Social Workers · Michigan · Continuing education
Michigan Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LMSW/LBSW: 45 hours every 3 years, including 3 h implicit bias & cultural competency, 2 h human trafficking, 5 h medical ethics, professionalism & law, 2 h pain management; renewal on the anniversary of your license date.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 30, 2026
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03 Requirements
Michigan LMSW/LBSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 45hours
- Renewal cycle
- 3 years
- Deadline
- License anniversary
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- On the anniversary of your license date
- Accepted credit
- Board-approved continuing education (general rules for social work, R 338.2961).
- Renewal fee
- $82.50
- Audits & records
- Certify at renewal; keep documentation 5 years (implicit bias certificates 6 years); audited licensees submit proof. CE Broker tracking available.
- Renew online
- www.michigan.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Implicit bias & cultural competency1 hour per year of the 3-year license cycle (3 per cycle); may count toward general CE since March 23, 2023 | 3 | every renewal |
| Human traffickingAt least 2 of the 45 hours each cycle (R 338.2961(4)) | 2 | every renewal |
| Medical ethics, professionalism & law | 5 | every renewal |
| Pain managementPain and symptom management | 2 | every renewal |
Good to know. 45 hours in the 3 years before expiration; at least half must be in person / live synchronous. Renewal cycle 3 years; renewal fee $82.50 (LMSW and LBSW).
Source: www.michigan.gov · Mich. Admin. Code R 338.2961; R 338.2929; MCL 333.16148 · checked Oct 30, 2026
04 Conferences in Michigan
05 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in Michigan?
Use the license lookup of the Michigan Board of Social Work (LARA Bureau of Professional Licensing) (michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-prof/social); 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 Michigan?
45 hours every 3 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in Michigan?
Implicit bias & cultural competency — 3 h (every renewal); Human trafficking — 2 h (every renewal); Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 5 h (every renewal); Pain management — 2 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for social workers in Michigan?
Board-approved continuing education (general rules for social work, R 338.2961).
How do social workers report CE in Michigan?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in Michigan?
Licenses renew on the anniversary of your license date (3 years cycle).