Social Workers · Rhode Island · Continuing education
Rhode Island Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LCSW/LICSW: 30 contact hours every 2 years, including 3 h medical ethics, professionalism & law, 3 h cultural competency; renewal by May 1 in odd-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Rhode Island LCSW/LICSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- May 1, odd yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By May 1 in odd-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Course work, including online, presented, accepted or approved by NASW or its chapters, other state social work boards, ASWB, other recognized social work organizations (e.g. Federation of Clinical Social Work Societies, NABSW), or CSWE-accredited MSW schools. Supervising social work students max 6 hours per period.
- Online limit
- 27% of hours
- New licensees
- Initially licensed after the May 1 renewal date: exempt until the next renewal cycle.
- Audits & records
- Keep course descriptions/proof of attendance at least 4 years; subject to random audit by the Board.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawSocial work professional ethics | 3 | every renewal |
| Cultural competencyCross-cultural practice including the alleviation of oppression | 3 | every renewal |
Good to know. Licenses expire May 1 of odd years. At least 22 of 30 hours must be contact (live interactive) hours; up to 8 may be non-contact (internet, correspondence, tapes).
Source: rules.sos.ri.gov · 216-RICR-40-05-7, §7.4.5 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Rhode Island
05 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in Rhode Island?
Use the license lookup of the Rhode Island Board of Social Work Examiners (RI Department of Health) (health.ri.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 Rhode Island?
30 contact hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in Rhode Island?
Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 3 h (every renewal); Cultural competency — 3 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for social workers in Rhode Island?
Course work, including online, presented, accepted or approved by NASW or its chapters, other state social work boards, ASWB, other recognized social work organizations (e.g. Federation of Clinical Social Work Societies, NABSW), or CSWE-accredited MSW schools. Supervising social work students max 6 hours per period.
How do social workers report CE in Rhode Island?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in Rhode Island?
Licenses renew by May 1 in odd-numbered years (2 years cycle).