Social Workers · New Mexico · Continuing education
New Mexico Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LBSW/LMSW/LISW/LCSW: 30 hours every 2 years, including 6 h cultural competency; renewal by July 1.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
New Mexico LBSW/LMSW/LISW/LCSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Jul 1
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By July 1
- Accepted credit
- Board-approved CE (board page: approved by NASW, ASWB, NBCC, NM Counseling and Therapy Board, NM Psychology Board); up to 10 self-directed hours per period (programs, readings, audio/video in the social work domain, presenting)
- Carryover
- Not permitted.
- Audits & records
- Board audits a percentage of renewals; audited licensees submit proof with renewal. Keep CE records for 4 years.
- Renew online
- www.rld.nm.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural competencyAll levels: cultural awareness | 6 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. A 3-hour college-level course in social work (or skills-related course) is accepted as equivalent to the 30 hours; transcript sent to the board with renewal.
Good to know. Hours must be earned in the current 2-year period July 1–June 30; renewal deadline July 1, late fee $75. Board page says 23 of 30 hours must be board-approved; the NMAC text only caps self-directed hours at 10. Renewal fee varies by level ($100/$150/$200).
Source: www.rld.nm.gov · 16.63.12 NMAC (Continuing Education); renewal 16.63.11.11 NMAC, fees 16.63.8 NMAC · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in New Mexico?
Use the license lookup of the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners (rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/social-work-examiners); 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 New Mexico?
30 hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in New Mexico?
Cultural competency — 6 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for social workers in New Mexico?
Board-approved CE (board page: approved by NASW, ASWB, NBCC, NM Counseling and Therapy Board, NM Psychology Board); up to 10 self-directed hours per period (programs, readings, audio/video in the social work domain, presenting).
How do social workers report CE in New Mexico?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in New Mexico?
Licenses renew by July 1 (2 years cycle).