Pennsylvania Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

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

Social Work in Pennsylvania, a field dedicated to enhancing community well-being, is regulated by specific standards and guidelines to ensure professionals are well-prepared both in terms of knowledge and ethical conduct.

This blog post explains the licensure renewal process, highlights 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 Social Worker (LSW) 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 Pennsylvania Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates

Credentials Available:

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Requirements: Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Requirements: Master’s or doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Experience: At least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over no less than two years.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam.

Licensure Renewal Details:

Renewal Period: Every two years (ODD years) on February 28. The next deadline is February 28, 2025.
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours of continuing education credits, including at least 3 hours in ethics.
Renewal Fees:
- LBSW: $95
- LSW: $95
- LCSW: $95

Initial Licensure Fees:

Application Fee:
- LBSW: $25
- LSW: $25
- LCSW: $25
Examination Fees:
- ASWB Bachelor’s Exam: $230
- ASWB Master’s Exam: $230
- ASWB Clinical Exam: $260

Other Fees:

Temporary License Fee (if applicable): $25
Late Renewal Fee: Additional $25 if the license renewal is submitted after the expiration date.

Summary of Costs:

LBSW:
- Initial Application Fee: $25
- Examination Fee: $230
- Renewal Fee: $95
LSW:
- Initial Application Fee: $25
- Examination Fee: $230
- Renewal Fee: $95
LCSW:
- Initial Application Fee: $25
- Examination Fee: $260
- Renewal Fee: $95

Additional Notes:

Applicants must ensure that all continuing education credits are from Board-approved providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education.
Detailed records of continuing education credits should be maintained in case of an audit by the licensing board.
The process for gaining supervised experience for LCSW licensure must be documented and approved by a qualified supervisor.

This information provides a comprehensive overview of the credentialing and licensure requirements for social workers in Pennsylvania, ensuring practitioners are well-informed about the necessary steps and associated costs.

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

Sources:

2) Pennsylvania Social Work Continuing Education Requirements

In Pennsylvania, licensed Social Workers (LBSW, LSW, LCSW) must meet continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their licensure. These requirements are designed to ensure Social Workers remain knowledgeable about current practices and ethical standards in the field.

General Requirements:

Total CE Hours: 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
Ethics Requirement: At least 3 of the 30 hours must be in ethics.
Approved Providers: CE credits must be obtained from providers approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors like Agents of Change Continuing Education.

Specifics of Continuing Education:

Content Areas:
- Continuing education activities must be related to Social Work practice, theory, methods, and policy.
- Activities can include workshops, seminars, conferences, independent study, and academic courses.
Approved Providers:
- CE credits must be earned through providers approved by the Board or recognized professional organizations like the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) or the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Documentation and Reporting:
- Social Workers are required to maintain documentation of their CE activities, including certificates of completion, for at least four years.
- Proof of CE completion must be provided upon request by the Board during audits.
Exemptions and Extensions:
- Newly licensed Social Workers are exempt from CE requirements during their first renewal period.
- Extensions for completing CE requirements may be granted in cases of hardship, such as illness or military service, upon request to the Board.
Online and Home Study Courses:
- A portion of CE credits can be obtained through online courses and home study programs, provided they are offered by approved providers.
Renewal Fees and Deadlines:
- Renewal fees must be paid, and CE requirements must be fulfilled before the license expiration date to avoid late fees.

For more detailed information and updates, please refer to: Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors

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

Q: What are the continuing education requirements for renewing my Social Work license in Pennsylvania?

A: In Pennsylvania, licensed Social Workers must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to renew their licenses with a deadline of February 28th on ODD years. Of these, at least 3 hours must be in ethics.

CE activities must be related to Social Work practice and theory and must be obtained from providers approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors like Agents of Change Continuing Education.

Social Workers are required to keep documentation of their CE activities for at least four years and provide proof of completion if requested during audits.

Q: What are the fees associated with obtaining and renewing a Social Work license in Pennsylvania?

A: The fees for Social Work licensure in Pennsylvania are as follows:

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- Initial Application Fee: $25
- Examination Fee: $230
- Renewal Fee: $95 every two years
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Initial Application Fee: $25
- Examination Fee: $230
- Renewal Fee: $95 every two years
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Initial Application Fee: $45
- Examination Fee: $260
- Renewal Fee: $95 every two years

Additional fees may include a late renewal fee of $25 if the renewal is submitted after the expiration date.

Q: How can I document and verify my continuing education credits for license renewal?

A: Social Workers in Pennsylvania must keep detailed records of their continuing education (CE) activities, including certificates of completion, for at least four years. These records should include the name of the approved provider, the title of the course, the number of CE hours earned, and the date of completion.

During the renewal process, Social Workers must attest to completing the required CE hours. The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors may audit licensees, in which case Social Workers must provide proof of their CE activities. Approved providers include professional organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and educational institutions accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 courses that meet Pennsylvania’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 Pennsylvania involves understanding the specific requirements and processes associated with obtaining and maintaining your credentials. By familiarizing yourself with the steps required for each level of licensure—whether it’s the LBSW, LSW, or LCSW—you ensure that you are well-prepared to meet the educational, experiential, and examination standards set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

Meeting these standards not only secures your ability to practice but also underscores your commitment to maintaining high professional and ethical standards in Social Work.

Continuing education plays a pivotal role in the licensure renewal process, ensuring that Social Workers remain up-to-date with the latest practices and ethical considerations in the field. By completing the required 30 hours of continuing education, including a mandatory 3 hours in ethics, Social Workers demonstrate their dedication to ongoing professional development and their commitment to delivering quality services to their clients. Properly documenting these educational activities and staying informed about approved providers will help you maintain compliance and avoid any disruptions to your practice.

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