*To view the continuing education requirements of all states, click here.

MFTs and LCSWs are required to complete various continuing education requirements which encompass one-time course requirements and ongoing course requirements. The following information is being provided to assist licensees in planning completion of their CE courses.

MFTs and LCSWs are required to complete various continuing education requirements which encompass one-time course requirements and ongoing course requirements. The following information is being provided to assist licensees in planning completion of their CE courses. 

One-Time Course Requirements 

For renewals after January 1, 2004, licensees must complete a one-time course in spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention strategies including community resources, cultural factors, and same gender abuse dynamics. There is no hour length specified for renewals in 2004.

For renewals after January 1, 2005, licensees must complete a one-time seven-hour spousal or partner abuse course.

Equivalent course work or equivalent teaching or practice experience may be substituted for this requirement. However teaching or practice experience will not count as CE.

2. Aging and Long Term Care 

For renewals after January 1, 2005, those persons who began graduate study prior to January 1, 2004, must complete a one-time three-hour continuing education course in aging and long-term care. The course could include, but is not limited to, the biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging. Equivalent course work or equivalent teaching or practice experience may be substituted for this requirement. However teaching or practice experience will not count as CE.

3. HIV/AIDS

This is a one-time seven-hour requirement due with your first renewal. This course must cover the characteristics and method of assessment and treatment of people living with HIV and AIDS. 

4. Substance Abuse

This is a one-time seven-hour requirement for those licensees who started graduate studies prior to January 1, 1986. This requirement went into effect January 1, 1999, and most licensees fulfilled this requirement with their 1999 and 2000 renewals.

Ongoing Course Requirement

Law and Ethics

Any person renewing their license on or after January 1, 2004 is required to have completed no less than six hours of continuing education in the subject of Law and Ethics for this and each subsequent renewal.

In Ohio , professional counselors, professional clinical counselors, certified social work assistants, licensed social workers, and independent social workers shall complete 30 clock hours of continuing professional education of which 15 hours can be earned through home study.

In Florida , a licensee must complete 30 hours of approved continuing education credit including 1 hour on domestic violence and 2 hour course on medical errors during the two-year period ending on the last day of the biennial period.

In Pennsylvania , for social workers, therapists, and counselors. As a condition of biennial renewal of a license, the Board requires the completion of 30 hours of continuing education in acceptable courses by approved providers. Licensed social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors must obtain, during the preceding biennial renewal period, 30 clock hours of continuing education including at least 3 hours of ethical issues. Up to 20 clock hours may be obtained by home study. Homestead Schools is an approved provider of continuing education.

Social Work Licensure Boards’ Response to the NASW CE Approval Program

 *To view the continuing education requirements of all states, click here.

MFTs and LCSWs are required to complete various continuing education requirements which encompass one-time course requirements and ongoing course requirements. The following information is being provided to assist licensees in planning completion of their CE courses.

MFTs and LCSWs are required to complete various continuing education requirements which encompass one-time course requirements and ongoing course requirements. The following information is being provided to assist licensees in planning completion of their CE courses. 

One-Time Course Requirements 

For renewals after January 1, 2004, licensees must complete a one-time course in spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention strategies including community resources, cultural factors, and same gender abuse dynamics. There is no hour length specified for renewals in 2004.

For renewals after January 1, 2005, licensees must complete a one-time seven-hour spousal or partner abuse course.

Equivalent course work or equivalent teaching or practice experience may be substituted for this requirement. However teaching or practice experience will not count as CE.

2. Aging and Long Term Care 

For renewals after January 1, 2005, those persons who began graduate study prior to January 1, 2004, must complete a one-time three-hour continuing education course in aging and long-term care. The course could include, but is not limited to, the biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging. Equivalent course work or equivalent teaching or practice experience may be substituted for this requirement. However teaching or practice experience will not count as CE.

3. HIV/AIDS

This is a one-time seven-hour requirement due with your first renewal. This course must cover the characteristics and method of assessment and treatment of people living with HIV and AIDS. 

4. Substance Abuse

This is a one-time seven-hour requirement for those licensees who started graduate studies prior to January 1, 1986. This requirement went into effect January 1, 1999, and most licensees fulfilled this requirement with their 1999 and 2000 renewals.

Ongoing Course Requirement

Law and Ethics

Any person renewing their license on or after January 1, 2004 is required to have completed no less than six hours of continuing education in the subject of Law and Ethics for this and each subsequent renewal.

In Ohio , professional counselors, professional clinical counselors, certified social work assistants, licensed social workers, and independent social workers shall complete 30 clock hours of continuing professional education of which 15 hours can be earned through home study.

In Florida , a licensee must complete 30 hours of approved continuing education credit including 1 hour on domestic violence and 2 hour course on medical errors during the two-year period ending on the last day of the biennial period.

In Pennsylvania , for social workers, therapists, and counselors. As a condition of biennial renewal of a license, the Board requires the completion of 30 hours of continuing education in acceptable courses by approved providers. Licensed social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors must obtain, during the preceding biennial renewal period, 30 clock hours of continuing education including at least 3 hours of ethical issues. Up to 20 clock hours may be obtained by home study. Homestead Schools is an approved provider of continuing education.

Social Work Licensure Boards’ Response to the NASW CE Approval Program