional boundaries (must be live/synchronous interactive format)
- Special Requirements:
- Ethics hours MUST be completed in interactive learning format (live webinar or in-person; NOT self-paced)
- Accepts ASWB ACE providers, NASW, academic coursework, interactive workshops
- License Types: Multiple levels
Wyoming
- Total CE Hours: 45 hours
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years (based on license issue date)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours per cycle
- Special Requirements:
- Maximum 30 hours may be completed via online/distance learning
- Remaining 15 hours must be in-person or synchronous formats
- Accepted from ASWB ACE providers, NASW, academic coursework, workshops, conferences, home-study
- License Types: LCSW, provisional LCSW, others
Understanding Common Requirements Across States
While every state has unique requirements, understanding common patterns helps you plan effectively—especially if you hold licenses in multiple jurisdictions.
Ethics: The Universal Requirement
Nearly every state mandates ethics CE, but implementation varies significantly:
- Separate ethics requirement: Most states (typically 2-6 hours)
- Format restrictions: Some states require ethics to be live/interactive (Wisconsin, Georgia, Oklahoma)
- State-specific content: Several states require coverage of state laws and regulations (California, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia)
- Professional boundaries: Often included within ethics mandates (New York, Wisconsin)
Multi-state strategy: A comprehensive 6-hour ethics course often satisfies multiple states simultaneously. Take the highest requirement first, then apply those hours to other licenses.
Cultural Competency and Anti-Oppressive Practice
Requirements range from broad cultural competency to specific anti-oppressive frameworks:
- Explicit mandates: Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Massachusetts
- Focus areas: Systemic barriers, implicit bias, anti-racism, cultural humility
- Hours required: Typically 1-4 hours per renewal
Why it matters: These aren’t just compliance requirements—they reflect the profession’s commitment to addressing systemic oppression and serving diverse communities effectively.
Suicide Prevention: Growing Mandate
Multiple states now require suicide-specific training:
- Universal requirements: Alaska, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington
- Rotating requirements: Kentucky (every 6 years), Montana (first renewal then every 2 years)
- Provider restrictions: Nevada requires board-approved providers (though ASWB ACE courses qualify)
- Hours required: Typically 2-6 hours
Important distinction: Some states require “suicide prevention” while others mandate “suicide risk assessment, treatment, and management.” Read requirements carefully.
Format Restrictions: Planning for Live Learning
About half of states limit online/asynchronous learning. Common structures include:
- 50/50 split: Half must be live/synchronous (Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee)
- Percentage caps: Maximum percentage allowed online (Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina)
- Minimum live requirements: Specific hours must be face-to-face or synchronous (Alabama, Connecticut, Maine, West Virginia)
- Category systems: Formal vs. informal learning categories with different limits (Indiana, Oklahoma, Virginia)
States with strict live requirements:
- Vermont LMSW: 100% must be formal/live
- Georgia: 20 of 35 hours must be live
- Louisiana: Only 10 of 20 hours may be distance learning
States with unlimited online:
- Arizona, California, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah, and others
Special Population Training
State-specific mandates reflect regional priorities:
- Veterans/military families: West Virginia (2 hours)
- Alaska Native populations: Alaska (3-6 hours depending on renewal cycle)
- Human trafficking: Michigan (2 hours), Texas (if providing direct care)
- Health equity: Washington (2 hours every 4 years)
- Domestic violence: Florida (every 6 years), Illinois (every third cycle), Maine (one-time), Massachusetts (one-time)
Tips for Staying Compliant
1. Track Your Hours Throughout the Renewal Period
Don’t wait until the last minute. Spread your CE throughout your renewal period to avoid last-minute scrambling and ensure you meet all specific requirements.
2. Keep Documentation
Save all certificates of completion for at least 4 years. Many states conduct random audits and you’ll need to prove you completed the required hours.
3. Verify Approval Before Taking Courses
Make sure your CE provider is approved by your state board. ASWB ACE approval is accepted by most states, but some have additional requirements.
4. Know Your License Level Requirements
Requirements often vary by license level within the same state. Make sure you’re meeting the requirements for your specific credential (LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, etc.).
5. Check for Recent Changes
State requirements change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board before planning your CE.
6. Consider Multi-State Practice
If you hold licenses in multiple states or are considering applying for licensure elsewhere, be aware of the Social Work Licensure Compact. This interstate compact allows eligible social workers to practice across state lines with a single multistate license.
Conclusion
CE requirements exist to ensure social workers maintain current knowledge and skills throughout their careers. While the specific requirements vary significantly by state, the underlying goal remains constant: protecting client welfare through ongoing professional development.
Whether you need 15 hours annually or 45 hours every three years, planning ahead and choosing quality CE courses that genuinely enhance your practice makes fulfilling these requirements less of a burden and more of an opportunity for growth.
How to Verify Your State’s Requirements
Before planning your CE, always:
- Visit your state licensing board website – Links to all state boards available through ASWB or NASW
- Check your specific license level – Requirements often vary between LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW
- Review recent rule changes – States update requirements regularly
- Confirm approved provider status – Verify your CE provider is approved in your state
- Note special topics – Ethics, cultural competency, and other mandated subjects
- Understand format restrictions – Some states limit online/self-study hours
States with Unique or Complex Requirements
Pay special attention to these states with distinctive CE systems or multiple mandates:
- California: Three one-time mandates (12-hour initial law/ethics, 6-hour suicide prevention, 3-hour telehealth); associates have annual requirements
- Colorado & South Dakota: Professional Development Planning (PDP) models instead of traditional CE hours—require self-assessment and learning plans
- Kentucky: 3-year renewal cycle (unusual among states); multiple rolling mandates
- Louisiana: Annual renewal (not biennial); strict 10-hour online cap
- Michigan: 3-year renewal cycle with multiple mandates; implicit bias hours spread across years
- Nevada: Strict 6-hour suicide prevention mandate every renewal from board-approved providers
- New York: Maintains separate NY State Education Department provider approval—does NOT accept ASWB ACE approval alone
- Oregon: First renewal exemption; generous carryover provisions
- Tennessee: Annual hour accrual requirement (hours must be earned each year, not banked)
- Vermont: LMSW requires 100% live/formal learning (no asynchronous allowed)
FINAL VERIFICATION REMINDER: This information was compiled from state licensing boards and professional organizations as of February 2026. CE requirements change frequently and vary by license level. The information provided here is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state’s social work licensing board before your renewal deadline. Your licensing board is the final authority on CE requirements.