California social work license requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

We've listed some of the most common questions and answers for California social worker continuing education.

How many CE hours does California require for social workers?

LCSW
- 36 hours every 2 years
- License expires based on the date of issuance
ASW
- 3 hours every year in CA Laws and Ethics
- Registration expires based on the date of issuance

Can I use this site to earn my continuing education hours?

Yes, we are an ASWB ACE provider, and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts courses approved by ASWB ACE.

Other Information

For individuals seeking initial licensure, 10 CE hours must be obtained in human sexuality
- Explore human sexuality courses

LCSW:

There is no limit to the number of continuing education hours that can be completed online.
6 hours of Law & Ethics each renewal period
- Explore law and ethics courses
7 hours of HIV/AIDS education required the first renewal period only
- We do not currently offer this course; please check back later for updates.
6 hours of suicide risk/assessment*
- Explore suicide/risk assessment courses
For supervisors: 6 hours of supervision each renewal period
- Explore supervision courses
3 hours of training or coursework in the provision of mental health services via telehealth, which must include laws and ethics related to telehealth*
- Explore telehealth courses
15-Hour Training for New Supervisors: Requires persons licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences who commence supervision for the first time in California on or after January 1, 2022 to complete 15 hours of supervision training or coursework.
- Explore supervision courses
- Tip: Please ensure you follow the content guidelines on page 14 of this document. Please also ensure you take courses created within the past two years. The course creation date is listed on the course details page of each course.

ASW:

3 hours in California law and ethics during each renewal period
- Explore California laws and ethics course

*One-time requirement

Refer to your regulatory agency for the most current information about your continuing education requirements.

Approval Organizations

Association of Social Work Boards ACE Provider

Continued, provider #1742, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 03/27/2024 – 03/27/2027.