Continuing Education

LICSW CE Requirements in Rhode Island

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

30CE hours / cycle
2 yrrenewal cycle
22 hlive / interactive required
3 hethics required
Full Rhode Island LICSW requirements
Verified

LICSW

LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker)
30hours / 2-year renewal cycle
22 live / interactive hours required
Mandated topics
  • Social work professional ethics — 3 h
  • Cross-cultural practice addressing oppression — 3 h

Home study: Of the 30 hours, 22 must be 'contact hours' (direct interaction between faculty and participants: lectures, symposia, live teleconferences, workshops); up to 8 may be 'non-contact hours' (internet/correspondence/tapes/self-study with no direct faculty interaction).

Board notes: Biennial renewal; license expires May 1 of odd-numbered years. CE accepted from NASW/ASWB/CSWE-accredited and other approved providers (online courses accepted subject to the contact/non-contact split). Retain documentation 4 years; audits and hardship extensions at Board discretion.

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Frequently asked questions
How many CE hours does an LICSW need in Rhode Island?

An LICSW must complete 30 CE / continuing-education hours every 2 years in Rhode Island. That total includes 3 hours of ethics. At least 22 of those hours must be live or interactive.

Are there required CE topics for LICSW in Rhode Island?

Yes. Rhode Island requires the following CE topics for LICSW: Social work professional ethics (3 h); Cross-cultural practice addressing oppression (3 h).

Can LICSW CE be completed online in Rhode Island?

Not entirely. Rhode Island 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: Of the 30 hours, 22 must be 'contact hours' (direct interaction between faculty and participants: lectures, symposia, live teleconferences, workshops); up to 8 may be 'non-contact hours' (internet/correspondence/tapes/self-study with no direct faculty interaction)..

What else should LICSW renewals know in Rhode Island?

Biennial renewal; license expires May 1 of odd-numbered years. CE accepted from NASW/ASWB/CSWE-accredited and other approved providers (online courses accepted subject to the contact/non-contact split). Retain documentation 4 years; audits and hardship extensions at Board discretion.

Other Rhode Island licenses
LICSW 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.