Free CE for Social Workers / Texas
Texas social workers (LBSW, LMSW, LCSW) must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal period, including 6 hours of ethics and 3 hours on serving a distinct population.
✓ Verified against the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners) on July 30, 2026
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Ethics | 6 | every renewal; counts within the 30 |
| Competency serving a distinct population (cultural diversity) | 3 | every renewal; counts within the 30 |
| Human trafficking prevention (HHSC-approved course) | 1 | every renewal — condition of renewal for licenses allowing direct patient care; may be claimed as 1 CE hour |
| Supervision (Council-approved supervisors only) | 6 | every renewal, only if maintaining supervisor status; counts within the 30 |
22 TAC 781.501; requirements are identical for LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW. Effective January 1, 2024, at least half (15) of the 30 hours must come from a provider category listed in 781.501(f) — professional associations, universities, government entities, hospitals, or providers approved/endorsed by them (ASWB ACE- and NASW-approved providers qualify); the other 15 hours may come from any acceptable source. Up to 10 excess hours may carry forward one period. BHEC uses CE Broker as its official CE tracking system. The jurisprudence exam is an initial-licensure requirement, not a renewal one (passing it voluntarily may be claimed as 1 ethics hour).
Yes — Texas accepts continuing education from nationally accredited providers, so courses from an accredited provider like the ones on Pulse count toward your renewal.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners)
https://bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-social-worker-examiners/renewing-a-social-work-license
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 Texas requirement (subject to the board rules above).
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