Hey there, dedicated Social Worker! You’ve been working hard in your career and are making a difference in countless lives. But, oh boy, those Continuing Education Units (CEUs) requirements are looming, aren’t they? And let’s face it, sometimes they can be a bit pricey.

But what if I told you there’s a treasure trove of free CEUs out there, just waiting for you? You heard that right! Free. Zilch. Nada. Let’s explore how to find free Social Work CEUs for your state.

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 free CEUs.

1) Know Your State’s Requirements

Each state has its own set of requirements for CEUs. So, first things first:

• Check with Your State’s Licensing Board: They’ll have the most accurate and up-to-date information on CEU requirements. Learn more about your state’s requirements here
• Understand the Categories: Some states might require specific topics or types of CEUs. Make sure you’re clear on these.

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.

2) Online Platforms: A Goldmine for Free CEUs

Here’s where you can find Free Social Work CEUs for your state:

a. Websites Dedicated to Social Work

There are several websites out there that cater specifically to Social Workers. Some of these sites offer free courses or webinars. A few to start with:

• NASW (National Association of Social Workers): They occasionally offer free CEUs for members. So, if you’re a member, don’t miss out!
• Agents of Change Continuing Education: This platform offers a range of courses tailored to the evolving needs of social workers. Two standout free courses include:
  • Powerful Home-School Partnerships: This course explores the significance of home/school partnerships and the pivotal role social workers play in nurturing these connections.
  • ChatGPT and AI for Social Workers: A cutting-edge course that introduces Social Workers to the world of AI. It covers the ethical landscape, practical applications of ChatGPT in Social Work, and the potential challenges and limitations of integrating AI. The course is enriched with discussions on AI ethics, hands-on workshops, and insights into the future trajectory of AI in Social Work.

b. University Websites

Many universities offer free online courses, and some of these can count towards your CEUs. Websites like Coursera or edX partner with top universities and offer courses on a myriad of topics. Just make sure that the course is accredited in your state!

c. Webinars and Online Conferences

Many organizations and institutions host free webinars and online conferences. They’re not just informative; they can also be a source of free CEUs!

Agents of Change Continuing Education also offers Unlimited Access to 150+ Online Social Work ACE-approved courses for one low annual fee. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change.

3) Local Opportunities: Don’t Forget Your Roots!

While the internet is fantastic, don’t forget about local opportunities. Sometimes, the best resources are right in your backyard.

a. Local Social Work Associations

Joining a local Social Work association can be a game-changer. They often host events, workshops, or seminars that may offer free CEUs.

b. Community Colleges and Universities

Local educational institutions sometimes offer workshops or short courses for professionals. It’s worth checking out their calendars or getting on their mailing lists.

c. Public Libraries

You’d be surprised! Libraries are evolving and often host community events or workshops. Some of these might be relevant to Social Work and offer CEUs.

4) Networking: Your Secret Weapon

Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards at formal events. It’s about building genuine relationships and tapping into collective knowledge. Here’s how to harness the power of networking to find free CEUs:

a. Attend Local and National Conferences

Even if you’re attending a paid conference, the connections you make there can lead you to free CEU opportunities in the future.

• Engage in Breakout Sessions: These smaller group discussions can be gold mines for information. Engage with presenters and attendees. They might know of upcoming free webinars or workshops. Or they may even be presenting free CEU courses themselves!
• Visit Exhibition Booths: Many organizations and institutions set up booths at conferences. Stop by, chat with them, and collect information. They often have flyers or brochures about upcoming CEU opportunities.

b. Alumni Associations

Many colleges and universities have alumni associations that offer resources for continued learning.

• Stay in Touch: Make sure you’re on their mailing list. You’ll often receive newsletters or emails about upcoming events, webinars, or workshops.
• Engage in Alumni Events: These events are not just for reminiscing about the good old days. They can also be platforms for professional growth.

c. Mentorship

Having a mentor, or being one, can open doors to a plethora of resources.

• Seek Guidance: If you have a mentor, ask them about CEU opportunities. With their experience, they might know of resources that aren’t widely advertised.
• Offer Guidance: If you’re mentoring someone, encourage a two-way exchange of information. Newer Social Workers might be more in tune with digital platforms or newer organizations offering free CEUs.

d. Engage in Online Forums and Discussion Boards

• Ask Questions: Don’t be shy! If you’re looking for CEUs in a specific area, ask the community.
• Share Your Knowledge: If you come across a free CEU opportunity, share it with the community.

e. Volunteering

Sometimes, giving back can lead to learning opportunities.

• Offer Your Expertise: Organizations, especially non-profits, often need professionals to give talks or workshops. While you’re offering your knowledge for free, these sessions might qualify for CEUs. If you’re interested in being a Continuing Education creator, reach out to Agents of Change here, we’d love to have your experience!
• Engage with Larger Organizations: Big organizations like the Red Cross or UNICEF often have training sessions for their volunteers. If you’re volunteering with them, check if any of these sessions offer CEUs.

5) FAQs – Finding Free Social Work Continuing Education in Your State

Q: I’ve found a free CEU course, but how can I verify its accreditation for my state?

A: Great question! It’s crucial to ensure that the CEUs you’re investing time in will count towards your state’s requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Check the Course Provider’s Claims: Most legitimate courses will clearly state their accreditations. Look for any logos, badges, or mentions of state or national accrediting bodies.
2. Visit Your State’s Licensing Board Website: They often have a list of approved CEU providers or courses. If you can’t find the information online, don’t hesitate to give them a call. Learn more about your state’s requirements here.
3. Contact the Course Provider: If you’re still unsure, reach out to the course provider directly. Ask them about their accreditation and if they’ve had past participants from your state successfully earn CEUs.

Q: With so many online platforms offering courses, how can I determine which ones are most relevant to my Social Work practice?

A: It’s true; the sheer volume of online courses can be overwhelming. Here’s a strategy to narrow down your choices:

1. Define Your Learning Objectives: Are you looking to specialize in a particular area, like child welfare or substance abuse? Or are you aiming to fulfill general CEU requirements? Knowing your goals can help you filter courses.
2. Read Course Descriptions and Reviews: This can give you an idea of the course content and its relevance. Reviews, especially from fellow Social Workers, can provide insights into the course’s applicability in real-world scenarios.
3. Consult with Colleagues: Sometimes, word-of-mouth recommendations are the best. Ask fellow Social Workers if they’ve taken any standout courses recently.

Q: I’m swamped with work and personal commitments. How can I efficiently manage my time to complete these CEUs?

A: Balancing work, personal life, and continuing education can be a juggling act. Here are some tips to manage your time effectively:

1. Set Clear Deadlines: Determine when your CEUs are due and work backward. Create a timeline, setting aside specific days or hours each week dedicated to your CEU courses.
2. Break It Down: Instead of viewing it as a massive task, break your CEU requirements into smaller chunks. Completing a little bit at a time can make the process less daunting.
3. Utilize Mobile Learning: Many online platforms have mobile apps. This means you can listen to lectures or complete modules during commutes, breaks, or even while doing household chores!
4. Stay Organized: Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, or even specialized apps to track your progress and upcoming courses or webinars.

Need to close a credit gap quickly? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ Online Social Work ACE-approved courses.

6) Conclusion

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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 8 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