Free CE Courses for Social Workers
A curated directory of free continuing education courses approved for licensed social workers (LSW, LCSW, LMSW). Find NASW-approved, ASWB-accepted, and state-approved free CE for your next renewal cycle.
CE Requirements for Licensed Social Workers
Licensed social workers (LSW, LMSW, LCSW, LICSW) in all 50 states must complete continuing education to renew their license. Requirements range from 20 to 40 CE hours per renewal cycle depending on state and licensure level. Clinical social workers (LCSW/LICSW) often have additional requirements related to supervised clinical practice and specialized CE topics.
CE for social workers is typically approved through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), or directly by state licensing boards. Many states accept CE from multiple accrediting bodies, giving social workers flexibility in where they earn hours.
CEHive helps social workers find free CE from universities, nonprofit organizations, SAMHSA, government agencies, and professional associations, all in one searchable directory. Every course is free, though some may require a free account with the CE provider.
Key CE Topics for Social Workers
Ethics & Professional Values
NASW Code of Ethics, boundary issues, informed consent, mandatory reporting, and ethical decision-making frameworks. Most boards require 3-6 ethics hours per cycle.
Cultural Humility & Anti-Oppressive Practice
Culturally responsive practice, anti-racism, working with marginalized communities, and addressing systemic barriers to care.
Trauma-Informed Social Work
Trauma-informed care principles, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), vicarious trauma, and evidence-based trauma interventions.
Substance Use & Co-occurring Disorders
Screening, brief intervention, referral to treatment (SBIRT), motivational interviewing, and harm reduction approaches.
Child Welfare & Mandatory Reporting
Child abuse identification, mandated reporter responsibilities, child protective services processes, and working with families involved in the child welfare system.
Mental Health & Clinical Practice
DSM-5 diagnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, and evidence-based treatment modalities for LCSW and clinical social workers.
CE Requirements by State (LCSW)
CE requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) vary by state. Below is a snapshot. Always confirm with your state board.
| State | License | CE Hours | Ethics Req. | Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | LCSW | 36 hrs | 6 hrs | 2-year |
| New York | LCSW | 36 hrs | 3 hrs | 3-year |
| Texas | LCSW | 30 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year |
| Florida | LCSW | 30 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year |
| Pennsylvania | LCSW | 30 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year |
Always verify with your state licensing board. Requirements change periodically.
ASWB vs. NASW Approved CE: What's the Difference?
ASWB Approved CE
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) approves CE providers through its ACE program. ASWB-approved CE is accepted in most US states for social work license renewal. This is often considered the "gold standard" for social work CE accreditation.
NASW Approved CE
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) also approves CE through its provider network. NASW-approved CE is accepted in many states, though not universally. NASW members often get access to free or discounted CE webinars throughout the year.
Find Free CE for Your Social Work License
Browse free continuing education for LSW, LMSW, LCSW, and LICSW license holders. Filter by state, topic area, and approved accreditor.
Search Free CE CoursesDisclaimer: CE requirements and course approvals change frequently. Always verify that a course meets your state board's requirements before completing it for license renewal. CEHive is not affiliated with any licensing board, ASWB, NASW, or CE provider.