Social Workers · Alabama · Continuing education
Alabama Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LBSW/LMSW: 30 contact hours every 2 years, including 3 h medical ethics, professionalism & law, 3 h clinical supervision; renewal on the anniversary of your license date.
- LICSW30 contact hours every 2 years, including 3 h medical ethics, professionalism & law, 3 h clinical supervision; renewal on the anniversary of your license date.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Alabama LBSW/LMSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- License anniversary
- Reporting
- Upload
- Renewal deadline
- On the anniversary of your license date
- Accepted credit
- Social-work-related CE from ASWB ACE, NASW, other state social work boards, NBCC, Alabama Board of Nursing providers, APA, CSWE-accredited university social work programs, Board-approved workshops/agency programs; academic courses; publications/presentations; self-directed learning projects (max 20 hours)
- Audits & records
- CE documentation is submitted on a Board form with the renewal application; the Board may request verification of credits.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & law | 3 | every renewal |
| Clinical supervisionLicensees providing supervision under an approved contract for supervision | 3 | every renewal |
Good to know. At least 10 of the 30 hours must be a live classroom event (interactive live Zoom counts, pre-recorded does not). LMSWs with a clinical designation also need 3 hours in clinical. A one-time Child Abuse and Neglect Report training is recommended, not required.
Source: socialwork.alabama.gov · Ala. Admin. Code r. 850-X-8-.01 · checked Oct 28, 2026
Alabama LICSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- License anniversary
- Reporting
- Upload
- Renewal deadline
- On the anniversary of your license date
- Accepted credit
- Social-work-related CE from ASWB ACE, NASW, other state social work boards, NBCC, Alabama Board of Nursing providers, APA, CSWE-accredited university social work programs, Board-approved workshops/agency programs; academic courses; publications/presentations; self-directed learning projects (max 20 hours)
- Audits & records
- CE documentation is submitted on a Board form with the renewal application; the Board may request verification of credits.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & law | 3 | every renewal |
| Clinical supervisionLicensees providing supervision under an approved contract for supervision | 3 | every renewal |
Good to know. At least 10 hours must be a live classroom event (interactive live Zoom counts). 6 hours in clinical social work, 3 of them a comprehensive review of the current DSM. License expires on the last day of the issue month two years later; 60-day window to renew, but hours must be earned before expiry.
Source: socialwork.alabama.gov · Ala. Admin. Code r. 850-X-8-.01 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in Alabama?
Use the license lookup of the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (socialwork.alabama.gov); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
How many CE hours do social workers need in Alabama?
LBSW/LMSW: 30 contact hours every 2 years. LICSW: 30 contact hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in Alabama?
LBSW/LMSW: Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 3 h (every renewal); Clinical supervision — 3 h (every renewal). LICSW: Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 3 h (every renewal); Clinical supervision — 3 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for social workers in Alabama?
LBSW/LMSW: Social-work-related CE from ASWB ACE, NASW, other state social work boards, NBCC, Alabama Board of Nursing providers, APA, CSWE-accredited university social work programs, Board-approved workshops/agency programs; academic courses; publications/presentations; self-directed learning projects (max 20 hours). LICSW: Social-work-related CE from ASWB ACE, NASW, other state social work boards, NBCC, Alabama Board of Nursing providers, APA, CSWE-accredited university social work programs, Board-approved workshops/agency programs; academic courses; publications/presentations; self-directed learning projects (max 20 hours).
How do social workers report CE in Alabama?
LBSW/LMSW: By uploading certificates with the renewal. LICSW: By uploading certificates with the renewal.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in Alabama?
LBSW/LMSW: Licenses renew on the anniversary of your license date (2 years cycle). LICSW: Licenses renew on the anniversary of your license date (2 years cycle).