Iowa social worker license requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How many CE hours does Iowa require for social workers?

LBSW/LMSW/LISW: 27 hours every 2 years. Licenses expire on 12/31 of even-numbered years.

Can I take my continuing education through Continued Social Work?

Yes. Continued is an ASWB ACE provider, and the Iowa Board of Social Work accepts courses approved by ASWB ACE.

Other Information

There is no limit to the number of continuing education hours that can be completed online.

LBSW/LMSW:

3 hours of ethics each renewal period. Continued offers courses that may meet the ethics requirement.
Social workers in Iowa must fulfill their mandatory child and/or dependent adult abuse reporting training directly through the state. Licensees must complete the state-approved core curriculum every 3 years via the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Portal.
First-time renewals are exempt from continuing education requirements.

LISW:

In addition to the above requirements, LISWs are required to complete 3 hours of supervision each renewal. Continued offers courses that may meet the supervision 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.