LMSW CE Requirements in Michigan
This page summarizes the current CE requirements for the LMSW (Licensed Master's Social Worker - Michigan's clinical-level license; no separate 'LCSW'). LBSW (bachelor's) has the same 45-hr/3-yr CE structure. license in Michigan — renewal model, mandated topics, live/interactive rules, and home-study limits — with links to the official regulator.
LMSW
- Ethics — 5 hMinimum 5 of the 45 hours.
- Pain and pain symptom management — 2 hMinimum 2 of the 45 hours (behavior management, psychology of pain, behavior modification, stress management).
- Implicit bias — 3 hRECURRING every renewal: 1 hr per year of the license cycle = 3 hrs for the 3-yr cycle (R 338.7001-7005). New applicants: 2 hrs within 5 yrs before issuance. Counts toward the 45 hours. Hours cannot be carried forward between cycles.
- Human trafficking identification — 2 hRECURRING every renewal cycle: Mich. Admin. Code R 338.2961 - 'At least 2 of the 45 continuing education contact hours in each renewal period must be in human trafficking.' Confirmed by LARA's Social Work FAQs. Counts toward the 45. (This is stricter than the generic one-time Public Health Code human-trafficking training that applies to other Michigan professions.) Separately, individuals seeking INITIAL licensure must have completed a human trafficking training prior to obtaining a license (LARA Social Work FAQs).
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How many CE hours does an LMSW need in Michigan?
An LMSW must complete 45 CE / continuing-education hours every 3 years in Michigan. That total includes 5 hours of ethics. At least 22 of those hours must be live or interactive.
Are there required CE topics for LMSW in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan requires the following CE topics for LMSW: Ethics (5 h); Pain and pain symptom management (2 h); Implicit bias (3 h); Human trafficking identification (2 h).
Can LMSW CE be completed online in Michigan?
Not entirely. Michigan requires at least 22 live or interactive hours per cycle; the remaining hours may generally be completed through approved home-study / online courses. Home-study note: One-half (22.5 hrs) must be completed in person using live, synchronous contact; the remaining half (up to 22.5 hrs) may be any other approved format including home study/online..
What else should LMSW renewals know in Michigan?
Triennial renewal; 45 CE contact hours per 3 years under Mich. Admin. Code R 338.2961, including at least 5 hours ethics, 2 hours pain and symptom management, and 2 hours human trafficking. R 338.2963: one half of the required hours must be completed in person or in a format permitting live, synchronous contact, and hours may not be carried forward to the next renewal cycle. Human trafficking for SOCIAL WORKERS is RECURRING (2 hrs every renewal period) - corrected from the prior entry which called it a one-time training with no hour count. Implicit bias is also RECURRING each renewal (1 hr per year of the cycle = 3 hrs, R 338.7004) and may count toward the 45. Retain CE records 4 years; LARA may audit.