Have questions about Pennsylvania's Continuing Education requirements? We have answers! Still have questions? Contact the NASW-PA office at 717-232-4125.

If you are looking to find approved CE courses to take, visit our "Find a CE Course/Event" webpage.

What is Continuing Education (CE)?

Education and training oriented toward maintenance, improvement or enhancement of social work practice. It is a required aspect of renewing your social work license in the State of Pennsylvania.

Who needs CE contact hours?

Almost all licensed LBSWs, LSWs and LCSWs seeking licensure renewal are required to obtain CE contact hours. There is one exception: those that recently received their license and are applying for licensure renewal for the first time are exempted from the continuing education requirements*.

*While exempted from the continuing educaton requirements, first-time renewal applicants are still required to complete 2 hours of Act 31 Mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training (all licensees must complete at least 2 hours of child abuse recognition and reporting training from approved Act 31 providers only)

When do I need to renew my license?

In Pennsylvania, there is a set 2-year licensure renewal cycle that applies to all social work licenses. This applies to new licenses as well regardless of when they were issued. The current two-year licensing period began March 1, 2023 and will end February 28, 2025.

How many CE hours do I need?

30 CE hours must be completed during each license renewal period.

Are there specific subject matters that must be covered?

Yes. Of the 30 CE contact hours you earn...

• 3 must be in Professional Ethics
• 2 must be in Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training (from approved Act 31 providers only)
• 1 must be in Suicide Prevention

Do all of the CE courses I take need to be in-person?

No. As of November 19, 2019, the PA State Board no longer has a live CE requirement.

Will extra CE contact hours roll over to my next renewal period?

No. Extra hours do not count toward your next renewal cycle.

Can I take CE courses from any provider?

No. In Pennsylvania, CE courses must be approved by one of the following entities:

• Providers pre-approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (includes NASW)
• Providers that are not pre-approved providers but are approved by the PA state regulatory board

You can also apply for individual CE approvals. Individual approval forms must be submitted prior to attending the course. Approval is not offered after you have attended the course. Individual approval is through the PA State Board.

What details should be included in my CE certificates?

For courses offered by pre-approved providers, make sure your CE certificates include the following information:

• Course date
• Course location
• Title of course
• Name of course provider
• Instructors' names
• Number of CEs awarded

In addition to the above details, providers that are not pre-approved but are approved by the PA state regulatory board must include their PA approval provider number on your CE certificate.

Do I have to retain records of my CE hours?

Yes. You must retain documentation of meeting the CE requirements for a period of 4 years. If selected for audit, a licensee is required to submit copies of their documentation confirming the completion of the CE requirements.

How do I contact the PA State Board?

Phone: 717-783-1389
Mailing Address: PO Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105
Email: st-socialwork@pa.gov