Social Workers · California · Continuing education
California Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LCSW36 hours every 2 years, including 6 h medical ethics, professionalism & law, 7 h HIV/AIDS (before the first renewal), 6 h suicide prevention (once), 6 h clinical supervision; renewal on the anniversary of your license date.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
California LCSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 36hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- License anniversary
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- On the anniversary of your license date
- Accepted credit
- Courses from providers approved by APA, ASWB, CAMFT, CPA, NASP, NASW or NBCC; Board-recognized providers (AAMFT, AAMFT-CA, CALPCC, CAMFT, NASW-CA, CSCSW, CASP, CPA, CCA, ACA); qualifying postsecondary institutions (1 semester unit = 15 h, 1 quarter unit = 10 h); teaching for accepted providers (max 18 h per period)
- New licensees
- First renewal: 36 hours during the first renewal period plus a 7-hour HIV/AIDS course (and the one-time suicide and telehealth courses if not submitted with the licensure application).
- Audits & records
- Certify completion under penalty of perjury at renewal; do not submit certificates unless audited. Keep records at least 2 years from the renewal date.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & law | 6 | every renewal |
| HIV/AIDS | 7 | before the first renewal |
| Suicide preventionLicensees renewing or reactivating after Jan 1, 2021 (unless submitted with the licensure application) | 6 | once |
| Clinical supervisionSupervisors of associates and MFT trainees (continuing professional development) | 6 | every renewal |
| Telehealth / telepracticeLicensees renewing or reactivating after Jul 1, 2023 (must include telehealth law and ethics) | 3 | once |
Good to know. Renewal period runs from the day after issue/prior expiration to the license expiration date. One-time courses taken before the renewal period count for the one-time requirement but not toward the 36 hours. Associates: 3 hours California law and ethics per yearly renewal.
Source: www.bbs.ca.gov · Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §4996.22; 16 CCR §1887.3 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in California
05 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in California?
Use the license lookup of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (bbs.ca.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 California?
36 hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in California?
Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 6 h (every renewal); HIV/AIDS — 7 h (before the first renewal); Suicide prevention — 6 h (once); Clinical supervision — 6 h (every renewal); Telehealth / telepractice — 3 h (once).
Which CE courses count for social workers in California?
Courses from providers approved by APA, ASWB, CAMFT, CPA, NASP, NASW or NBCC; Board-recognized providers (AAMFT, AAMFT-CA, CALPCC, CAMFT, NASW-CA, CSCSW, CASP, CPA, CCA, ACA); qualifying postsecondary institutions (1 semester unit = 15 h, 1 quarter unit = 10 h); teaching for accepted providers (max 18 h per period).
How do social workers report CE in California?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in California?
Licenses renew on the anniversary of your license date (2 years cycle).