Free CE for Social Workers / Washington
Washington LICSWs and LASWs must complete 32 hours of continuing education every 2-year reporting period (license renewal itself is annual, on your birthday).
✓ Verified against the Washington State Department of Health on August 14, 2026
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Professional ethics and law | 6 | every renewal |
| Professional roles and boundaries (separate from the ethics hours) | 2 | every renewal |
| Suicide assessment, treatment, and management (from the DOH Model List) | 6 | every 6 years |
| Health equity | 2 | every 4 years |
There is no cap on distance learning, but asynchronous courses must include a test of comprehension. Social worker associates (LSWAA and LSWAIC) are on a different track of 16 hours per year. Employer-sponsored training is capped at 26 hours per reporting period. The Department of Health does not pre-approve CE providers; courses must meet the standards in WAC 246-809-610 and be sponsored by industry-recognized organizations.
Yes — Washington accepts continuing education from nationally accredited providers, so courses from an accredited provider like the ones on Pulse count toward your renewal.
One caveat: Washington doesn't pre-approve CE providers — courses from nationally recognized social work organizations, including ASWB ACE-approved providers, meet the rule's standards. One exception: the 6-hour suicide training must come from the Department of Health's Model List, so ACE approval alone does not satisfy that specific requirement.
Washington State Department of Health
https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/social-worker-and-social-worker-associate/continuing-education
Requirements change. Confirm all figures on the board site above before relying on them.
Pulse offers free CE for LMSWs and LCSWs. Local healthcare organizations cover the cost — you pay nothing, and the hours apply toward your Washington requirement (subject to the board rules above).
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