Social Workers · Massachusetts · Continuing education
Massachusetts Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LCSW20 hours every 2 years, including 2 h cultural competency, 1 h cultural competency; renewal by your birthday.
- LICSW30 hours every 2 years, including 2 h cultural competency, 1 h cultural competency; renewal by your birthday.
- LSW15 hours every 2 years, including 2 h cultural competency, 1 h cultural competency; renewal by your birthday.
- LSWA10 hours every 2 years, including 2 h cultural competency, 1 h cultural competency; renewal by your birthday.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 30, 2026
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03 Requirements
Massachusetts LCSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 20hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birthday
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By your birthday
- Accepted credit
- Courses approved by a recognized entity: CSWE-accredited social work programs, ASWB ACE, NASW or NASW chapters, National Association of Black Social Workers or its chapters, another US/Canadian social work licensing entity, or Board-authorized organizations. Up to 25% may be approved by APA, NBCC, NHA board, ANCC or ACCME. Individual activities (Board approval) max 50%.
- New licensees
- First licensure period pro-rated: licensed in 1st quarter 75%, 2nd quarter 50%, 3rd quarter 25%, last quarter none (258 CMR 31.03(3)).
- Audits & records
- Random audits; keep CE certificates at least 2 renewal cycles (4 years).
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violenceAt least one domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of licensure/renewal (M.G.L. c. 112, s. 264; 258 CMR 31.03(4)) | — | once |
| Cultural competencyAnti-racism with a focus on oppression (Board policy, renewals since Sept 28, 2023) | 2 | every renewal |
| Cultural competencyAnti-discrimination (ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, immigration status, disability, etc.) | 1 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Exempt: social workers employed exclusively by a Massachusetts state, county or municipal unit for the entire cycle (affidavit). No exemption for retired or unemployed.
Good to know. License cycle runs biennially from the licensee's birthday. CE hour = at least 50 minutes. No limit on online CE. Anti-racism/anti-discrimination hours count within the total. School PDPs not accepted.
Source: www.mass.gov · 258 CMR 31.00; M.G.L. c. 112, s. 264; Board Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination CE Policy (2021) · checked Oct 30, 2026
Massachusetts LICSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birthday
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By your birthday
- Accepted credit
- Courses approved by a recognized entity: CSWE-accredited social work programs, ASWB ACE, NASW or NASW chapters, National Association of Black Social Workers or its chapters, another US/Canadian social work licensing entity, or Board-authorized organizations. Up to 25% may be approved by APA, NBCC, NHA board, ANCC or ACCME. Individual activities (Board approval) max 50%.
- New licensees
- First licensure period pro-rated: licensed in 1st quarter 75%, 2nd quarter 50%, 3rd quarter 25%, last quarter none (258 CMR 31.03(3)).
- Audits & records
- Random audits; keep CE certificates at least 2 renewal cycles (4 years).
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violenceAt least one domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of licensure/renewal (M.G.L. c. 112, s. 264; 258 CMR 31.03(4)) | — | once |
| Cultural competencyAnti-racism with a focus on oppression (Board policy, renewals since Sept 28, 2023) | 2 | every renewal |
| Cultural competencyAnti-discrimination (ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, immigration status, disability, etc.) | 1 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Exempt: social workers employed exclusively by a Massachusetts state, county or municipal unit for the entire cycle (affidavit). No exemption for retired or unemployed.
Good to know. License cycle runs biennially from the licensee's birthday. CE hour = at least 50 minutes. No limit on online CE. Anti-racism/anti-discrimination hours count within the total. School PDPs not accepted.
Source: www.mass.gov · 258 CMR 31.00; M.G.L. c. 112, s. 264; Board Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination CE Policy (2021) · checked Oct 30, 2026
Massachusetts LSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 15hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birthday
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By your birthday
- Accepted credit
- Courses approved by a recognized entity: CSWE-accredited social work programs, ASWB ACE, NASW or NASW chapters, National Association of Black Social Workers or its chapters, another US/Canadian social work licensing entity, or Board-authorized organizations. Up to 25% may be approved by APA, NBCC, NHA board, ANCC or ACCME. Individual activities (Board approval) max 50%.
- New licensees
- First licensure period pro-rated: licensed in 1st quarter 75%, 2nd quarter 50%, 3rd quarter 25%, last quarter none (258 CMR 31.03(3)).
- Audits & records
- Random audits; keep CE certificates at least 2 renewal cycles (4 years).
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violenceAt least one domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of licensure/renewal (M.G.L. c. 112, s. 264; 258 CMR 31.03(4)) | — | once |
| Cultural competencyAnti-racism with a focus on oppression (Board policy, renewals since Sept 28, 2023) | 2 | every renewal |
| Cultural competencyAnti-discrimination (ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, immigration status, disability, etc.) | 1 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Exempt: social workers employed exclusively by a Massachusetts state, county or municipal unit for the entire cycle (affidavit). No exemption for retired or unemployed.
Good to know. License cycle runs biennially from the licensee's birthday. CE hour = at least 50 minutes. No limit on online CE. Anti-racism/anti-discrimination hours count within the total. School PDPs not accepted.
Source: www.mass.gov · 258 CMR 31.00; M.G.L. c. 112, s. 264; Board Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination CE Policy (2021) · checked Oct 30, 2026
Massachusetts LSWA CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 10hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birthday
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By your birthday
- Accepted credit
- Courses approved by a recognized entity: CSWE-accredited social work programs, ASWB ACE, NASW or NASW chapters, National Association of Black Social Workers or its chapters, another US/Canadian social work licensing entity, or Board-authorized organizations. Up to 25% may be approved by APA, NBCC, NHA board, ANCC or ACCME. Individual activities (Board approval) max 50%.
- New licensees
- First licensure period pro-rated: licensed in 1st quarter 75%, 2nd quarter 50%, 3rd quarter 25%, last quarter none (258 CMR 31.03(3)).
- Audits & records
- Random audits; keep CE certificates at least 2 renewal cycles (4 years).
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violenceAt least one domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of licensure/renewal (M.G.L. c. 112, s. 264; 258 CMR 31.03(4)) | — | once |
| Cultural competencyAnti-racism with a focus on oppression (Board policy, renewals since Sept 28, 2023) | 2 | every renewal |
| Cultural competencyAnti-discrimination (ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, immigration status, disability, etc.) | 1 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Exempt: social workers employed exclusively by a Massachusetts state, county or municipal unit for the entire cycle (affidavit). No exemption for retired or unemployed.
Good to know. License cycle runs biennially from the licensee's birthday. CE hour = at least 50 minutes. No limit on online CE. Anti-racism/anti-discrimination hours count within the total. School PDPs not accepted.
Source: www.mass.gov · 258 CMR 31.00; M.G.L. c. 112, s. 264; Board Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination CE Policy (2021) · checked Oct 30, 2026
04 Conferences in Massachusetts
05 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in Massachusetts?
Use the license lookup of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers (mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-social-workers); 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 Massachusetts?
LCSW: 20 hours every 2 years. LICSW: 30 hours every 2 years. LSW: 15 hours every 2 years. LSWA: 10 hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in Massachusetts?
LCSW: Domestic violence (once); Cultural competency — 2 h (every renewal); Cultural competency — 1 h (every renewal). LICSW: Domestic violence (once); Cultural competency — 2 h (every renewal); Cultural competency — 1 h (every renewal). LSW: Domestic violence (once); Cultural competency — 2 h (every renewal); Cultural competency — 1 h (every renewal). LSWA: Domestic violence (once); Cultural competency — 2 h (every renewal); Cultural competency — 1 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for social workers in Massachusetts?
LCSW: Courses approved by a recognized entity: CSWE-accredited social work programs, ASWB ACE, NASW or NASW chapters, National Association of Black Social Workers or its chapters, another US/Canadian social work licensing entity, or Board-authorized organizations. Up to 25% may be approved by APA, NBCC, NHA board, ANCC or ACCME. Individual activities (Board approval) max 50%. LICSW: Courses approved by a recognized entity: CSWE-accredited social work programs, ASWB ACE, NASW or NASW chapters, National Association of Black Social Workers or its chapters, another US/Canadian social work licensing entity, or Board-authorized organizations. Up to 25% may be approved by APA, NBCC, NHA board, ANCC or ACCME. Individual activities (Board approval) max 50%. LSW: Courses approved by a recognized entity: CSWE-accredited social work programs, ASWB ACE, NASW or NASW chapters, National Association of Black Social Workers or its chapters, another US/Canadian social work licensing entity, or Board-authorized organizations. Up to 25% may be approved by APA, NBCC, NHA board, ANCC or ACCME. Individual activities (Board approval) max 50%. LSWA: Courses approved by a recognized entity: CSWE-accredited social work programs, ASWB ACE, NASW or NASW chapters, National Association of Black Social Workers or its chapters, another US/Canadian social work licensing entity, or Board-authorized organizations. Up to 25% may be approved by APA, NBCC, NHA board, ANCC or ACCME. Individual activities (Board approval) max 50%.
How do social workers report CE in Massachusetts?
LCSW: By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit. LICSW: By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit. LSW: By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit. LSWA: By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in Massachusetts?
LCSW: Licenses renew by your birthday (2 years cycle). LICSW: Licenses renew by your birthday (2 years cycle). LSW: Licenses renew by your birthday (2 years cycle). LSWA: Licenses renew by your birthday (2 years cycle).