So, you’ve chosen the noble path of Social Work in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania. Kudos to you! But wait, there’s more to it than just the day-to-day grind.
Keeping up with the ever-evolving world of Social Work means staying updated with continuing education and, of course, ensuring that your license is always in tip-top shape.
But fear not! We’ve got the lowdown on everything you need to know about Social Work Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements for Pennsylvania.
Did you know? 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.
We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your free CEUs.
1) The Basics of Social Work Continuing Education and License Renewal in Pennsylvania
Social Work is a dynamic field, and staying updated is not just a requirement but a necessity. Pennsylvania, being the forward-thinking state it is, has set some standards in place.
How Many Credits Do I Need?
- LBSW & LSW: If you’re an LBSW (Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker) or an LSW (Licensed Social Worker), you’ll need 30 continuing education credits every two years.
- LCSW: For those who’ve climbed up to the LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) level, the same 30 credits every two years apply.
What Kind of Courses Count?
Pennsylvania is pretty flexible when it comes to the type of courses you can take. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Live workshops, seminars, or conferences
- University or college courses related to Social Work
- Online courses (but hey, make sure they’re accredited!)
Where Can I Find These Courses?
There are many resources available! Some top-notch ones include:
- Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers
- NASW-PA Chapter
- Accredited universities and colleges in Pennsylvania
- 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) License Renewal: The When and How
Alright, you’ve got your credits. Now, what about that license renewal?
Key Dates to Remember
- Renewal Deadline: Every two years, by February 28th. Mark it on your calendar, set a reminder, do whatever it takes!
- Grace Period: There’s a 90-day grace period after the deadline. But, let’s be real, who wants to rely on grace when you can be punctual?
The Renewal Process
- Log into the Pennsylvania Licensing System.
- Complete the renewal application.
- Pay the renewal fee (yeah, it’s a bummer, but it’s part of the game).
- Submit proof of your continuing education credits.
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) Key Resources for Pennsylvania Social Workers
Navigating the maze of continuing education and license renewal can be a tad overwhelming. Here’s a handy list of essential resources tailored for Pennsylvania Social Workers. Bookmark these, and you’ll be golden!
- Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists and Professional Counselors
- What’s it about? This is your go-to for all official guidelines, requirements, and updates related to Social Work in Pennsylvania.
- Visit the website
- NASW-PA Chapter
- What’s it about? The National Association of Social Workers’ Pennsylvania chapter offers helpful information, including workshops, conferences, and online courses.
- Check out their offerings
- Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS)
- What’s it about? Renew your license, check its status, or get information on fees.
- Hop over to PALS
- Child Welfare Training Portal
- What’s it about? Given that child abuse recognition and reporting is a mandatory topic for continuing education, this portal provides valuable training resources.
- Dive into the portal
- Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center
- What’s it about? Another great resource for training and education related to child welfare.
- Explore the center
- Continuing Education Providers List
- What’s it about? A comprehensive list of approved providers for continuing education in Pennsylvania.
- Find a provider
4) FAQs – Social Work Continuing Education and Renewal Requirements in Pennsylvania
Q: I’ve heard there are specific topics or subjects I need to cover in my continuing education credits. Is that true?
A: Absolutely! Pennsylvania requires that out of your 30 continuing education credits, at least 3 credits must be in ethics, and 2 credits in child abuse recognition and reporting for every renewal cycle. It’s crucial to ensure that your courses cover these topics to meet the state’s requirements.
ACE-approved courses like those offered by Agents of Change are accepted by Pennsylvania.
Q: I’ve been practicing Social Work in another state and recently moved to Pennsylvania. Can I transfer my continuing education credits?
A: Welcome to Pennsylvania! When it comes to transferring credits, Pennsylvania does recognize out-of-state credits as long as the courses meet the state’s criteria and the other state’s requirements are equivalent or exceed Pennsylvania’s. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers to ensure your credits are valid.
Need to close a credit gap quickly? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ Online Social Work ACE-approved courses that are valid in Pennsylvania.
Q: I’m considering taking a break from my Social Work practice for personal reasons. How does this affect my license and continuing education?
A: Life happens! If you decide to take a break, your license can go into an “inactive” status. While your license is inactive, you’re exempt from the continuing education requirements.
However, when you decide to return to practice, you’ll need to reactivate your license, which will require you to meet the continuing education requirements for the period your license was inactive.
5) Conclusion
Navigating the world of Social Work Continuing Education and license renewal requirements for Pennsylvania might seem daunting, but with a bit of preparation and a sprinkle of dedication, it’s a breeze!
So, gear up, stay informed, and keep making a difference in the Keystone State!
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 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
