If you hold a Kentucky LCSW license, the Kentucky Board of Social Work requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every three-year renewal cycle, including a Kentucky-specific ethics course plus periodic suicide prevention, domestic violence, and pediatric head trauma training. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
30 hours / 3 years
Thirty CE hours each triennial renewal cycle.
KY ethics (3 hours)
Three hours of Kentucky-specific ethics each period.
Suicide (6 / 6 yrs)
Six hours of suicide prevention every six years.
Periodic topics
Domestic violence (one-time 3) and pediatric head trauma (1.5 / 6 yrs).
How many CE hours Kentucky clinical social workers need
Kentucky requires 30 continuing education hours every three years; up to 27 may be home study or online.
Mandated subject requirements
- Kentucky ethics: 3 hours each period.
- Suicide prevention: 6 hours every 6 years.
- Domestic violence: one-time 3 hours after initial licensure.
- Pediatric abusive head trauma: 1.5 hours every 6 years.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Kentucky social work licenses renew every three years. Complete and document your 30 hours before your renewal deadline.
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View pricingKentucky Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) CME at a glance
- Kentucky Ethics3 hrs
3 hours of ethics each renewal period, specific to the Kentucky Code of Ethical Conduct (KAR 23:080).
- Suicide Prevention6 hrs · every 6 years
6 hours of board-approved suicide prevention, assessment, treatment, and management every 6 years.
- Domestic Violence3 hrs · one time
3 hours of domestic violence training during the renewal period following initial licensure (one-time).
- Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma1.5 hrs · every 6 years
1.5 hours in pediatric abusive head trauma every 6 years.
Always confirm with your licensing board
The Kentucky Board of Social Work requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every three years for LCSWs. Up to 27 hours may be completed by home study/online. The ethics course must be Kentucky-specific (KY Code of Ethical Conduct).
Continuing education rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Kentucky Board of Social Work before relying on these figures.
Source: Kentucky 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.
Kentucky LCSW CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do Kentucky clinical social workers need?
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30 continuing education hours every three years.
Is ethics CE required in Kentucky?
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Yes — 3 hours of Kentucky-specific ethics each renewal period.
Does Kentucky require suicide prevention training?
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Yes — 6 hours of board-approved suicide prevention every 6 years.
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