If you hold a California psychologist license, the California Board of Psychology requires 36 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every two-year renewal period under Business and Professions Code section 2915. Within that total you must complete 4 hours of laws and ethics and 4 hours of cultural diversity or social justice, and certain first-time renewals trigger a one-time 6-hour suicide risk assessment course. Below is the full breakdown.
36 hours / 2 years
Thirty-six CPD hours each biennial renewal period, from at least two of four activity categories.
Laws & ethics: 4 hours
Minimum 4 hours in laws and ethics each cycle.
Cultural diversity: 4 hours
Minimum 4 hours in cultural diversity or social justice each cycle.
Suicide risk (one-time)
A 6-hour suicide risk assessment course for certain first-time renewals.
How many CE hours California psychologists need
California requires 36 hours of Continuing Professional Development every two years, drawn from at least two of the four CPD activity categories. The mandated laws/ethics and cultural diversity hours count within that total.
Mandated subject requirements
- Laws and ethics: minimum 4 hours per cycle.
- Cultural diversity / social justice: minimum 4 hours per cycle.
- Suicide risk assessment and intervention: one-time 6-hour course for certain first-time renewals.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
California psychologist licenses renew every two years. Complete and document your 36 CPD hours before your renewal date.
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View pricingCalifornia Psychologists CME at a glance
- Laws and Ethics4 hrs
A minimum of 4 hours in laws and ethics as they apply to the practice of psychology each renewal period, counted within the 36-hour total.
- Cultural Diversity / Social Justice4 hrs
A minimum of 4 hours in cultural diversity and/or social justice as it applies to the practice of psychology each renewal period.
- Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention6 hrs · one time
A 6-hour course in suicide risk assessment and intervention is required for certain first-time renewals (a one-time requirement).
Always confirm with your licensing board
California psychologists complete 36 hours of acceptable Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each two-year renewal period under Business and Professions Code section 2915. Hours must come from at least two of the four CPD activity categories. Mandated topics count within the 36-hour total.
CE requirements change. Confirm current rules with the California Board of Psychology before relying on these figures.
Source: California Board of Psychology. 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?
Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact: active. Active for telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across participating states; not a single multistate license.
Each state license carries its own CME requirement and renewal date — if you hold more than one, you need a plan for each.
California Psychologist CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do California psychologists need?
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36 hours of Continuing Professional Development every two years.
What topics are mandated for California psychologists?
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4 hours of laws and ethics and 4 hours of cultural diversity or social justice each cycle, plus a one-time 6-hour suicide risk assessment course for certain first-time renewals.
Does California require CE from multiple categories?
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Yes — hours must be accrued from at least two of the four CPD activity categories.
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