If you hold an Iowa clinical social work license (LISW), the Iowa Board of Social Work requires 27 hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle, including 3 hours of ethics. All hours may be completed by independent study from ASWB-approved providers. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
27 hours / 2 years
Twenty-seven CE hours each biennial renewal cycle.
Ethics (3 hours)
At least three hours must be in ethics.
Supervision (3)
Supervisors must complete 3 hours on supervision each cycle.
Independent study OK
All hours may be completed by independent study.
How many CE hours Iowa clinical social workers need
Iowa requires 27 continuing education hours every two years, all of which may be completed through independent study from ASWB-approved providers.
Mandated subject requirements
- Ethics: at least 3 of the 27 hours.
- Supervision: 3 hours for LISWs in supervisory roles.
- Mandatory reporter: training may be required; confirm with the Board.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Iowa social work licenses renew on a two-year cycle. Complete and document your 27 hours before your renewal deadline.
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View pricingIowa Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) CME at a glance
- Professional Ethics3 hrs
A minimum of 3 of the 27 hours must be in ethics each two-year period.
- Supervision (for supervisors)3 hrs
LISWs in supervisory roles must complete 3 hours on the topic of supervision each two years.
- Mandatory Reporter TrainingRequired
Iowa generally requires mandatory reporter training on child and dependent adult abuse for licensed professionals; confirm current applicability and hours with the Board.
Always confirm with your licensing board
The Iowa Board of Social Work requires 27 hours of continuing education each two-year cycle; all may be completed by independent study. Courses from ASWB-approved providers are accepted. Iowa's clinical-level credential is the Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW).
Continuing education rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Iowa Board of Social Work before relying on these figures.
Source: Iowa Board of Social Work. 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.
Iowa LISW CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do Iowa clinical social workers need?
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27 continuing education hours every two years.
Is ethics CE required in Iowa?
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Yes — at least 3 of the 27 hours must be in ethics.
Can Iowa CE be done online?
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Yes — all 27 hours may be completed through independent study.
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