Maryland Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements
Navigating Social Work licensure in Maryland requires a clear understanding of the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and the various credentials available to practitioners. As a field deeply rooted in the commitment to community well-being, Social Work in Maryland is governed by specific standards and regulations to ensure that those in the profession are well-equipped, both in terms of 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 Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C), a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) gaining experience, or a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) 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 Maryland Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates
In Maryland, the credentialing and licensure requirements for Social Workers are overseen by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners (MBSWE). The state offers several levels of licensure, each with its own requirements for education, experience, and examination. Below is a detailed outline of the credentials, licensure renewal details, and associated costs.
Credentials
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
Education: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Examination: Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam.
Experience: None required.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Education: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Examination: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam.
Experience: None required.
Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
Education: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Examination: Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam.
Experience: 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience post-MSW over at least two years.
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C)
Education: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program with a clinical focus.
Examination: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam.
Experience: 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience post-MSW over at least two years.
Licensure Renewal Details and Costs
Renewal Frequency: Licenses must be renewed every two years, and the renewal deadline is the last day of the licensee’s birth month in the renewal year.
Continuing Education Requirements:
LBSW and LMSW: 40 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours in ethics.
LCSW and LCSW-C: 40 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours in ethics and 20 hours in category 1 activities (such as workshops, seminars, etc.).
Renewal Fees:
LBSW: $200
LMSW: $200
LCSW: $275
LCSW-C: $275
Fees for Specific Licenses
Application Fees:
LBSW: $100
LMSW: $100
LCSW: $150
LCSW-C: $150
Examination Fees:
ASWB Bachelor’s Exam: $230
ASWB Master’s Exam: $230
ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam: $260
ASWB Clinical Exam: $260
Initial Licensure Fees:
LBSW: $100
LMSW: $100
LCSW: $150
LCSW-C: $150
Background Check Fees: Approximately $50 for a criminal history background check, which is required for all licensees.
To practice as a Social Worker in Maryland, one must meet specific educational and experiential requirements, pass relevant exams, and complete continuing education for license renewal.
Costs associated with licensure include application fees, examination fees, initial licensure fees, and renewal fees. These requirements ensure that social workers in Maryland are well-prepared and maintain high professional standards.
Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Maryland’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.
2) Maryland Social Work Continuing Education Requirements
In Maryland, the continuing education requirements for Social Workers are designed to ensure that professionals maintain their skills and stay updated on the latest developments in the field. The Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners (MBSWE) outlines specific requirements based on the level of licensure.
Continuing Education Requirements by License Level
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
Total Hours Required: 40 hours every two years.
Ethics Requirement: 3 hours in ethics.
Categories of Continuing Education:
Category I: At least 20 of the 40 hours must be in structured, formal programs (workshops, seminars, etc.).
Category II: The remaining 20 hours can be in less structured learning activities (e.g., individual study, preparation of professional articles).
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Total Hours Required: 40 hours every two years.
Ethics Requirement: 3 hours in ethics.
Categories of Continuing Education:
Category I: At least 20 of the 40 hours must be in structured, formal programs (workshops, seminars, etc.).
Category II: The remaining 20 hours can be in less structured learning activities (e.g., individual study, preparation of professional articles).
Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
Total Hours Required: 40 hours every two years.
Ethics Requirement: 3 hours in ethics.
Categories of Continuing Education:
Category I: At least 20 of the 40 hours must be in structured, formal programs (workshops, seminars, etc.).
Category II: The remaining 20 hours can be in less structured learning activities (e.g., individual study, preparation of professional articles).
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C)
Total Hours Required: 40 hours every two years.
Ethics Requirement: 3 hours in ethics.
Categories of Continuing Education:
Category I: At least 20 of the 40 hours must be in structured, formal programs (workshops, seminars, etc.).
Category II: The remaining 20 hours can be in less structured learning activities (e.g., individual study, preparation of professional articles).
Additional Requirements and Notes
Approved Providers: Continuing education activities must be provided by MBSWE-approved providers, such as accredited universities, professional associations, and recognized training organizations like Agents of Change Continuing Education.
Documentation: Social Workers must maintain documentation of their continuing education activities, including certificates of completion, program descriptions, and any other relevant materials.
Carryover: Continuing education hours cannot be carried over from one renewal period to the next.
Ethics Requirement
The 3 hours of ethics training can include topics such as professional conduct, confidentiality, boundaries, and the ethical implications of new technologies in Social Work practice.
Online and Distance Learning
Online courses and distance learning programs can be used to fulfill continuing education requirements as long as they are provided by MBSWE-approved providers and meet the criteria for Category I or Category II activities.
Summary
Maryland Social Workers must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, with at least 3 hours in ethics and 20 hours in structured, formal programs. These requirements ensure that Social Workers maintain high standards of professional practice and stay current with the latest knowledge and skills in the field.
For the most up-to-date and detailed information, please refer to the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners’ official continuing education page: MBSWE Continuing Education.
Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Maryland’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 – Maryland Social Work Licensure Renewal and CEUs
Q: What are the continuing education requirements for Social Workers in Maryland?
A: In Maryland, Social Workers must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years. This includes:
3 hours in ethics: Covering topics such as professional conduct, confidentiality, and boundaries.
Category I activities: At least 20 of the 40 hours must be in structured, formal programs like workshops, seminars, and accredited courses.
Category II activities: The remaining 20 hours can be in less structured learning activities such as individual study, preparation of professional articles, or informal training sessions.
Q: How do I renew my Social Work license in Maryland and what are the associated costs?
A: To renew your Social Work license in Maryland, you need to:
Complete the required 40 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours in ethics.
Submit the renewal application through the MBSWE online portal.
Pay the renewal fee, which varies by license level:
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW): $200
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): $200
Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW): $275
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C): $275
Renewal is required every two years, and you must keep documentation of your completed continuing education activities.
Q: What are the different types of Social Work licenses available in Maryland, and what are their specific requirements?
A: Maryland offers several levels of Social Work licensure, each with specific educational, experiential, and examination requirements:
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW):
Education: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Examination: Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW):
Education: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Examination: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam.
Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW):
Education: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Examination: Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam.
Experience: 3,000 hours of supervised Social Work experience post-MSW over at least two years.
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C):
Education: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program with a clinical focus.
Examination: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam.
Experience: 3,000 hours of supervised clinical Social Work experience post-MSW over at least two years.
Resources for CE:Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 courses that meet Maryland’sCE requirements. Regulatory boards have the final say on courses accepted for continuing education credit.
4) Conclusion
Understanding the credentialing and licensure requirements for Social Workers in Maryland is crucial for ensuring that practitioners are equipped to deliver high-quality and ethical services. Whether you are beginning your career as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) or advancing to the clinical level as a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C), Maryland’s rigorous standards and continuing education requirements ensure that all Social Workers remain competent and current in their field. By adhering to these standards, Social Workers can confidently provide the support and advocacy needed to enhance community well-being.
Renewing your license and fulfilling continuing education requirements may seem daunting, but it is a vital part of maintaining professional integrity and staying informed about the latest practices and ethical guidelines in Social Work.
The structured and diverse continuing education programs available to Maryland Social Workers are designed to help professionals grow and adapt in a constantly evolving field. Staying proactive in your professional development not only benefits your career but also profoundly impacts the lives of the individuals and communities you serve.
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!
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.
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
