Have questions about the NASW-Michigan Chapter's CE Provider Approvals process? We have answers! If your question is not answered in our FAQs below, please contact our office at (517) 487-1548.

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About the Program

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.

What is the NASW-MI CE Provider Approval Program?

The NASW-MI CE Provider Approval Program (formerly known as the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative) exists to support Michigan social workers and ensure that continuing education programs, trainings, and courses meet the guidelines established in Michigan social work licensure law. Organizations can apply to have their event(s) considered for social work CE approval in Michigan via the NASW-MI CE Provider Approval Program.

Why can the NASW-Michigan Chapter approve social work CEs in Michigan?

Per Section R 338.2963 of the "Social Work - General Rules" Michigan legal code, the State of Michigan recognizes the NASW-Michigan Chapter as an approving body for social work CE credits in Michigan.

Where can I review CE requirements for Michigan social workers?

Visit our "Continuing Education FAQs" webpage to learn more about the CE requirements for Michigan social workers.

About Course Eligibility for CEs

How can I check if my course is eligible for social work CE approval?

Review the CE course standards listed on our "CE Provider Standards and Requirements" webpage to determine whether you believe your course satisfies the criteria for social work CEs in Michigan. This is also a helpful place to go if you are still developing your course and want to ensure the course meets the minimum criteria required for social work CE approval.

What types of events are eligible for CE approval?

Courses must be an instructional training in order to be eligible for CE credits. General meetings, supervision, and other similar events are NOT eligible for CE credit approval.

What course formats are eligible for CE approval?

In-person, hybrid, live webinar, on-demand, and other alternative learning formats are all eligible formats for CE approval in Michigan.

How do I determine how many CE credits my event is eligible for?

Courses must be at least 60 full minutes (1.0 CE hours) in length order to be eligible for CE approval. Each additional 25 full minutes of uninterrupted instruction are eligible for an additional 0.5 CE credit hours if you believe that it is acceptable per the learning requirements.

Can I apply for quarter CE credits?

No. The State of Michigan does NOT accept quarter CE credits. For example, an event lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes would only be eligible for 1.0 CE credits.

Are course presenters eligible for CE credits?

Yes! Presenters can earn 3.0 CE hours for each 60 minutes that they present. Visit our "CE Designations: Event/Training Requirements" webpage for more information.

Are there certain topic areas my course must adhere to?

Yes. Visit our "CE Provider Application: Course Topic Areas" webpage for a detailed breakdown of the course topic area requirement.

Can my course be designated as a special topic (e.g. "Ethics")?

Yes, but your course must meet additional requirements in order to be eligible as required by Michigan law. Visit our "CE Designations: Event/Training Requirements" webpage to find relevant snippets of Michigan law and NASW guidance pertaining to CE designation requirements.

Does a social worker have to be involved in the development of my event?

Only if you are seeking an "Ethics" designation for your event. Otherwise, it is recommended (though not required) that a Michigan-licensed social worker be apart of the development of your event.

About the Application

What information should I have before starting an application?

To ensure you can complete your application without any delays, we recommend having the following information ready before starting your application:

• Organization information (name, address, contact person, etc.)
• Event information (title, format, dates, etc.)
  
• CE credit request details (total CEs, designation, topic area, etc.)
• Program details (description, hourly agenda, evaluation methods, etc.)
  
• Presenter information (names, short bios/resumes, etc.)
• Bibliographic references
  

We also recommend having the below documents ready before starting your application. Draft versions may be used. These documents can be submitted in the form of a website URL, text box, and/or file upload:

• Event agenda (sample event agenda)
• Course evaluation form (sample course evaluation form)

Do I need to complete and submit the full application in one sitting?

No. You can save your progress and complete the form over multiple days. To save your application progress, click the "Save" button at the bottom of the form page you are currently on.

Are there any deadlines to consider before applying?

Yes. Completed applications MUST be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event start date. Applications submitted less than 30 days prior to the event start date will NOT be accepted. Visit our "Application Details: Timelines, Options, and Fees" webpage to learn more.

What provider options can my organization apply to become?

We offer two options: Unlimited Provider and Individual Provider. Unlimited Providers pay one annual fee and does not pay for subsequent CE Provider Applications for events that occur within 1 year of the initial event start date. Individual Providers pay for each CE Provider Application separately. Visit our "Application Details: Timelines, Options, and Fees" webpage to learn more.

My organization was previously an "Approved Provider." Is that still an option?

No. We feel that it is important to have all of the course information for each course a provider is seeking approval for, and the condensed “Approved Provider” application we formerly used did not capture all of the course information that we need. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.

What are the costs associated with my application?

Application fees vary depending on factors such as provider option, fiduciary status (e.g. non-profit), and event length. Furthermore, applications submitted 30-60 days prior to the event start date will be assessed an automatic rush fee in addition to the base application fee. For a detailed breakdown of application costs, visit our "Application Details: Timelines, Options, and Fees" webpage.

When can I expect a decision to be made on my application?

Once we receive your completed application, you can expect a response from our office within 3 weeks for regular applications and within 1 week for rush applications. To learn more, visit our "Application Details: Timelines, Options, and Fees" webpage.

Do I need to submit separate/new applications for...

...the same exact course I was approved for previously?

It depends on how long ago your course was approved. Once a course is approved for social work CEs, it may be hosted as many times as you would like within 12 months of the course start date you listed in your approved application. After this 12 month period, you must reapply for CE credit approval by submitting a new application.

...a course I was approved for previously but made content modifications to?

...separate unique courses occurring within the same event (e.g. conferences)?

No. All courses within the same event can be applied for in the same application. To ensure we can review all of your organization's course offerings, you will be required to submit one copy of our "Events With Multiple Sessions/Modules" form for each unique session, keynote, etc. you are seeking social work CE credit approval for during your event.

...separate unique courses occurring within different events?

Yes. Organizations must submit a new application for each event they are seeking social work CE credit approval for.

...new events if my organization is a current pre-paid Unlimited Provider?

Yes. Organizations must submit a new application for each event they are seeking social work CE credit approval for. This is true even if payment is not required for an application (e.g. current Unlimited Providers).

About Event Documents and Records

Will the NASW-Michigan Chapter send out CE certificates for my event?

No. The organization operating the course is required to issue certificates of attendance showing CEs earned within 30 days after the conclusion of the event. To learn more, visit our "CE Provider Standards and Requirements" webpage.

How long do I need to retain event records?

Guidelines require continuing education providers in Michigan to maintain certain documentation for at least seven years. Visit our "CE Provider Standards and Requirements" webpage for a detailed breakdown of exactly what information must be retained.

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