Have questions about Michigan's Continuing Education requirements? We have answers! If your question is not answered by our FAQs below, please contact our office at (517) 487-1548.

If you are looking to find approved CE courses to take, visit our CE Central 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 Michigan.

Who needs CE contact hours?

All fully licensed LMSWs and LBSWs are required to obtain CE contact hours. Limited Licensees** and Registered Social Service Technicians (RSSTs) are not required to complete CE requirements.

**While Limited Licensees do not need to obtain CE contact hours, applicants for licensure are required to complete trainings in the following subjects before they can apply for their full license:

• Human Trafficking: 1 training/course
• Implicit Bias: 2 hours of training/coursework

How often do I need to renew my license?

Every 3 years, fully licensed social workers must apply to renew their license in order to keep it active.

How many CE contact hours do I need?

45 CE contact hours must be completed during each license renewal period.

Are there specific subject matters that must be covered?

Yes. Of the 45 CE contact hours you earn...

• 5 must be in Ethics
• 2 must be in Pain and Symptom Management
• 2 must be in Human Trafficking

Isn't Implicit Bias training required every renewal period as well?

Yes, but this is separate from the CE requirement. In Michigan, fully licensed social workers need to complete 3 hours of Implicit Bias training every renewal period. Implicit Bias trainings may be counted towards both the CE and the general Implicit Bias training requirements if approved for CEs in Michigan.

Can I take CE courses from any provider?

No. To be acceptable for use in Michigan, CE courses must EITHER be:

• Approved by one of the following entities:
  
  • NASW Michigan Chapter (Michigan Social Work CE Collaborative)
  • NASW National
  • Any other state chapter of NASW
    
  • ACE program (ASWB)
    
  • Another state's Board of Social Work

• Offered by the one of the following entities:
  • CSWE-accredited schools of social work

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

No. However, at least 22.5 CE contact hours must be in a live synchronous format. This includes in-person courses, live webinars, and any other format that features live instruction.

When can I start accumulating my CE contact hours?

The day after you are issued or renew your license. For example: If you renewed your license on April 30, you may start accumulating CE contact hours for your next renewal period on May 1.

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

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

Do I have to retain records of my CE contact hours after my license is renewed?

Yes. You must retain documentation of meeting the CE requirements for a period of 5 years from the date you applied for your license renewal. If selected for audit, a licensee is required to submit copies of their documentation confirming the completion of the CE requirements.

How do I apply for my license renewal?

Visit the State of Michigan's Board of Social Workers webpage and click "Apply or Renew Online" to start your application.

Where can I review the codes and rules for Michigan social workers?

Visit the below webpages published by the Michigan Legislature and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA):

• Michigan Legislature: Public Health Code, Social Work
• Michigan Legislature: Continuing Education section, Social Work
  
• LARA: Social Work - General Rules
• LARA: Social Work FAQs (PDF)

To help social workers track and ensure they have enough CE hours to renew their license by their renewal date, NASW National provides a CE Tracking Service for a small fee.