Social Workers · Montana · Continuing education
Montana Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LCSW/LMSW/LBSW: 20 hours every year, including 2 h suicide prevention (every 2 years); renewal by December 31.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 30, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Montana LCSW/LMSW/LBSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 20hours
- Renewal cycle
- 1 year
- Deadline
- Dec 31
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By December 31
- Accepted credit
- Licensees select programs directly related to scope of practice (ARM 24.219.435(6)); max 10 hours for first-time preparation of a new course/workshop/seminar or a first-time published/presented paper. The board does not list approved providers.
- Carryover
- Hours above 20 may be carried forward into the next year, max 20 hours.
- New licensees
- CE requirements apply only after the licensee's first renewal.
- Audits & records
- Department may randomly audit up to 50% of renewed licensees; keep documentation 3 years (name, title/content, presenter/sponsor, dates, hours).
- Renew online
- ebiz.mt.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Suicide preventionAll licensees: suicide risk assessment and safety planning, every odd year | 2 | every 2 years |
Good to know. Annual renewal, window November 1 - December 31. Holders of more than one license need 20 hours per license.
Source: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov · ARM 24.219.435 (as amended by MAR Notice No. 2026-512, effective 8/22/2026) · checked Oct 30, 2026
04 Conferences in Montana
05 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in Montana?
Use the license lookup of the Montana Board of Behavioral Health (boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/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 Montana?
20 hours every year.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in Montana?
Suicide prevention — 2 h (every 2 years).
Which CE courses count for social workers in Montana?
Licensees select programs directly related to scope of practice (ARM 24.219.435(6)); max 10 hours for first-time preparation of a new course/workshop/seminar or a first-time published/presented paper. The board does not list approved providers.
How do social workers report CE in Montana?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in Montana?
Licenses renew by December 31 (1 year cycle).