Social Workers · Iowa · Continuing education
Iowa Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LISW/LMSW/LBSW: 27 hours every 2 years, including 2 h child abuse recognition & reporting (every 3 years), 3 h medical ethics, professionalism & law, 3 h clinical supervision, 2 h elder abuse (every 3 years); renewal by December 31 in even-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Iowa LISW/LMSW/LBSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 27hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Dec 31, even yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By December 31 in even-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Programs sponsored/approved by ASWB ACE or NASW CEU approval program; coursework in listed social work content areas; academic courses (1 semester hr = 15 h); limited credit for teaching, presenting, authorship, practicum supervision, pre-approved pro bono work
- Carryover
- Up to 50% of excess CE may be carried into the next biennium.
- New licensees
- No CE required for the first renewal; hours from initial licensure to the second renewal may be used.
- Audits & records
- A percentage of licensees is randomly audited after each renewal cycle; keep certificates (title, dates, hours, sponsor, name) for 4 years.
- Renew online
- dial.iowa.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Child abuse recognition & reportingLicensees who examine, attend, counsel or treat children in Iowa: HHS mandatory reporter training (2 h initial; renewal attests completion within previous 3 years) | 2 | every 3 years |
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawSocial work ethics | 3 | every renewal |
| Clinical supervisionIndependent-level licensees who supervise | 3 | every renewal |
| Elder abuseLicensees who examine, attend, counsel or treat adults in Iowa: HHS dependent adult abuse mandatory reporter training within previous 3 years | 2 | every 3 years |
Good to know. CE compliance period Jan 1 of odd year to Dec 31 of next even year; license renewal period runs on the same dates. Hour = at least 50 minutes. Board does not pre-approve providers.
Source: www.legis.iowa.gov · 481 IAC 881.2(3), 881.2(12); 481 IAC 880.13 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in Iowa?
Use the license lookup of the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) (dial.iowa.gov/licenses/medical/mental-health/mental-behavioral-health); 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 Iowa?
27 hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in Iowa?
Child abuse recognition & reporting — 2 h (every 3 years); Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 3 h (every renewal); Clinical supervision — 3 h (every renewal); Elder abuse — 2 h (every 3 years).
Which CE courses count for social workers in Iowa?
Programs sponsored/approved by ASWB ACE or NASW CEU approval program; coursework in listed social work content areas; academic courses (1 semester hr = 15 h); limited credit for teaching, presenting, authorship, practicum supervision, pre-approved pro bono work.
How do social workers report CE in Iowa?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in Iowa?
Licenses renew by December 31 in even-numbered years (2 years cycle).