If you hold a California LCSW license, the Board of Behavioral Sciences requires 36 hours of approved continuing education every two-year renewal cycle, including at least 6 hours of law and ethics. California also layers in one-time suicide-risk and telehealth requirements, plus first-renewal coursework. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
36 hours / 2 years
Thirty-six CE hours each biennial renewal cycle.
Law & ethics (6 hours)
At least six hours of law and ethics each cycle.
Suicide (one-time 6)
A one-time six-hour suicide risk assessment course.
Telehealth (one-time 3)
A one-time three-hour telehealth course including law and ethics.
How many CE hours California clinical social workers need
California requires 36 continuing education hours every two years, accepted from APA-, NBCC-, or ASWB-approved providers.
Mandated subject requirements
- Law & ethics: at least 6 hours each cycle.
- Suicide risk: one-time 6-hour course.
- Telehealth: one-time 3-hour course.
- Child abuse: one-time 7-hour course before first renewal.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
California LCSW licenses renew every two years. Complete and document your 36 hours plus any one-time requirements before your renewal deadline.
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View pricingCalifornia Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) CME at a glance
- Law & Ethics6 hrs
A minimum of 6 of the 36 hours must be in law and ethics each two-year period.
- Suicide Risk Assessment & Intervention6 hrs · one time
A one-time 6-hour course in suicide risk assessment and intervention (effective 2021).
- Telehealth3 hrs · one time
A one-time 3-hour course in providing mental health services via telehealth, including telehealth law and ethics (effective July 2023).
- Child Abuse Assessment & Reporting7 hrs · one time
Most LCSWs complete a 7-hour child abuse assessment and reporting course before first renewal.
Always confirm with your licensing board
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) requires 36 hours of approved continuing education every two years for LCSWs. The BBS accepts courses from APA, NBCC, and/or ASWB approved providers.
Continuing education rules change. Confirm current requirements with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences before relying on these figures.
Source: California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Board website · Researched as of 2026-06-01 · CME rules change; this is administrative guidance, not legal or CME-accreditation advice.
Licensed in more than one state?
Social Work Licensure Compact: enacted but not yet active. Enacted by states and a commission is forming, but NOT yet issuing privileges — LCSWs license state-by-state today.
Each state license carries its own CME requirement and renewal date — if you hold more than one, you need a plan for each.
California LCSW CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do California LCSWs need?
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36 continuing education hours every two years.
How much law and ethics CE does California require?
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At least 6 of the 36 hours must be in law and ethics each cycle.
Does California require a suicide prevention course?
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Yes — a one-time 6-hour course in suicide risk assessment and intervention.
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