Maine Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating Social Work licensure in Maine requires a clear understanding of the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and the various credentials available to practitioners.

As a field deeply committed to community well-being, Social Work in Maine is governed by specific standards and regulations to ensure that professionals are well-equipped with both knowledge and ethical practice.

This blog post explains the licensure renewal process, outlines the essential dates and fees, and explores the various types of credentials that mental health practitioners can pursue in the state. Whether you are a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) gaining experience, or a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) keen on maintaining your status, this guide serves as a comprehensive resource.

Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.

We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 FREE CEUs!

1) Key Maine Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates

In Maine, Social Work licensure involves understanding the various credentials available, the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and associated fees. Here’s a detailed overview:

Credentialing and Licensure Requirements

Licensed Social Worker, Conditional (LSX):
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a field related to Social Work, consultation agreement with a qualified professional, and employment in a Social Work setting.
- Renewal: Valid for two years, can be renewed once for an additional two years.
- Fees: $70 application fee plus $21 for a criminal background check.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW):
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or completion of LSX requirements, 3,200 hours of supervised work experience, 96 hours of consultation, and passing the ASWB Bachelor’s exam.
- Renewal: Every two years, with a $70 renewal fee.
- Continuing Education: 25 hours, including 6 hours in Social Work ethics and 6 hours in psychosocial assessment.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW):
- Requirements: Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, passing the ASWB Master’s exam.
- Fees: $116 application fee, $230 exam fee.
- Renewal: Every two years, with a $70 renewal fee.
- Continuing Education: 25 hours, including specific requirements similar to LSW.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW):
- Requirements: MSW or doctoral degree in Social Work, completion of required supervised clinical hours, and passing the ASWB Clinical exam.
- Fees: $116 application fee, $230 exam fee.
- Renewal: Every two years, with a $70 renewal fee.
- Continuing Education: 25 hours, including specific requirements similar to LSW.

Renewal Details and Costs

Renewal Frequency: Every two years for all licenses. The renewal deadline is based on the month of the license’s initial issuance.
Renewal Fee: $70 for each license.
Late Renewal Fee: Additional $50 if applying after license expiration.
Continuing Education: 25 hours every two years, with specific hours required in Social Work ethics and psychosocial assessment.

Source: Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Maine’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.

2) Maine Social Work Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing education (CE) is a critical component for maintaining Social Work licensure in Maine. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the requirements:

General Requirements

Total Hours: All licensed Social Workers must complete 25 hours of continuing education every two years.
Specific Topics:
- Ethics: At least 6 hours must be dedicated to Social Work ethics.
- Psychosocial Assessment: Another 6 hours must cover psychosocial assessment.
- Family or Intimate Partner Violence: A one-time requirement of 12 contact hours in family or intimate partner violence is necessary, as specified under Title 32, §7060.

Types of Acceptable Continuing Education

Continuing education can be acquired through various methods, including:

Formal Courses and Workshops: These are often provided by accredited educational institutions or professional organizations.
Online Courses: Approved online courses that meet the board’s criteria can also be utilized like Agents of Change Continuing Education.
Conferences and Seminars: Attendance at professional conferences and seminars relevant to social work.

Documentation and Reporting

Record Keeping: Licensees must maintain records of their continuing education activities, including certificates of completion and transcripts.
Verification: The Maine Board of Social Work Licensure may audit licensees to verify compliance with continuing education requirements. It is important to keep detailed records for at least four years after the renewal period.

Additional Information

Renewal Application: When applying for license renewal, Social Workers must attest to having completed the required continuing education.
Late Renewals: If a Social Worker applies for renewal more than 90 days after the license expiration, they must meet all the requirements of a new applicant, including the completion of the required CE hours.

Resources for Continuing Education

Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation: Offers detailed information on CE requirements and approved providers.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW): NASW Maine chapter provides resources and approved continuing education courses.

Sources: Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Maine’s CE requirements and track your completed CEUs, with over 150 courses that meet these requirements!

Agents of Change, #1919, is approved as an ACE provider to offer Social Work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit.

3) FAQs – Maine Social Work Licensure Renewal and CEUs

Q: What are the continuing education requirements for renewing a Social Work license in Maine?

A: In Maine, all licensed Social Workers must complete 25 hours of continuing education every two years. This includes:

At least 6 hours dedicated to Social Work ethics.
At least 6 hours focused on psychosocial assessment.
A one-time requirement of 12 contact hours in family or intimate partner violence.

These requirements ensure that Social Workers maintain current knowledge and adhere to ethical standards in their practice. Documentation of completed continuing education must be maintained for four years as the Board of Social Work Licensure may conduct audits to verify compliance.

Q: How do I apply for the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential in Maine?

A: To apply for the LMSW credential in Maine, follow these steps:

Earn a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Complete the LMSW application and include a $116 fee.
Pass the ASWB Master’s exam, which costs $230.
Once you pass the exam, the Board will email your LMSW license, allowing you to practice advanced non-clinical Social Work and engage in private practice.

Q: What is the process for renewing my Social Work license in Maine, and what are the associated fees?

A: In Maine, Social Work licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal process includes:

Completing 25 hours of continuing education.
Submitting a renewal application and paying a $70 renewal fee.
If applying after the license expiration, an additional $50 late fee is required.
Licenses renewed more than 90 days after expiration may necessitate meeting new applicant requirements, including all associated fees.

Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 courses that meet Maine’s CE requirements. Regulatory boards have the final say on courses accepted for continuing education credit.

4) Conclusion

Navigating the path to Social Work licensure in Maine involves a thorough understanding of the requirements and processes for each credential, from the initial application to the renewal of your license.

By ensuring you meet the educational prerequisites, completing necessary supervised practice hours, and adhering to continuing education mandates, you are not only complying with state regulations but also committing to professional growth and ethical practice. The steps to obtain credentials such as the LSX, LSW, LMSW, and LCSW are clearly defined, making the journey manageable with proper preparation and dedication.

The importance of continuing education in maintaining licensure cannot be overstated. It ensures that Social Workers remain knowledgeable about the latest practices, ethical standards, and developments in the field. With specific requirements for hours dedicated to ethics, psychosocial assessment, and family or intimate partner violence, Maine’s regulations emphasize the importance of comprehensive professional development.

Resources like Agents of Change Continuing Education provide accessible and varied learning opportunities for Social Workers to meet Continuing Education requirements. Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education.

We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with their Continuing Education and want you to be next!

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► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangetraining.com

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Social Workers for more than 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Social Workers stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment