LISW CE Requirements in Iowa
This page summarizes the current CE requirements for the LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker; also LBSW/LMSW - all social work levels share the same CE rule) license in Iowa — renewal model, mandated topics, live/interactive rules, and home-study limits — with links to the official regulator.
LISW
- Ethics — 3 hMinimum 3 hours per biennium in social work ethics (IAC 481-881.2(12)(b)).
- Supervision — 3 hOnly for independent-level (LISW) licensees who provide supervision (481-881.2(12)(k)).
- Mandatory Reporter - Child Abuse — 2 h2-hr initial course then 1-hr recertification every 3 years; only for those who regularly examine/attend/treat children; Iowa HHS-approved curriculum (481-895.7(3)).
- Mandatory Reporter - Dependent Adult Abuse — 2 h2-hr initial course then 1-hr recertification every 3 years; only for applicable mandatory reporters; Iowa HHS-approved curriculum (481-895.7(3)).
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How many CE hours does an LISW need in Iowa?
An LISW must complete 27 CE / continuing-education hours every 2 years in Iowa. That total includes 3 hours of ethics.
Are there required CE topics for LISW in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa requires the following CE topics for LISW: Ethics (3 h); Supervision (3 h); Mandatory Reporter - Child Abuse (2 h); Mandatory Reporter - Dependent Adult Abuse (2 h).
Can LISW CE be completed online in Iowa?
Generally yes — Iowa does not require live or interactive hours for LISW, so approved online / home-study CE can typically satisfy the requirement. Home-study note: No explicit cap on independent/home-study hours under current rule 481-881.2(12); home-study courses with a certificate of completion are accepted. Activity sub-caps: max 3 of the 27 hours for pro bono service and max 3 hours for teaching/presentations per biennium..
What else should LISW renewals know in Iowa?
Now regulated by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals (boards consolidated under DIAL in 2025; formerly the Iowa Board of Social Work); rules at IAC 481-881 and 481-895. First-time licensees are exempt from CE for their first renewal. Up to 50% of hours may carry over to the next biennium. Mandatory-reporter training runs on its own 3-year recertification cycle and applies only to those who treat children/dependent adults. No live/in-person minimum.