Social Workers · North Carolina · Continuing education
North Carolina Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LCSW/LCSWA/CSW/CMSW/CSWM: 40 contact hours every 2 years, including 4 h medical ethics, professionalism & law; renewal on the anniversary of your license date.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
North Carolina LCSW/LCSWA/CSW/CMSW/CSWM CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 40contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- License anniversary
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- On the anniversary of your license date
- Accepted credit
- Social work-related academic courses, agency staff development, seminars, workshops and conferences (no Board pre-approval); distance learning only if preapproved by ASWB (ACE) or NASW/NASW-NC; 1 academic course hour = 15 contact hours
- Renewal fee
- $150
- New licensees
- If the certificate/license period is less than a full two years, 30 contact hours (at least 4 in ethics). LCSWA applying for LCSW early: pro-rated hours per the Board's position statement.
- Audits & records
- Renewal Affidavit lists all CE taken; certificates not attached but must be produced if audited (can be selected immediately at online renewal).
- Renew online
- www.ncswboard.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawAll levels: ethics related to social work practice and ethical decision-making | 4 | every renewal |
Good to know. Distance learning max 20 hours (one-half); live synchronous webinars count as face-to-face. Self-care max 6 hours; presenting max 5 hours. Renewal fee $150 is for LCSW/CSWM ($140 LCSWA, $90 CMSW, $70 CSW). Cycle runs from date of issue/last renewal.
Source: www.ncswboard.gov · 21 NCAC 63 .0401; 21 NCAC 63 .0403 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in North Carolina?
Use the license lookup of the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (ncswboard.gov); 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 North Carolina?
40 contact hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in North Carolina?
Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 4 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for social workers in North Carolina?
Social work-related academic courses, agency staff development, seminars, workshops and conferences (no Board pre-approval); distance learning only if preapproved by ASWB (ACE) or NASW/NASW-NC; 1 academic course hour = 15 contact hours.
How do social workers report CE in North Carolina?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in North Carolina?
Licenses renew on the anniversary of your license date (2 years cycle).