Social Workers · North Dakota · Continuing education
North Dakota Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LCSW/LMSW/LBSW: 30 contact hours every 2 years, including 2 h medical ethics, professionalism & law; renewal by December 31 in odd-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
North Dakota LCSW/LMSW/LBSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Dec 31, odd yrs
- Reporting
- Other
- Renewal deadline
- By December 31 in odd-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Workshops, conferences, seminars and courses from Board-approved providers; formal academic coursework (1 semester credit = 15 contact hours); presenting (hour-per-hour, once per program)
- Renewal fee
- $75
- Carryover
- Not allowed; hours apply to one licensing period only.
- New licensees
- Initially licensed January 1 – June 30 of the odd-numbered year: 15 hours; on or after July 1 of an odd-numbered year: none. Hours only after the license effective date.
- Audits & records
- Renewal application must include verification of required continuing education.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawAll licensees: social work ethics | 2 | every renewal |
Good to know. All licenses expire Dec 31 of odd-numbered years; renewal due by Nov 15 (later = $150 late fee incl. renewal). Max 10 hours independent learning (e.g. online without live interaction).
Source: www.ndlegis.gov · N.D. Admin. Code 75.5-02-03-07 (also 75.5-02-03-03, 75.5-02-03-05) · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in North Dakota?
Use the license lookup of the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (ndbswe.com); 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 Dakota?
30 contact hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in North Dakota?
Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 2 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for social workers in North Dakota?
Workshops, conferences, seminars and courses from Board-approved providers; formal academic coursework (1 semester credit = 15 contact hours); presenting (hour-per-hour, once per program).
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in North Dakota?
Licenses renew by December 31 in odd-numbered years (2 years cycle).