Social Workers · Virginia · Continuing education
Virginia Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LBSW/LMSW: 15 contact hours every 2 years, including 3 h medical ethics, professionalism & law; renewal by June 30 in even-numbered years.
- LCSW30 contact hours per renewal cycle, including 6 h medical ethics, professionalism & law; renewal by June 30.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Virginia LBSW/LMSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 15contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Jun 30, even yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By June 30 in even-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Category I (formally organized, min. 20 h LCSW / 10 h LBSW-LMSW): accredited college courses in a behavioral health discipline (max 15 h per course), CSWE-accredited school programs, programs by government social service agencies, schools, licensed health facilities/hospitals, or sponsors certified/approved by CWLA, NASW, NABSW, FSAA, CSWA, ASWB or any state social work board. Category II (individual activities, max 10 h LCSW / 5 h LBSW-LMSW): ASWB item writing, publications/presentations, field instruction, board/association service, formal staffings, individual study (max 5 h)
- New licensees
- Newly licensed individuals do not document CE on the first renewal after initial licensure (18VAC140-20-100 B).
- Audits & records
- Keep original documentation 3 years after renewal; the Board may audit (18VAC140-20-106). Shortfalls lead to consent agreements/fines per guidance doc 140-4-2.
- Renew online
- www.dhp.virginia.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawEthics, standards of practice of behavioral health professions, or Virginia social work law | 3 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Up to 2 hours may be met by unpaid social work services to low-income patients of a local health department or free clinic (3 hours service = 1 CE hour).
Good to know. Licenses renew every year by June 30 (LBSW $55, LMSW $65); the 15 hours are due before renewal in even years.
Source: www.dhp.virginia.gov · 18VAC140-20-100, -105, -106 · checked Oct 28, 2026
Virginia LCSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- —
- Deadline
- Jun 30
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By June 30
- Accepted credit
- Category I (formally organized, min. 20 h LCSW / 10 h LBSW-LMSW): accredited college courses in a behavioral health discipline (max 15 h per course), CSWE-accredited school programs, programs by government social service agencies, schools, licensed health facilities/hospitals, or sponsors certified/approved by CWLA, NASW, NABSW, FSAA, CSWA, ASWB or any state social work board. Category II (individual activities, max 10 h LCSW / 5 h LBSW-LMSW): ASWB item writing, publications/presentations, field instruction, board/association service, formal staffings, individual study (max 5 h)
- Renewal fee
- $90
- New licensees
- Newly licensed individuals do not document CE on the first renewal after initial licensure (18VAC140-20-100 B).
- Audits & records
- Keep original documentation 3 years after renewal; the Board may audit (18VAC140-20-106). Shortfalls lead to consent agreements/fines per guidance doc 140-4-2.
- Renew online
- www.dhp.virginia.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawEthics, standards of practice of behavioral health professions, or Virginia social work law | 6 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Up to 2 hours may be met by unpaid social work services to low-income patients of a local health department or free clinic (3 hours service = 1 CE hour).
Good to know. Licenses renew every year by June 30. The regulation's 'prior to licensure renewal in even years' wording sits in the LBSW/LMSW sentence; it does not state the period for the LCSW 30 hours, so no cycle is given here.
Source: www.dhp.virginia.gov · 18VAC140-20-100, -105, -106 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in Virginia?
Use the license lookup of the Virginia Board of Social Work (dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/SocialWork); 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 Virginia?
LBSW/LMSW: 15 contact hours every 2 years. LCSW: 30 contact hours per renewal cycle.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in Virginia?
LBSW/LMSW: Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 3 h (every renewal). LCSW: Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 6 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for social workers in Virginia?
LBSW/LMSW: Category I (formally organized, min. 20 h LCSW / 10 h LBSW-LMSW): accredited college courses in a behavioral health discipline (max 15 h per course), CSWE-accredited school programs, programs by government social service agencies, schools, licensed health facilities/hospitals, or sponsors certified/approved by CWLA, NASW, NABSW, FSAA, CSWA, ASWB or any state social work board. Category II (individual activities, max 10 h LCSW / 5 h LBSW-LMSW): ASWB item writing, publications/presentations, field instruction, board/association service, formal staffings, individual study (max 5 h). LCSW: Category I (formally organized, min. 20 h LCSW / 10 h LBSW-LMSW): accredited college courses in a behavioral health discipline (max 15 h per course), CSWE-accredited school programs, programs by government social service agencies, schools, licensed health facilities/hospitals, or sponsors certified/approved by CWLA, NASW, NABSW, FSAA, CSWA, ASWB or any state social work board. Category II (individual activities, max 10 h LCSW / 5 h LBSW-LMSW): ASWB item writing, publications/presentations, field instruction, board/association service, formal staffings, individual study (max 5 h).
How do social workers report CE in Virginia?
LBSW/LMSW: By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit. LCSW: By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in Virginia?
LBSW/LMSW: Licenses renew by June 30 in even-numbered years (2 years cycle). LCSW: Licenses renew by June 30.