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 Rhode Island Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates
Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Rhode Island’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.
2) Rhode Island Social Work Continuing Education Requirements
Continuing education (CE) is a critical component for maintaining Social Work licensure in Rhode Island. Here are the specific requirements for continuing education:
Continuing Education Requirements
- Total Hours: Licensed Social Workers in Rhode Island are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years.
- Ethics: Out of the 30 hours, at least 3 hours must be dedicated to professional ethics.
- Cross-Cultural Practice: At least 3 hours must focus on cross-cultural practice to ensure that Social Workers are competent in providing services to diverse populations.
- Approved Providers: CE hours must be obtained from approved providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education. These typically include:
- Accredited educational institutions
- State and national social work organizations
- Other organizations approved by the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Social Workers
- Documentation: Social Workers must maintain documentation of completed CE activities, including certificates of attendance or completion, for at least four years. This documentation must be provided to the Board upon request.
- Carryover Hours: Rhode Island does not allow carryover of excess CE hours from one renewal period to the next. All CE must be completed within the current renewal cycle.
Renewal Process
- Renewal Application: To renew the license, Social Workers must submit a renewal application along with the required fee ($120).
- CE Verification: Social workers must attest to the completion of the required CE hours as part of the renewal process. The Board may audit a percentage of licensees to verify compliance with CE requirements.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health – Social Work Continuing Education Requirements
Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Rhode Island’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 – Rhode Island Social Work Licensure Renewal and CEUs
Q: What are the steps to obtain a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license in Rhode Island?
A: To obtain an LCSW license in Rhode Island, follow these steps:
- Education: Earn a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Application: Submit an application to the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Social Workers (BESW) with a $70 fee, a copy of your photo ID, and two professional references.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam, which requires a registration fee of $230.
- Licensure: Once you pass the exam, you will receive your LCSW license, allowing you to practice clinical Social Work under supervision.
Q: What are the continuing education requirements for maintaining a Social Work license in Rhode Island?
A: Licensed Social Workers in Rhode Island must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. The specific requirements include:
- Professional Ethics: At least 3 hours must focus on professional ethics.
- Cross-Cultural Practice: At least 3 hours must be dedicated to cross-cultural practice.
- Approved Providers: CE hours must be obtained from approved providers such as accredited educational institutions, state and national Social Work organizations, or other organizations approved by the BESW.
- Documentation: Maintain documentation of CE activities for at least four years.
Q: How do I transition from a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Rhode Island?
A: To transition from an LCSW to an LICSW in Rhode Island, follow these steps:
- Hold an LCSW License: Ensure you are currently licensed as an LCSW.
- Supervised Experience: Accumulate 3,000 hours of post-master’s clinical Social Work experience within 24 to 72 months, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact. This supervision must be under an LICSW.
- Application: Submit an application to the BESW for LICSW licensure.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam, which has a registration fee of $260.
Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 courses that meet Rhode Island’s CE requirements. Regulatory boards have the final say on courses accepted for continuing education credit.