Free CE for Social Workers / North Carolina
North Carolina social workers must complete 40 contact hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal cycle, including at least 4 hours of ethics.
✓ Verified against the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board on July 30, 2026
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Ethics | 4 | every renewal; counts within the 40 (prorated for shorter cycles) |
Applies to all credential levels (CSW, CMSW, LCSW, LCSWA). The renewal cycle runs from date of issue or last renewal (rolling, not calendar-fixed); requirements prorate for shorter periods (20 hrs + 2 ethics per year). A maximum of 20 of the 40 hours may be distance learning, and distance courses must be pre-approved by ASWB ACE or NASW-NC. The board does not pre-approve live courses or providers (audit-based) — keep documentation.
Yes — North Carolina accepts continuing education from nationally accredited providers, so courses from an accredited provider like the ones on Pulse count toward your renewal.
North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board
https://www.ncswboard.gov/continuing-education-information/
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 North Carolina requirement (subject to the board rules above).
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