Continuing Education

LCSW CE Requirements in New Jersey

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

40CE hours / cycle

2 yrrenewal cycle

0 hlive / interactive required

5 hethics required

Full New Jersey LCSW requirements

Verified

LCSW

LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

40hours / 2-year renewal cycle

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

Mandated topics

Ethics — 5 hSocial work ethics (boundaries, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, recordkeeping) per N.J.A.C. 13:44G-6.3
Social and cultural competence — 3 h
Prescription opioid drugs (risks/signs of abuse, addiction, diversion) — 1 h
Clinical practice — 20 hLCSW only: at least 20 of the 40 credits must be directly related to clinical practice

Home study: No self-study/home-study cap and no face-to-face minimum stated in N.J.A.C. 13:44G-6; all 40 credits may be earned via approved distance/online CE.

Board notes: NJ State Board of Social Work Examiners; biennial renewal. LCSW = 40 credits (LSW = 30). Mandatory topics: 5 ethics, 3 social/cultural competence, 1 prescription opioid; LCSW additionally needs 20 clinical-practice credits (N.J.A.C. 13:44G-6.2 and 6.3). LCSW may carry a maximum of 8 surplus credits into the next biennium (LSW 6). Accepts ASWB ACE and other board-recognized approval entities.

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Frequently asked questions

How many CE hours does an LCSW need in New Jersey?

An LCSW must complete 40 CE / continuing-education hours every 2 years in New Jersey. That total includes 5 hours of ethics.

Are there required CE topics for LCSW in New Jersey?

Yes. New Jersey requires the following CE topics for LCSW: Ethics (5 h); Social and cultural competence (3 h); Prescription opioid drugs (risks/signs of abuse, addiction, diversion) (1 h); Clinical practice (20 h).

Can LCSW CE be completed online in New Jersey?

Generally yes — New Jersey does not require live or interactive hours for LCSW, so approved online / home-study CE can typically satisfy the requirement. Home-study note: No self-study/home-study cap and no face-to-face minimum stated in N.J.A.C. 13:44G-6; all 40 credits may be earned via approved distance/online CE..

What else should LCSW renewals know in New Jersey?

NJ State Board of Social Work Examiners; biennial renewal. LCSW = 40 credits (LSW = 30). Mandatory topics: 5 ethics, 3 social/cultural competence, 1 prescription opioid; LCSW additionally needs 20 clinical-practice credits (N.J.A.C. 13:44G-6.2 and 6.3). LCSW may carry a maximum of 8 surplus credits into the next biennium (LSW 6). Accepts ASWB ACE and other board-recognized approval entities.

Other New Jersey licenses

LPC in New Jersey40 CE hours every 2 years Licensed Psychologist in New Jersey40 CE hours every 2 years LMFT in New Jersey40 CE hours every 2 years BCBA in New Jersey32 CE hours every 2 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.