If you hold a Washington LICSW license, the Department of Health requires 36 hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle, including 6 hours of professional law and ethics, plus periodic suicide and health equity training. Up to 26 hours may be distance learning. 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)
Six hours of professional law and ethics each cycle.
Suicide (6 / 6 yrs)
Six-hour suicide training every six years.
Health equity (2 / 4 yrs)
Two hours of health equity training every four years.
How many CE hours Washington clinical social workers need
Washington requires 36 continuing education hours every two years, with up to 26 from distance learning.
Mandated subject requirements
- Law & ethics: 6 hours each cycle.
- Suicide assessment, treatment & management: 6 hours every 6 years.
- Health equity: 2 hours every 4 years.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Washington LICSW licenses renew every two years. Complete and document your 36 hours before your renewal deadline.
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View pricingWashington Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) CME at a glance
- Professional Law & Ethics6 hrs
6 hours of professional law and ethics each two-year cycle.
- Suicide Assessment, Treatment & Management6 hrs · every 6 years
A 6-hour course in suicide assessment, treatment, and management every 6 years (counts toward the 36 hours).
- Health Equity Training2 hrs · every 4 years
A minimum of 2 hours in health equity training every 4 years (effective January 1, 2024).
Always confirm with your licensing board
The Washington State Department of Health requires 36 hours of continuing education each two-year cycle for LICSWs, including 6 hours of professional law and ethics. Up to 26 hours may be distance learning. Washington's clinical-level credential is the LICSW.
Continuing education rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Washington State Department of Health before relying on these figures.
Source: Washington State Department of Health — 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.
Washington LICSW CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do Washington clinical social workers need?
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36 continuing education hours every two years.
Is law and ethics CE required in Washington?
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Yes — 6 hours of professional law and ethics each cycle.
Does Washington require suicide training?
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Yes — a 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment, and management course every 6 years.
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