Social Workers · Washington · Continuing education
Washington Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LASW/LICSW: 32 hours every 2 years, including 6 h medical ethics, professionalism & law, 6 h suicide prevention (every 6 years), 2 h health equity (every 4 years), 2 h professional boundaries & risk management; renewal by your birthday.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Washington LASW/LICSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 32hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birthday
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By your birthday
- Accepted credit
- Courses, seminars, workshops and distance learning approved by an industry-recognized local, state, national or international organization or accredited institution of higher learning (e.g. WAMFT, WSSCSW, NASW and WA chapter, AMHCA, AAMFT, CSWA, NBCC, WMHCA, SSWLHC); distance learning must include a comprehension test. Employer-sponsored training max 26 hours; panels, community service, research, peer consultation, publishing max 6 hours per period; presenters get attendee credit.
- New licensees
- First suicide training is due in the first full CE period after initial licensure; it may be delayed six years if equivalent training was completed within six years before licensure.
- Audits & records
- Documentation (transcripts, certificates, instructor letters) kept as required in chapter 246-12 WAC (WAC 246-809-650).
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawAll licensees; may include topics under RCW 18.130.180 | 6 | every renewal |
| Suicide preventionAll licensees: suicide assessment, treatment and management from the DOH model list, at least once every six years; first training in the first full CE period after licensure; second must be advanced/treatment-modality training. Counts toward the 32 hours. | 6 | every 6 years |
| Health equityAll licensees, at least every four years (content per WAC 246-12-830) | 2 | every 4 years |
| Professional boundaries & risk managementAll licensees: professional roles and boundaries, separate from the ethics hours | 2 | every renewal |
Good to know. License renews every year on the birthday (WAC 246-809-990); CE is reported per two-year period. Associates (separate credential) need 16 hours every year. Social worker associates advanced/independent clinical also need 6 hours of suicide training before the first renewal.
Source: app.leg.wa.gov · WAC 246-809-610, -615, -620, -630 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in Washington?
Use the license lookup of the Washington State Department of Health (doh.wa.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 Washington?
32 hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in Washington?
Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 6 h (every renewal); Suicide prevention — 6 h (every 6 years); Health equity — 2 h (every 4 years); Professional boundaries & risk management — 2 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for social workers in Washington?
Courses, seminars, workshops and distance learning approved by an industry-recognized local, state, national or international organization or accredited institution of higher learning (e.g. WAMFT, WSSCSW, NASW and WA chapter, AMHCA, AAMFT, CSWA, NBCC, WMHCA, SSWLHC); distance learning must include a comprehension test. Employer-sponsored training max 26 hours; panels, community service, research, peer consultation, publishing max 6 hours per period; presenters get attendee credit.
How do social workers report CE in Washington?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in Washington?
Licenses renew by your birthday (2 years cycle).