Connecticut Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating Social Work licensure in Connecticut requires a thorough understanding of the renewal process, continuing education mandates, and the various credentials available to practitioners. Social Work in Connecticut, a field dedicated to promoting community well-being, is regulated by specific standards and guidelines to ensure practitioners are well-prepared in both knowledge and ethical practices.

This blog post details the licensure renewal process, highlights essential dates and fees, and delves into the different types of credentials that mental health practitioners can attain in the state. Whether you are a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) focused on maintaining your credentials, this guide provides a comprehensive resource.

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1) Key Connecticut Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates

In Connecticut, Social Workers must meet specific credentialing and licensure requirements depending on their level of practice. The primary licenses are the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Credentials

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Educational Requirements: A master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Application Fee: $125
- Continuing Education: 15 hours annually.
- Renewal Fee: $125 annually.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Educational Requirements: A master’s or doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Experience Requirements: 3,000 hours of post-master’s Social Work experience, including at least 100 hours under the supervision of a licensed clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
- Examination: Passing the Clinical Level Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
- Application Fee: $200
- Renewal Fee: $200 annually.
- Continuing Education: 15 hours annually, including specific training on cultural competency, mental health of veterans, suicide prevention, and PTSD.

Licensure Renewal and Fees

LMSW and LCSW Licenses must be renewed annually, by the last day of the licensee’s birth month, with a renewal fee of $125 for LMSW and $200 for LCSW.
Social Workers must complete 15 hours of continuing education each year to maintain their license. The continuing education must be related to Social Work practice, and online courses are limited to 10 hours annually.

For more detailed information, you can visit the official Connecticut Department of Public Health website.

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

2) Connecticut Social Work Continuing Education Requirements

In Connecticut, Social Workers must complete specific continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their licenses. Here’s an overview of the CE requirements for both Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs):

General Requirements

Annual Hours: Social Workers must complete 15 hours of qualifying continuing education annually.
Content: CE activities must relate to the practice of Social Work and can include courses, workshops, and conferences approved by recognized organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) like Agents of Change Continuing Education, or accredited Social Work schools.
Modality Limits:
- A minimum of 5 hours must be earned through in-person or synchronous online education with live interaction.
- Up to 10 hours can be earned through asynchronous online education or home study programs.

Specific Training Requirements

Cultural Competency: At least 1 hour of training in cultural competency is required each registration period.
Veterans’ Mental Health: At least 2 hours of training on mental health conditions common to veterans and their families must be completed during the first renewal period in which CE is required and at least once every six years thereafter. This includes training on PTSD, suicide prevention, depression, and grief.

Documentation and Record Retention

Certificates of Completion: Licensees must obtain and retain certificates of completion for all CE activities for at least three years following the date of license renewal.
Submission upon Request: Licensees must be prepared to submit these certificates to the Department of Public Health upon request. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.

Exemptions and Waivers

First-Time Renewal: Licensees applying for their first renewal are exempt from CE requirements until the next registration period.
Waivers: The Department may grant waivers or extensions for those with medical disabilities or those not engaged in active practice, provided appropriate documentation is submitted and approved.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s continuing education requirements page.

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Connecticut’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 – Connecticut Social Work Licensure Renewal and CEUs

Q: What are the specific continuing education requirements for Social Workers in Connecticut?

A: Connecticut requires Social Workers to complete 15 hours of continuing education (CE) annually. The CE activities must be relevant to the practice of Social Work and can include courses, workshops, and conferences approved by recognized organizations like the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) like Agents of Change Continuing Education, or accredited Social Work schools.

Out of the 15 hours, a minimum of 5 hours must be earned through in-person or synchronous online education with live interaction, while up to 10 hours can be completed through asynchronous online education or home study programs. Additionally, Social Workers must complete at least 1 hour of cultural competency training each registration period and 2 hours of training on mental health conditions common to veterans and their families once every six years.

Q: What documentation is required to prove completion of continuing education for license renewal in Connecticut?

A: Licensees must obtain certificates of completion from the providers of their continuing education activities and retain these certificates for at least three years following the date of license renewal.

If requested by the Department of Public Health, Social Workers must submit these certificates as proof of compliance with CE requirements. It’s important to keep detailed records, as failure to maintain or provide proof of completed CE activities can result in disciplinary action.

Q: Are there any exemptions or waivers available for continuing education requirements in Connecticut?

A: Yes, there are exemptions and waivers available under specific circumstances. Social Workers applying for their first license renewal are exempt from CE requirements until the next registration period.

Additionally, Social Workers who are not engaged in active practice during a given registration period may request a waiver. Those with medical disabilities or illnesses can also apply for a waiver or an extension of time to complete their CE requirements. Waiver applications must be submitted with appropriate documentation and are subject to approval by the Department of Public Health.

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

4) Conclusion

Navigating the licensure and continuing education requirements for Social Workers in Connecticut is a vital aspect of maintaining professional standards and ensuring the highest quality of care for clients.

By understanding the specific requirements for LMSW and LCSW licenses, including the necessity for ongoing education and specific training areas, Social Workers can stay compliant and up-to-date with best practices. This ensures they are well-prepared to address the complex needs of their clients, particularly in areas such as cultural competency and the mental health of veterans.

Moreover, the structured approach to continuing education helps Social Workers in Connecticut remain proficient and knowledgeable about the latest developments in their field. The combination of in-person and online learning opportunities provides flexibility, making it easier for practitioners to fulfill their requirements despite busy schedules. By adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Social Workers can maintain their licenses in good standing, thereby protecting their professional reputation and enhancing their service delivery.

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