Social Workers · Idaho · Continuing education
Idaho Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LCSW/LMSW/LSW: 30 contact hours every 2 years, including 2 h medical ethics, professionalism & law; renewal by your birthday.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 30, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Idaho LCSW/LMSW/LSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birthday
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By your birthday
- Accepted credit
- Board does not pre-approve courses; CE must be germane to social work practice. Online courses germane to social work allowed. Credit also for preparing/providing germane CE or training, individual research projects, and academic courses (15 CE per semester hour, 10 per quarter hour).
- Carryover
- No carryover of excess CE hours.
- Audits & records
- Random audits after renewal; keep proof 4 years. Certificates must be submitted if audited or if renewing after expiration.
- Renew online
- edopl.idaho.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawProfessional ethics | 2 | every renewal |
Good to know. 30 hours in the 24 months before renewal. License expiration is the birth date; since October 14, 2025 the board is transitioning from annual to biennial licensure (see DOPL board news).
Source: dopl.idaho.gov · IDAPA 24.14.01.100.05 · checked Oct 30, 2026
04 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in Idaho?
Use the license lookup of the Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners (DOPL) (dopl.idaho.gov/swo); 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 Idaho?
30 contact hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in Idaho?
Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 2 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for social workers in Idaho?
Board does not pre-approve courses; CE must be germane to social work practice. Online courses germane to social work allowed. Credit also for preparing/providing germane CE or training, individual research projects, and academic courses (15 CE per semester hour, 10 per quarter hour).
How do social workers report CE in Idaho?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in Idaho?
Licenses renew by your birthday (2 years cycle).