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LCSW CE Requirements in North Dakota

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

30CE hours / cycle
2 yrrenewal cycle
20 hlive / interactive required
2 hethics required
Full North Dakota LCSW requirements
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LCSW

LCSW (Licensed Certified Social Worker)
30hours / 2-year renewal cycle
20 live / interactive hours required
Mandated topics
  • Ethics — 2 hAt least 2 contact hours must concern social work ethics

Home study: No more than 10 of 30 contact hours may be independent learning (e.g., online study without live interaction). Live, real-time webinars count as regular face-to-face hours and do NOT count against the 10-hour independent-learning cap, so at least 20 hours must be face-to-face/live.

Board notes: 30 hours per fixed biennial cycle (Jan 1 of even year through Dec 31 of odd year). Newly licensed: 15 hours if licensed Jan 1-Jun 30 of an odd year; none if licensed Jul 1 or later of an odd year. No carryover of excess hours. Self-attest on renewal; retain records 4 years. ND uses LBSW/LMSW/LCSW titles (LCSW is the clinical tier); the 30-hour/2-hour-ethics rule applies to all licensed social workers.

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Frequently asked questions
How many CE hours does an LCSW need in North Dakota?

An LCSW must complete 30 CE / continuing-education hours every 2 years in North Dakota. That total includes 2 hours of ethics. At least 20 of those hours must be live or interactive.

Are there required CE topics for LCSW in North Dakota?

Yes. North Dakota requires the following CE topics for LCSW: Ethics (2 h).

Can LCSW CE be completed online in North Dakota?

Not entirely. North Dakota requires at least 20 live or interactive hours per cycle; the remaining hours may generally be completed through approved home-study / online courses. Home-study note: No more than 10 of 30 contact hours may be independent learning (e.g., online study without live interaction). Live, real-time webinars count as regular face-to-face hours and do NOT count against the 10-hour independent-learning cap, so at least 20 hours must be face-to-face/live..

What else should LCSW renewals know in North Dakota?

30 hours per fixed biennial cycle (Jan 1 of even year through Dec 31 of odd year). Newly licensed: 15 hours if licensed Jan 1-Jun 30 of an odd year; none if licensed Jul 1 or later of an odd year. No carryover of excess hours. Self-attest on renewal; retain records 4 years. ND uses LBSW/LMSW/LCSW titles (LCSW is the clinical tier); the 30-hour/2-hour-ethics rule applies to all licensed social workers.

Other North Dakota licenses
LPCC in North Dakota40 CE hours every 2 yearsLicensed Psychologist in North Dakota40 CE hours every 2 yearsLMFT in North Dakota30 CE hours every 2 yearsLicensed Behavior Analyst in North Dakota32 CE hours every 2 years
LCSW CE requirements in other states
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
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.