Continuing Education

LCSW CE Requirements in Montana

This page summarizes the current CE requirements for the LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) license in Montana — renewal model, mandated topics, live/interactive rules, and home-study limits — with links to the official regulator.

20CE hours / cycle

1 yrrenewal cycle

0 hlive / interactive required

—ethics required

Full Montana LCSW requirements

Verified

LCSW

LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

20hours / 1-year renewal cycle

No live / interactive hours required — all hours may be self-study

Mandated topics

Suicide prevention — 2 hMinimum 2 hours required at the licensee's first renewal and every two years thereafter (ARM 24.219.435(4)).

Home study: No cap. Home study/online/self-paced CE is neither mandated nor limited by ARM 24.219.435; format is unrestricted. Up to 10 hours may be earned for first-time development/presentation of courses or first-time authorship of published/presented papers.

Board notes: Governed by the unified Montana Board of Behavioral Health rule ARM 24.219.435 (same rule for social workers, counselors, MFTs, and addiction counselors). 20 hours CE annually, completed before each annual renewal; CE does not apply until after the first renewal. No mandated ethics hours. Up to 20 excess hours may carry forward one year (max 20). Licensees holding more than one license type must complete 20 hours per license. Department may audit up to 50% of renewals; retain documentation.

boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov ↗rules.mt.gov ↗regulations.justia.com ↗

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Frequently asked questions

How many CE hours does an LCSW need in Montana?

An LCSW must complete 20 CE / continuing-education hours every 1 years in Montana.

Are there required CE topics for LCSW in Montana?

Yes. Montana requires the following CE topics for LCSW: Suicide prevention (2 h).

Can LCSW CE be completed online in Montana?

Generally yes — Montana does not require live or interactive hours for LCSW, so approved online / home-study CE can typically satisfy the requirement. Home-study note: No cap. Home study/online/self-paced CE is neither mandated nor limited by ARM 24.219.435; format is unrestricted. Up to 10 hours may be earned for first-time development/presentation of courses or first-time authorship of published/presented papers..

What else should LCSW renewals know in Montana?

Governed by the unified Montana Board of Behavioral Health rule ARM 24.219.435 (same rule for social workers, counselors, MFTs, and addiction counselors). 20 hours CE annually, completed before each annual renewal; CE does not apply until after the first renewal. No mandated ethics hours. Up to 20 excess hours may carry forward one year (max 20). Licensees holding more than one license type must complete 20 hours per license. Department may audit up to 50% of renewals; retain documentation.

Other Montana licenses

LCPC in Montana20 CE hours every 1 years Licensed Psychologist in Montana40 CE hours every 2 years LMFT in Montana20 CE hours every 1 years Licensed Behavior Analyst in Montana20 CE hours every 1 years

LCSW CE requirements in other states

Updated July 2026 from official licensing-board, regulatory-college, and government sources. CE / CPD requirements change often — always confirm current rules directly with your licensing board or regulator before you renew. Informational only, not legal advice.