Free CE for Social Workers / Michigan
Michigan social workers must complete 45 hours of continuing education every 3 years, including 5 hours of ethics, 2 hours of pain and symptom management, 2 hours of human trafficking, and 1 hour of implicit bias training per year of the cycle.
✓ Verified against the Michigan Board of Social Work (LARA Bureau of Professional Licensing) on July 30, 2026
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Ethics | 5 | every renewal; counts within the 45 |
| Pain and pain symptom management | 2 | every renewal; counts within the 45 |
| Human trafficking | 2 | every renewal; counts within the 45 (plus one-time training before initial licensure) |
| Implicit bias | 3 | every renewal (1 hour per year of the 3-year cycle); may count within the 45 |
R 338.2961–2963; applies to fully licensed LBSWs and LMSWs. At least half of the 45 hours must be completed in person or in a live synchronous format. Acceptable CE includes programs approved by ASWB, NASW (national or state chapters), the Michigan board, or other states' social work boards. Keep CE documentation 5 years (6 for implicit bias).
Yes — Michigan accepts continuing education from nationally accredited providers, so courses from an accredited provider like the ones on Pulse count toward your renewal.
Michigan Board of Social Work (LARA Bureau of Professional Licensing)
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-prof/social
Requirements change. Confirm all figures on the board site above before relying on them.
Pulse offers free, accredited CE for LMSWs and LCSWs. Local healthcare organizations cover the cost — you pay nothing, and the hours apply toward your Michigan requirement (subject to the board rules above).
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