Complete Guide to Psychologist License Renewal
Everything licensed psychologists need to know about CE requirements, renewal deadlines, APA-approved providers, and how to find free CE by state.
What Psychologist License Renewal Requires
Licensed psychologists must renew their license every one to three years depending on their state, and renewal requires completing a set number of continuing education (CE) hours. Across all states, psychology license renewal CE requirements share several common elements: a total hour requirement, mandatory ethics hours, and approval by a recognized accreditation body — most commonly the American Psychological Association (APA) (Belar & Perry, 1992).
The total CE hours required per renewal cycle ranges from 30 to 60 hours. Most states fall in the 30–40 hour range for a two-year cycle. Ethics CE is universally required, typically 3–6 hours per cycle. Many states have added additional mandated topics including suicide prevention, child abuse identification, domestic violence, and cultural competency.
Understanding your specific state's requirements is the essential first step. The table below summarizes requirements for ten of the largest states. For states not listed, always go directly to your state licensing board's website for the authoritative requirements.
Psychologist CE Requirements by State
| State | CE Hours | Ethics | Cycle | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 36 hrs | 4 hrs | 2-year | |
| New York | 36 hrs | 3 hrs | 3-year | |
| Texas | 40 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year | |
| Florida | 40 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year | |
| Pennsylvania | 30 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year | |
| Illinois | 40 hrs | 4 hrs | 2-year | |
| Ohio | 40 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year | |
| Michigan | 30 hrs | 2 hrs | 2-year | |
| Georgia | 40 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year | |
| Washington | 60 hrs | 6 hrs | 3-year |
Click any row for details. Always verify with your state board. Requirements change periodically.
Approved CE Accreditation for Psychologists
APA-Approved CE Sponsors
The American Psychological Association (APA) maintains a rigorous approval process for CE sponsors. APA-approved CE is accepted in virtually all US states for psychologist license renewal. When searching for free CE, look for the APA-approved sponsor designation.
APA Sponsor Directory →State-Specific Psychology Board Approvals
Some states have their own approval process for psychology CE providers in addition to or instead of APA approval. Always check your state psychology board's website to see which accrediting bodies are accepted.
Continuing Education for Psychologists (CEP)
Some states accept CE from providers approved by other recognized bodies such as ASWB, NBCC, or AAMFT, particularly for cross-discipline topics. Check your state board's cross-acceptance rules.
Risk Management CE
Some states and malpractice insurers require or offer discounts for completing risk management CE. The Trust (formerly APA Insurance Trust) offers free risk management webinars that are APA-approved.
CE Formats: What Counts for Psychologist Renewal?
Different CE formats are accepted by most state boards, though some have restrictions on self-study hours.
Live Webinar
Self-Paced Online
Podcast CE
Reading-Based
In-Person Workshop
How to Complete Your Psychologist Renewal CE for Free
Despite the cost of many commercial CE providers, it is entirely possible to complete all or most of your psychologist renewal CE for free. Federal agencies, nonprofits, and professional associations collectively offer hundreds of free, APA-approved CE courses each year (APA Task Force, 2006).
SAMHSA Training: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers free training covering trauma-informed care, substance use, suicide prevention, and evidence-based practices. Many SAMHSA trainings are APA-approved or cross-accepted.
VA TRAIN: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers free clinical training through VA TRAIN, with hundreds of courses on PTSD, evidence-based therapies (CPT, PE, CBT), and clinical skills. Access is free and does not require VA employment.
The Trust: The Trust offers free risk management webinars that are APA-approved and accepted by most state boards. These cover ethics, telehealth, and professional boundaries.
University Extension Programs: Many university psychology departments and teaching hospitals offer free or low-cost CE grand rounds and webinars. Check APA-accredited doctoral programs in your state.
Psychologist Renewal Checklist
Look up your exact renewal date and CE deadline on your state board's license lookup
Confirm total CE hours required for your license level (LP, school psychologist, etc.)
Check required topic areas: ethics, suicide prevention, child abuse, and any state-specific mandates
Verify which accrediting bodies (APA, state-specific) your board accepts
Find free CE courses on CEHive filtered by your state and profession
Complete ethics CE first, as these fill up on free platforms
Download and save all certificates of completion immediately after finishing
Keep a running log of: course title, provider, date, CE hours, approval body
Submit renewal and CE documentation before your expiration date
Find Free CE for Your Psychologist Renewal
Search CEHive's directory of free, APA-approved CE courses for licensed psychologists, filtered by state, topic, and format.
Search Free Psychologist CE CoursesDisclaimer: CE requirements change frequently. Always verify with your state licensing board before relying on any CE for renewal. CEHive is not affiliated with APA or any licensing board.