Free CE for Social Workers in Texas
If you hold a Texas social work license - whether an LMSW or an LCSW - you need continuing education (CE) hours to renew. The good news: a meaningful share of those hours can be earned for free if you know where to look. This guide breaks down the Texas requirements and points you to free, board-accepted options.
Texas Social Work CE Requirements
The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE) requires the following for license renewal:
- 30 contact hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle.
- 6 hours of ethics, of which 3 hours must specifically be in social work ethics.
- 3 hours of cultural diversity (sometimes satisfied as part of broader competency training).
- Up to 10 hours may be completed through self-directed/independent study (non-interactive).
Always confirm current totals with the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners - rules and hour counts can change.
What Counts as Acceptable CE?
Texas accepts CE from providers approved by the board or by recognized accreditors such as ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards), NASW, and APA (American Psychological Association) when the content is relevant to social work practice. Activities that typically count include:
- Live and recorded webinars
- Self-paced online courses
- Grand rounds and professional workshops
- Reading-based self-study (within the self-study cap)
Be sure the provider issues a certificate with your name, the course title, the number of hours, and the date - boards ask for this at audit.
Where to Find Free CE in Texas
- CEHive's course directory - filter by state (TX) and profession (Social Worker) to see free, accredited options that Texas licensees can use. Each course lists its accrediting board and free-status, so you know exactly what you're getting.
- NASW-Texas chapter - periodically offers free or low-cost webinars for members.
- University-sponsored grand rounds and training - many Texas universities (e.g., UT, Texas A&M) post free recorded sessions relevant to behavioral health.
- SAMHSA and federal training portals - free, evidence-based CE on topics like suicide prevention and substance use.
A Smart Renewal Plan
Map your hours early. If you need 30 hours with 6 ethics (3 of those in social work ethics) and 3 cultural diversity, plan to:
- Knock out your 3 hours of social work ethics first (these are the hardest to find free).
- Use self-paced reading and video for general hours (up to the 10-hour self-study cap).
- Save live webinars for the hours that must be interactive.
Track It All
Free CE only helps if you can prove you completed it. Use a CE tracker to log each course, attach certificates, and watch your requirement progress fill in - so renewal season is stress-free.
Disclaimer: CEHive is an independent directory. Verify every requirement with the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners before relying on it for licensure.