Social Work Continuing Education

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Social work is a field that blends society and psychology. In order to help people to the best of their ability practitioners must participate in social work continuing education programs throughout the duration of their careers.

Social work continuing education, or CE, is a necessary part of any social worker's career. Each of the state social work licensing boards requires registered social workers to achieve a certain number of acceptable CE credits before renewing their licenses.

The requisite number and type of CE credits differ by state. For example; Mississippi demands social workers to achieve 40 CE 'contact hours' in a one year period. California , on the other hand, stipulates that all Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) attain 36 hours in one year. A CE 'contact hour' is considered 50 minutes of educational time. Continuing Education Units (CEUs), on the other hand, are different; one CEU equals 10 'contact hours.'

A number of state licensing boards require social workers to take certain special courses; for example, California mandates that all LCSWs to enroll in seven hours of Spousal and Partner Abuse and three hours in Aging and Long-term Care (among others)

Specific social work continuing education needs depend on the type of license that you practice under. If you have a professional license, you must check the CE requirements for the professional association that certified you. If you have a state license, you must contact your state social work licensing board.

CE courses must be accredited by your state licensing board. The Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program, part of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), is the regulating body.

Some good resources for those looking into social work continuing education programs:

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is the regulating body that oversees all the State Social Work Boards and aids them in 'carrying out their legislated mandates.' The ASWB's (www.aswb.org) goal is to regulate social workers 'through common values, ethics, and practice standards.' The ASWB lists contact information for all the state boards.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a 'national association that preserves and enhances the quality of social work education.' CWSE sets policy standards and accredits CE programs. Find them at www.cswe.org.