Continuing Education

LCSW CE Requirements in Wisconsin

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

30CE hours / cycle

2 yrrenewal cycle

4 hlive / interactive required

4 hethics required

Full Wisconsin LCSW requirements

Verified

LCSW

LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) / CSW / CAPSW / CISW

30hours / 2-year renewal cycle

4 live / interactive hours required

Mandated topics

Professional Ethics and Boundaries — 4 hMPSW 19.02(2). Social work credential holders must complete these 4 hours in an 'interactive learning format' (MPSW 19.02(2)(b)); interactive learning format is defined (MPSW 19.01(2)) as a live, synchronous presentation with discussion OR an approved asynchronous educational program.

Home study: No general distance-learning cap; the remaining 26 hours may be in any approved format. Only the 4 ethics/boundaries hours carry the interactive-learning-format requirement (social workers only). Separately, no more than 15 of the 30 hours may come from in-house training/development programs not approved by a recognized sponsor (MPSW 19.03(1)(f)).

Board notes: Governed by WI Admin Code MPSW 19 (Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board, DSPS). Renews Feb 28 of odd years; biennium runs 3/1 odd year to 2/28 odd year. The first renewal after initial licensure is exempt from CE (MPSW 19.02(3)). The interactive-format requirement for the ethics hours applies ONLY to social work credential holders, not to counselors or MFTs.

docs.legis.wisconsin.gov ↗dsps.wi.gov ↗

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Frequently asked questions

How many CE hours does an LCSW need in Wisconsin?

An LCSW must complete 30 CE / continuing-education hours every 2 years in Wisconsin. That total includes 4 hours of ethics. At least 4 of those hours must be live or interactive.

Are there required CE topics for LCSW in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin requires the following CE topics for LCSW: Professional Ethics and Boundaries (4 h).

Can LCSW CE be completed online in Wisconsin?

Not entirely. Wisconsin requires at least 4 live or interactive hours per cycle; the remaining hours may generally be completed through approved home-study / online courses. Home-study note: No general distance-learning cap; the remaining 26 hours may be in any approved format. Only the 4 ethics/boundaries hours carry the interactive-learning-format requirement (social workers only). Separately, no more than 15 of the 30 hours may come from in-house training/development programs not approved by a recognized sponsor (MPSW 19.03(1)(f))..

What else should LCSW renewals know in Wisconsin?

Governed by WI Admin Code MPSW 19 (Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board, DSPS). Renews Feb 28 of odd years; biennium runs 3/1 odd year to 2/28 odd year. The first renewal after initial licensure is exempt from CE (MPSW 19.02(3)). The interactive-format requirement for the ethics hours applies ONLY to social work credential holders, not to counselors or MFTs.

Other Wisconsin licenses

LPC in Wisconsin30 CE hours every 2 years Licensed Psychologist in Wisconsin40 CE hours every 2 years LMFT in Wisconsin30 CE hours every 2 years Licensed Behavior Analyst in Wisconsin32 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.