Social Workers · Pennsylvania · Continuing education
Pennsylvania Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LBSW/LSW/LCSW: 30 clock hours every 2 years, including 2 h child abuse recognition & reporting, 3 h medical ethics, professionalism & law, 1 h suicide prevention; renewal by February 28 in odd-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Pennsylvania LBSW/LSW/LCSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30clock hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Feb 28, odd yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By February 28 in odd-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Board-approved providers incl. preapproved (49 Pa. Code §47.36): CSWE-accredited programs, ASWB and ASWB ACE, accredited colleges/universities, COAMFTE and CACREP programs, NASW, CSWA, NBCC, CRCC, APA, ANCC, AAMFT, ACA, AMHCA and others; other courses only with prior Board approval (§47.36a)
- Renewal fee
- $95
- Carryover
- Not allowed (excess clock hours may not be carried over).
- New licensees
- Licensees first licensed during the current biennium are exempt from the 30 hours at the first renewal, except the 2 hours of child abuse recognition and reporting training (2025 Renewal Guide).
- Audits & records
- Signed certification at renewal; random audits. Keep certificates at least 4 years (2025 Renewal Guide). Child abuse course completion is reported electronically by the approved provider.
- Renew online
- www.pals.pa.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Child abuse recognition & reportingAll licensees; DHS/Bureau-approved provider (Act 31); 3 hours required once for initial licensure | 2 | every renewal |
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawAll licensees: professional ethics | 3 | every renewal |
| Suicide preventionAll licensees: assessment, treatment and management of suicide risks (Act 74 of 2016); does not count toward ethics | 1 | every renewal |
Good to know. Biennium runs March 1 of an odd year to Feb 28 of the next odd year. Home study: rule text caps it at 20 hours, but a Board notice of 11/19/2019 permits all 30 hours online (no live requirement). One board licenses SW, MFT and LPC.
Source: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov · 49 Pa. Code §§ 47.31–47.37; Act 74 of 2016 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Pennsylvania
05 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in Pennsylvania?
Use the license lookup of the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors (pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/social-workers-marriage-family-therapists-professional-counselors); 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 Pennsylvania?
30 clock hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in Pennsylvania?
Child abuse recognition & reporting — 2 h (every renewal); Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 3 h (every renewal); Suicide prevention — 1 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for social workers in Pennsylvania?
Board-approved providers incl. preapproved (49 Pa. Code §47.36): CSWE-accredited programs, ASWB and ASWB ACE, accredited colleges/universities, COAMFTE and CACREP programs, NASW, CSWA, NBCC, CRCC, APA, ANCC, AAMFT, ACA, AMHCA and others; other courses only with prior Board approval (§47.36a).
How do social workers report CE in Pennsylvania?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in Pennsylvania?
Licenses renew by February 28 in odd-numbered years (2 years cycle).