Social Workers · New York · Continuing education
New York Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LCSW/LMSW: 36 hours every 3 years, including 2 h child abuse recognition & reporting (once), 3 h professional boundaries & risk management; renewal by the end of your birth month.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
New York LCSW/LMSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 36hours
- Renewal cycle
- 3 years
- Deadline
- Birth month
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By the end of your birth month
- Accepted credit
- Formal courses from NYSED Department-approved social work CE providers in acceptable subject areas (1 hour = 50 minutes; 1 CEU = 10 hours); also first-time teaching/presentations for approved providers, peer-reviewed articles (2 h), books (5 h)
- Carryover
- Not allowed (Education Law §7710(2)).
- New licensees
- Exempt during the first three-year registration period after licensure (also for a newly licensed LCSW). The first renewal is prorated to move licensees to birth-month renewal; prorated periods need 1 hour per month.
- Audits & records
- Attest on the registration renewal; keep certificates 6 years. Random audits by the Department.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Child abuse recognition & reportingIdentification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment (Department-approved course); documented at initial licensure or renewal, one-time; exemption possible if no contact with minors | 2 | once |
| Professional boundaries & risk managementAll registered licensees (registration periods starting on or after April 1, 2023); counts toward the 36 hours | 3 | every renewal |
Good to know. Self-study max 12 hours per 36 months (1/3 for other period lengths); live online courses unlimited. Holder of both LMSW and LCSW needs only 36 hours. Mandated reporters must complete the updated child-abuse curriculum (Ch. 25, Laws of 2024) by Nov 17, 2026.
Source: www.op.nysed.gov · Education Law Article 154 (§7710); Regulations of the Commissioner §74.10 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in New York
05 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in New York?
Use the license lookup of the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions – State Board for Social Work (op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-clinical-social-worker); 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 York?
36 hours every 3 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in New York?
Child abuse recognition & reporting — 2 h (once); Professional boundaries & risk management — 3 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for social workers in New York?
Formal courses from NYSED Department-approved social work CE providers in acceptable subject areas (1 hour = 50 minutes; 1 CEU = 10 hours); also first-time teaching/presentations for approved providers, peer-reviewed articles (2 h), books (5 h).
How do social workers report CE in New York?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in New York?
Licenses renew by the end of your birth month (3 years cycle).