North Carolina Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating Social Work licensure in North Carolina requires a thorough understanding of the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and the various credentials available to practitioners. As a profession deeply committed to community well-being, Social Work in North Carolina is governed by specific standards and regulations to ensure that professionals are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and ethical practices.

This blog post details the licensure renewal process, highlights key dates and fees, and examines the different types of credentials that mental health practitioners can pursue in the state. Whether you are a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Social Worker (CSW) gaining experience, or a Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) aiming to maintain 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 North Carolina Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates

In North Carolina, the credentialing and licensure requirements for Social Workers are regulated by the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB). Here is a detailed overview:

Credentials and Licenses

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Requirements:
  - Master’s or Doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
  - Completion of 3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical Social Work practice under supervision within 2-6 years.
  - Passing the Clinical level examination from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA)
- Requirements:
  - Master’s or Doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
  - Approval of a supervision plan to gain the required 3,000 hours of supervised practice.
Certified Social Worker (CSW)
- Requirements:
  - Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
  - Passing the Bachelor’s level ASWB examination.
Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
- Requirements:
  - Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
  - Passing the Master’s level ASWB examination.

Licensure Renewal Details and Costs

Renewal Frequency:
- Licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal cycle is defined as the certification or licensure period beginning with the date of issue or last renewal and ending with the date of expiration.
Continuing Education Requirements:
- LCSW: 40 hours of continuing education (CE) within the two-year period, including 4 hours of ethics training.
- LCSWA: Must continue to comply with supervision requirements until eligible to become an LCSW.
- CSW and CMSW: 30 hours of CE within the two-year period, including 4 hours of ethics training.
Renewal Fees:
- LCSW: $150
- LCSWA: $100
- CSW: $90
- CMSW: $100

Fees for Specific Licenses

Initial Application Fees:
- LCSW: $115 (plus examination fee)
- LCSWA: $115
- CSW: $75 (plus examination fee)
- CMSW: $115 (plus examination fee)
Examination Fees (paid to ASWB):
- Bachelor’s Level Exam: $230
- Master’s Level Exam: $230
- Clinical Level Exam: $260
Other Fees:
- License Verification: $25
- Duplicate Certificate: $25
- Inactive Status Application: $50

These requirements ensure that social workers in North Carolina are well-qualified and maintain high professional standards throughout their careers. For the most up-to-date information, it is important to consult the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board’s official website.

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

For more detailed information, please visit the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board’s official website.

2) North Carolina Social Work Continuing Education Requirements

Social Workers in North Carolina are required to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their licensure. Here are the key details:

Continuing Education Hours:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Certified Social Workers (CSW) must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
- Of these 40 hours, 4 hours must focus on ethics related to Social Work practice and ethical decision-making.
Types of Continuing Education:
- Continuing education can include various forms of learning such as seminars, workshops, courses, and conferences like those offered by Agents of Change Continuing Education.
- Up to 20 hours of the required continuing education may be completed through distance learning activities like online courses or webinars, provided they are pre-approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) or the North Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-NC).
Documentation and Audit:
- Social Workers are required to document their continuing education activities. Although certificates of completion are not submitted with renewal applications, they must be kept on file and be available for verification in case of an audit.
- Live or synchronous webinars that allow interactive dialogue are considered equivalent to in-person training for CE credits.
Renewal Cycle:
- Licenses must be renewed every two years. For licenses with a shorter renewal cycle (e.g., provisional licenses), continuing education requirements are prorated.
Pro-rated Continuing Education:
- For licenses renewed for less than two years, the required CE hours are pro-rated.
- For example, a one-year renewal period requires 20 hours of continuing education with at least 2 hours in ethics, and a six-month renewal period requires 10 hours with at least 1 hour in ethics.

For more detailed information and updates, please refer to: NC Social Work Board

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

Q: What types of continuing education activities are acceptable for license renewal in North Carolina?

A: Acceptable continuing education (CE) activities for social work license renewal in North Carolina include seminars, workshops, courses, and conferences.

Up to 20 hours of the required 40 hours may be completed through distance learning activities such as online courses or webinars, as long as they are pre-approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) or the North Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-NC). Live or synchronous webinars that allow for interactive dialogue are considered equivalent to in-person training.

Q: How often do I need to renew my social work license in North Carolina, and what are the continuing education requirements?

A: Social Work licenses in North Carolina must be renewed every two years. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Certified Social Workers (CSW) are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education within this period.

Of these, 4 hours must be focused on ethics related to Social Work practice and ethical decision-making. For licenses with shorter renewal cycles, the continuing education requirements are prorated. For instance, a one-year renewal requires 20 hours of CE with 2 hours in ethics, and a six-month renewal requires 10 hours of CE with 1 hour in ethics.

Q: What documentation is required for continuing education, and what should I do if I am audited?

A: Social Workers are required to maintain documentation of their continuing education activities, such as certificates of completion. Although these certificates do not need to be submitted with the renewal application, they must be kept on file and be available for verification in case of an audit.

The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board may audit your continuing education activities, and you will need to provide verifiable proof of attendance and credit hours.

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

4) Conclusion

Continuing education (CE) for Social Workers in North Carolina is a crucial element in maintaining licensure and ensuring ongoing professional competency. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Certified Social Workers (CSW) are required to complete 40 hours of CE every two years, including 4 hours dedicated to ethics.

This requirement helps Social Workers stay updated with the latest developments, best practices, and ethical standards in the field. The flexibility provided by the NCSWCLB, allowing up to 20 hours to be completed through approved online courses or webinars, ensures that social workers can fulfill these requirements conveniently, regardless of their schedule or location (NC Social Work Board).

The NCSWCLB’s pro-rated CE requirements for licenses renewed for less than two years reflect a practical approach, accommodating the diverse circumstances of practitioners, whether they are newly licensed or transitioning between licensure levels. This system ensures that all Social Workers, regardless of their specific situation, can meet the necessary educational standards without undue burden. Accurate documentation of CE activities is mandatory, as these records may be subject to audit by the board. This measure promotes accountability and ensures that the high standards of the profession are consistently upheld (NC Social Work Board).

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