The Different Types of Social Work Continuing Education: In Person, Webinars, Podcasts, and More!
If you’re in Social Work, you know the learning never really stops. And why should it? As new challenges emerge, staying current on the latest knowledge and techniques matters.
Here’s the fun part: the ways we learn are changing too! A stuffy classroom with a chalkboard is no longer the only option. Today, the types of Social Work continuing education are as diverse as the challenges we face.
Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 200+ ASWB and NBCC-approved online CE courses and 25+ Live Events per year for one annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits and level up your career.
We’ve helped more than 100,000 Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with exam prep and Continuing Education. Learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 7.5 free CEUs.
Quick answer: the main types of Social Work continuing education
- In-person: classes, workshops, and conferences with face-to-face interaction.
- Live online: real-time webinars and virtual workshops where you can ask questions.
- Self-paced online: on-demand courses you complete on your own schedule.
- Emerging formats: podcasts, microlearning, and simulations, which count for credit only when offered by an approved provider.
Check your state board’s rules, since some states limit self-paced hours or require live hours.
Jump to: In-Person Learning · Online Learning · Podcasts, Microlearning, and More · Comparing Formats · Finding the Right Fit · FAQs
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1) The Tried and True: In-Person Learning
The Classic Classroom
The traditional classroom is where many of us began our educational journeys, and there’s something comforting about it. Here’s what’s great about in-person learning:
- Direct interaction: Face-to-face discussion is hard to beat.
- Hands-on practice: Role-plays, group activities, and real-time feedback? Yes, please!
- Networking: It’s not just about what you learn. It’s also about who you meet along the way!
Workshops and Conferences
Who doesn’t love a good conference? They’re like the music festivals of the education world. You get:
- Specialized topics: Dive deep into niche areas of Social Work.
- Expert speakers: Hear from respected leaders in the field.
- Community: Connect with colleagues who share your interests (and maybe grab some free swag, too).
Keep in mind that in-person options usually involve travel time and costs, and not every session at a conference is approved for CE credit, so check before you go.
2) The Digital Age: Online Learning
The internet has changed the way we learn, and the COVID-19 pandemic made online learning far more common for Social Workers. Online CE generally comes in two forms.
Live Online Webinars and Workshops
- Real-time interaction: Ask questions and join discussions from home.
- Learn from anywhere: Whether you’re in your PJs or at a café, education is just a click away.
- Often count as live hours: Many boards treat live, interactive webinars differently from self-paced courses. Check your state’s rules.
Agents of Change Continuing Education offers 25+ live CE events each year.
Self-Paced Online Courses
- Your schedule: Learn whenever it works for you.
- Pause and replay: Didn’t catch that? Just hit rewind.
- Variety: Choose from video, audio, and reading-based courses on a wide range of topics.
Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 200+ ASWB and NBCC-approved self-paced online CE courses for one annual fee.
3) The New Kids on the Block: Podcasts, Microlearning, and More
Podcasts
Podcasts are popular for good reason. They’re perfect for commutes or workouts, cover just about every topic, and let you hear experts share perspectives you might not hear elsewhere. Most podcasts don’t offer CE credit, though. Some approved providers offer audio courses that do, so if you need hours, look for an approved provider and a certificate.
Microlearning
Microlearning breaks content into bite-sized lessons. Got 5 minutes? Learn something new! Short lessons and quick quizzes are great for reinforcing concepts and fitting learning into a busy day. For CE credit, look for short courses from approved providers.
Simulations and Virtual Reality
Some training programs use simulations, including virtual reality, to let learners practice skills like interviewing in a safe, realistic setting. These tools are still emerging and less common in Social Work CE, so check that any program is approved for credit before you enroll.
4) Comparing Continuing Education Formats
| Format | Best For | Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|
| In-person classes and workshops | Hands-on practice, networking, and face-to-face discussion | Travel time and cost |
| Conferences | Specialized topics, many sessions, and connecting with colleagues | Confirm which sessions offer CE credit |
| Live online webinars | Real-time learning and Q&A from home | Scheduled times; may count as live hours |
| Self-paced online courses | Flexible scheduling and learning at your own pace | Some states limit self-paced hours |
| Podcasts | Learning on the go | Usually no CE credit unless offered by an approved provider |
| Microlearning | Short sessions and reinforcement | Best as a supplement to deeper courses |
| Simulations and VR | Practicing skills in a realistic setting | Still emerging and less widely available for credit |
Before choosing a format, check your board’s requirements for live hours, self-paced limits, and required topics like ethics. Our state requirements guide is a helpful starting point, and Core Hours vs. Related Hours explains how different credit types count.
5) Finding the Right Fit
We’ve all been there: sitting through a lecture, eyes glazing over, thinking, “This just isn’t clicking.” Sometimes the problem isn’t the content. It’s whether the format fits your goals, your schedule, and how you like to engage. Ask yourself these questions:
| If You… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| Want to practice hands-on skills like role-plays | In-person workshops or interactive live sessions |
| Learn well through discussion and questions | Live webinars or in-person classes |
| Have an unpredictable schedule | Self-paced online courses |
| Have a long commute | Audio-based courses from approved providers |
| Like to take notes and review written material | Reading-based courses with downloadable handouts |
| Have only a few minutes at a time | Short courses and microlearning |
| Want to build your professional network | Conferences and live events |
Research suggests that most people learn best when material is active and varied, rather than matched to a single “learning style.” So it’s worth mixing formats: a live session to ask questions, a self-paced course to go deeper, and short lessons to reinforce what you learned. For more tips, read 7 Tips for Choosing the Right Continuing Education Courses for Social Workers and Creating Your Social Work Continuing Education Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Agents of Change Continuing Education offers courses in a variety of formats, including video, audio, and reading-based courses, plus 25+ live events each year.
6) FAQs: Types of Social Work Continuing Education
How do I choose a CE format that supports my career goals?
Start with your short-term and long-term goals. If you’re building hands-on skills, in-person or live interactive workshops may help. If you want broad exposure to new topics, webinars and self-paced courses are a flexible option. Mentors and colleagues in your desired area can also offer valuable insights.
Is microlearning too superficial for in-depth Social Work topics?
It’s a valid concern! Short lessons are great for reinforcing concepts or introducing new ideas, but they may not be enough for complex topics. Microlearning works best alongside deeper courses or workshops. Think of it as a supplement to your broader learning.
Do online courses count for license renewal?
In most states, yes, as long as the provider is approved. Some states limit how many hours can be self-paced or require a certain number of live or interactive hours. Always check your board’s current rules.
How can I make sure CE content is high quality and credible?
- Approval: Look for approved providers, such as ASWB ACE for Social Workers or NBCC for Counselors, and confirm your board accepts them.
- Instructor credentials: Look for experienced professionals with relevant expertise.
- Reviews and recommendations: Ask colleagues about their experiences.
- Try before you commit: A free course lets you see the quality firsthand. Start with Powerful Home-School Partnerships (1.5 free CE credits) or explore all of our free CE courses.
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. Agents of Change is also an NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP #7620).
7) Conclusion
The world of Social Work continuing education is vast and varied. Whether you love the classroom, prefer live webinars, or want to learn on your own schedule, there’s a format for you. Choose approved providers, check your state’s requirements, and mix formats to keep your learning fresh. Happy learning!
Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education. We’ve helped more than 100,000 Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with exam prep and Continuing Education and want to help you next!
► Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com/continuing-education/
About the Lead Instructor, Dr. Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals for more than 10 years. From all of this experience helping others, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals 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.
Written by Agents of Change
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