Continuing Education

LICSW CE Requirements in Washington

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

32CE hours / cycle

2 yrrenewal cycle

0 hlive / interactive required

6 hethics required

Full Washington LICSW requirements

Verified

LICSW

LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) / LASW (Licensed Advanced Social Worker)

32hours / 2-year renewal cycle

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

Mandated topics

Professional Ethics and Law — 6 h
Professional Roles and Boundaries — 2 h
Suicide Assessment, Treatment and Management — 6 h6 hours once every six years; first training during the first full CE reporting period after initial licensure; must be from the DOH model list (RCW 43.70.442 / WAC 246-809-615)
Health Equity — 2 h2 hours once every four years (WAC 246-12-830)

Home study: No limit on distance learning (may be all online, synchronous or asynchronous; asynchronous programs must include a test of comprehension). Employer/agency-sponsored training limited to 26 hours per two-year reporting period.

Board notes: Applies to Advanced (LASW) and Independent Clinical (LICSW) Social Workers: 32 hours every two years. Associate Social Workers (LSWAA/LASWAIC) have a different requirement: 16 hours every year with 6 ethics/law per two years. DOH does not pre-approve individual CE providers. Suicide training is on a 6-year cadence and health equity on a 4-year cadence, independent of the 2-year total (WAC 246-809-600 through 246-809-650).

doh.wa.gov ↗app.leg.wa.gov ↗

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Frequently asked questions

How many CE hours does an LICSW need in Washington?

An LICSW must complete 32 CE / continuing-education hours every 2 years in Washington. That total includes 6 hours of ethics.

Are there required CE topics for LICSW in Washington?

Yes. Washington requires the following CE topics for LICSW: Professional Ethics and Law (6 h); Professional Roles and Boundaries (2 h); Suicide Assessment, Treatment and Management (6 h); Health Equity (2 h).

Can LICSW CE be completed online in Washington?

Generally yes — Washington does not require live or interactive hours for LICSW, so approved online / home-study CE can typically satisfy the requirement. Home-study note: No limit on distance learning (may be all online, synchronous or asynchronous; asynchronous programs must include a test of comprehension). Employer/agency-sponsored training limited to 26 hours per two-year reporting period..

What else should LICSW renewals know in Washington?

Applies to Advanced (LASW) and Independent Clinical (LICSW) Social Workers: 32 hours every two years. Associate Social Workers (LSWAA/LASWAIC) have a different requirement: 16 hours every year with 6 ethics/law per two years. DOH does not pre-approve individual CE providers. Suicide training is on a 6-year cadence and health equity on a 4-year cadence, independent of the 2-year total (WAC 246-809-600 through 246-809-650).

Other Washington licenses

LMHC in Washington32 CE hours every 2 years Licensed Psychologist in Washington60 CE hours every 3 years LMFT in Washington32 CE hours every 2 years BCBA in Washington32 CE hours every 2 years

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.