VerifiedSocial Worker
Social Worker (England)
Regulator: Social Work England (SWE)
CPDCPD is mandatory for all registered social workers and is recorded on the online SWE account each registration year. There is no fixed hour count; instead the requirement is a minimum of 2 different pieces of CPD recorded per registration year, and at least one of those pieces must include a peer reflection (a written account of how peer feedback informed the learning). Registration renews annually; social workers apply to renew and confirm/record their CPD between 1 September and 30 November each year. A sample of CPD records is reviewed each year.
No specific live / interactive hour requirement
Home study: No cap; format flexible (formal, informal, work-based, self-directed). Requirement is expressed as pieces of CPD, not hours.
Board notes: Statutory regulator for social workers in England (protected title). Minimum of 2 pieces of CPD per year with at least one peer reflection is the quantitative core of the requirement; quality/relevance to practice is emphasised over hours. Failure to record CPD by the renewal deadline can result in removal from the register.
Confirm with boardSocial Worker
Social Worker (Scotland)
Regulator: Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
CPDRegistered social workers must undertake and record Continuous Professional Learning (CPL). SSSC operates an outcomes-based CPL model with no fixed hour target for social workers; maintaining and improving knowledge and skills is a requirement of registration under the SSSC Code of Practice. Registrants confirm they have completed their CPL as part of the annual online registration declaration (no evidence submitted unless requested). Newly qualified social workers have specified mandatory learning activities.
No specific live / interactive hour requirement
Home study: No cap; role- and career-stage-relevant learning via the SSSC CPL framework.
Board notes: Statutory regulator for the social service workforce in Scotland (protected title for social worker). Annual registration/declaration cycle. Outcomes-based model without a set number of hours; CPL is confirmed at annual declaration and may be audited.
Confirm with boardSocial Worker
Social Worker (Wales)
Regulator: Social Care Wales (Gofal Cymdeithasol Cymru)
CPDRegistered social workers must participate in and record continuing professional development (CPD). Following a 2019 consultation, Social Care Wales removed the previous hours/days target and moved to an outcomes approach: there is no minimum number of hours or days. Registrants must undertake learning relevant to their current role, keep records, discuss CPD regularly with their manager, and confirm at renewal that their training and learning are up to date and in line with the Code of Professional Practice. Social worker registration renews on a 3-year cycle.
No specific live / interactive hour requirement
Home study: No cap; outcomes-based, no prescribed hours.
Board notes: Statutory regulator for social care in Wales (protected title). Moved from an hours-target model to an outcomes model in ~2019/2020. CPD confirmed at renewal (3-year cycle for social workers) and may be sampled/audited.
VerifiedSocial Worker
Social Worker (Northern Ireland)
Regulator: Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC)
90hours / credits / 3-year renewal cycle
No live / interactive hours required — all hours may be self-study
Mandated topics
No specific subject mandates — general CE hours only.
Home study: No cap; 90 hours over the 3-year period across a range of learning activities.
Board notes: Statutory regulator for social care in Northern Ireland (protected title). Unlike the outcomes-based English/Welsh models, NISCC retains a quantified PRTL requirement of 90 hours / 15 days per 3-year registration period. PRTL is recorded and confirmed at renewal and may be audited.
How many CE & CPD hours do Social Workers need in the United Kingdom?
Requirements differ by credential in the United Kingdom. Social Worker (England) — CPD-based — CPD is mandatory for all registered social workers and is recorded on the online SWE account each registration year. There is no f…. Social Worker (Scotland) — CPD-based — Registered social workers must undertake and record Continuous Professional Learning (CPL). SSSC operates an outcomes-based CPL mo…. Social Worker (Wales) — CPD-based — Registered social workers must participate in and record continuing professional development (CPD). Following a 2019 consultation,…. Social Worker (Northern Ireland) — 90 CE hours every 3 years.
Which social work credentials does the United Kingdom regulate?
The United Kingdom regulates 4 social work credentials: Social Worker (England), Social Worker (Scotland), Social Worker (Wales), Social Worker (Northern Ireland).
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.