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Tristate (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) Social Work Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Tristate (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) Social Work Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

 

The life of a social worker never stands still. Between demanding caseloads, community advocacy, and the constant evolution of best practices in mental health and human services, there’s always something new to learn. That’s why continuing education (CE) isn’t just a bureaucratic hurdle; it’s an essential part of staying sharp, ethical, and effective in practice. For those licensed in the Tristate (NY, NJ, Connecticut) region, the requirements can sometimes feel like a maze of deadlines, course formats, and mandated topics.

Each state in the Tristate area sets its own rules for the number of CE hours required, the frequency of completion, and the subject areas that must be covered. New York demands a structured three-year cycle, New Jersey layers in specific credits for ethics and cultural competence every two years, and Connecticut asks for annual training with unique requirements like veterans’ mental health. The variation means that if you’re licensed in more than one state, you need to juggle different timelines and regulations; missing even one detail can put your license at risk.

The good news is that with planning, the process becomes far less intimidating. By understanding the exact requirements for your license and choosing high-quality providers, you can meet state expectations while building skills that strengthen your day-to-day practice. Providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education, which offers more than 150 ASWB and NBCC-approved courses plus live events throughout the year, make it easier to cover all the bases in one place.

Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ ASWB and NBCC-approved CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits and level up your career

We’ve helped tens of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 free CEUs.

1) Social Work CE Requirements for New York, New Jersey, Connecticut

New York and New Jersey

New York: CE Rules for LMSW & LCSW

1. Basic Requirements

In New York, both Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) are required to complete 36 hours of acceptable continuing education during each three-year registration period.

If your registration period is shorter (for instance, due to when your license first became active), then you’re required to complete one hour of continuing education for each month of that shorter registration period.

One important constraint: no more than 12 of those 36 hours (or one third, in shorter periods) may come from “self-study” or home study courses (i.e. asynchronous, non-interactive formats) via New York State Education Department (NYSED)-approved providers.

As of registration periods starting April 1, 2023 and onward, licensees must include 3 hours on maintaining appropriate professional boundaries within their 36 total hours.

2. Initial Exemptions & Phase-in

If this is your first registration period after licensure, you might be exempt from CE requirements for that first cycle. Extra hours earned beyond 36 hours cannot be carried forward to the next registration period; no carryover is allowed.

3. What Counts as Acceptable CE?

To qualify, courses must be offered by NYSED-approved providers and cover acceptable subject areas (e.g. human behavior, ethics, clinical practice, cultural competency).

Some other ways to earn credit:

  • Teaching a new or revised CE course (you get credit for contact hours plus prep time)

  • Presenting a technical or professional paper or workshop for the first time

  • Self-study structured programs, audio/video courses, online modules (within the self-study cap) 

Also note: all registered social workers in New York must complete the 3 hours in professional boundaries every cycle. 

4. Compliance, Waivers, Inactive Status

If you cannot meet the requirement for health reasons or other documented cause, you may request an adjustment or extension, or apply for inactive registration status (if you’re not practicing).

If your registration has been inactive or lapsed, you may have to make up the CE hours you missed during that inactive period before you can reinstate your registration.

You must retain certificates and documentation for at least 6 years (NYSED may audit your CE records).

New Jersey: CE Requirements for CSW, LSW, LCSW

1. Licensure Levels & CE Hours

In New Jersey, CE requirements vary by license level. The three common ones are:

License Type CE Hours Required Special Requirements Carryover Allowed
CSW (Certified Social Worker) 20 credits every 2 years 5 ethics credits, 3 cultural competence, 1 opioid prescriber topic Yes, up to 4 credits
LSW (Licensed Social Worker) 30 credits every 2 years 5 ethics credits, 3 cultural competence, 1 opioid topic Yes, up to 6 credits
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) 40 credits every 2 years At least 20 must be clinical, 5 ethics, 3 cultural competence, 1 opioid training Yes, up to 8 credits

  • LCSWs must have at least 20 credits directly related to clinical practice.

  • For all license types, 5 credits must be in ethics.

  • Also, 3 credits must address social and cultural competency. 

  • A more recent addition: 1 credit must be in prescription opioid drugs (risks, addiction, diversion). This requirement began in the 2018–2020 cycle and continues.

Courses must typically be approved in advance (by NASW-NJ or ASWB, under the CE Approval Collaborative) for them to count for NJ’s board. 

2. What Counts as CE in NJ & Approval Rules

  • NJ’s Board does not accept a blanket “approved provider” status from other states; instead, individual courses and conference sessions must be approved by NASW‐NJ or ASWB-NJ via a CE Approval Collaborative.

  • In-service training may count toward CE up to half of the requirement, but staff meetings or regular job training do not qualify.

  • Post-graduate work relating to clinical supervision can count (for LCSWs) under certain board-approved criteria.

3. Renewal, Surplus Credits, & Flexibility

  • If you earn more than the required credits, you may carry over up to the allowed maximum (depending on license type: 4, 6, or 8 credits) to the next biennial period.

  • If you get licensed mid-cycle, you may need only half of the required credits (for those who receive a license/certification in the second year).

  • You must attest upon renewal that you’ve satisfied the CE requirement. Maintain proof and course certificates for at least five years in case of an audit.

Connecticut: Annual CE for Licensed Social Workers

1. Yearly CE Requirement

In Connecticut, licensed social workers (both LMSW and LCSW) must complete 15 hours of continuing education annually (i.e. per license year).

During the first renewal period after licensure, you may be exempt from CE requirements until your first renewal.

2. Format Limits & Live vs. Home Study

  • At least 5 hours must come from in-person or live, interactive online (synchronous) offerings.

  • Up to 10 hours may be from asynchronous home study / online formats.

3. Required Topic Training

Two special topic mandates:

  1. 1 hour in cultural competency per license year.

  2. 2 hours on veterans’ mental health / family issues (on topics like PTSD, suicide prevention, screening) once every six years, with the first such training due by the first renewal.

Connecticut accepts CE from any provider approved by ASWB, NASW (national or CT), or accredited social work schools.

4. Documentation & Waivers

You must keep certificates for at least 3 years following the date the CE satisfies the requirement. 

A waiver may be granted (or extension) for medical disability or reduced practice, provided you apply properly before renewal.

If you request inactive status and later return to practice, you’ll have to satisfy CE requirements before reactivating.

Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education. We’ve helped tens of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with their continuing education, and we want you to be next!

2) Comparative Summary: Tristate (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) Social Work CE Requirements

Here’s a side-by-side look:

Feature New York New Jersey Connecticut
CE hours & cycle 36 hours every 3 years 20–40 credits every 2 years (varies by license) 15 hours every year
Self-study / home study cap ≤ 12 hours / one third Some in-service or nontraditional allowed but limited up to 10 hours (out of 15)
Mandated topics 3 hrs boundaries Ethics, culture, opioid training 1 hr cultural competence (yearly), 2 hrs veterans training every 6 years
Carryover allowed? No Yes (4, 6, or 8, depending on license) No (CE must fall in current license year)
First renewal exemption Yes, the first cycle often exempt For CSW/LSW, half credit if licensed mid-cycle Exempt first renewal cycle
Audits / record retention Retain 6 years Retain 5 years Retain 3 years
Provider/course approval Must be from NYSED-approved providers Individual courses must be approved by NASW-NJ / ASWB-NJ Accepts ASWB / NASW / CSWE providers (CT doesn’t pre-approve every course)

Because of these differences, someone licensed in all three states must juggle a 3-year cycle in NY, a biennial approach in NJ, and annual cycles in CT, and also respect the particular topic mandates and caps in each.

How Agents of Change Continuing Education Can Help

If keeping up with all those rules feels like juggling flaming torches, that’s exactly where a provider like Agents of Change Continuing Education can come in handy.

  • They offer over 150 ASWB & NBCC-approved courses for social workers, counselors, and mental health professionals, so many match the content and credit requirements across NY, NJ, and CT.

  • They frequently host live continuing education events (webinars, workshops) throughout the year, which helps meet synchronous credit mandates (CT’s 5 live hours requirement or NJ’s demand for live sessions).

  • Because they are tied into ASWB/NBCC approval structures, their courses are more likely to satisfy board expectations across states; however, always double-check with your state board before you enroll.

  • Their catalog can help you plan ahead: if you know you’ll need boundary training in NY, an ethics course for NJ, or cultural competency hours for CT, you can schedule with one vendor.

Agents of Change has helped tens of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 free CEUs!

3) Tips for Managing & Meeting CE Requirements in the Tristate Area

Trying to keep up with Tristate (NY, NJ, Connecticut) Social Work Continuing Education (CE) Requirements can feel like managing three different calendars at once.

New York wants a three-year cycle, New Jersey works in two-year chunks with lots of specific sub-requirements, and Connecticut insists on an annual rhythm with unique topics. It’s no wonder many social workers find themselves scrambling as deadlines approach.

The trick is to set up a system that keeps you ahead of the game instead of constantly playing catch-up. Here are some expanded tips to help you stay compliant without unnecessary stress.

1. Build a CE Calendar and Stick to It

One of the easiest mistakes to make is assuming you have “plenty of time.” Before you know it, your renewal date is right around the corner. As soon as you know your license cycle dates for each state, mark them down in a calendar; ideally, a digital one that sends reminders.

Color-code by state if you’re licensed in multiple places. For example, set a reminder at the halfway mark of each cycle to check your progress, and then another 90 days before renewal to complete any outstanding tasks. This way, you’ll never be caught off guard.

2. Break It Down Into Manageable Chunks

Thirty-six hours every three years in New York might not sound like much, but if you put it off until the last few months, it becomes overwhelming. Instead, divide the requirement into smaller, yearly or quarterly goals.

For New Jersey’s 40 hours every two years (if you’re an LCSW), aim for 10 to 12 hours each year. For Connecticut’s annual 15 hours, schedule five hours per quarter. Spreading the workload out makes the process less intimidating and ensures you don’t end up binge-taking courses that don’t really add value.

3. Prioritize Mandatory Topics First

Every state has its quirks: New York requires three hours on professional boundaries, New Jersey insists on ethics, cultural competence, and opioid education, and Connecticut asks for cultural competence each year plus veterans’ mental health every six years.

Instead of leaving these until the last minute, knock them out early in your cycle. Not only will it relieve pressure, but it also prevents the nightmare scenario of discovering your favorite provider doesn’t offer the exact topic you need when your deadline is days away.

4. Mix Live and Self-Study Strategically

Different states place caps on self-study or asynchronous learning. New York only allows one-third of credits to be home study, and Connecticut caps it at 10 hours per year. That means you can’t just sit behind a screen and click your way through everything.

Schedule live webinars, workshops, or conferences to balance out your schedule. A provider like Agents of Change Continuing Education, which frequently hosts live CE events in addition to its 150+ approved courses, is a smart way to meet these requirements while keeping your schedule flexible.

5. Keep Meticulous Records

State boards take audits seriously, and failing to provide proof of your hours can put your license at risk even if you technically completed the courses. Always save completion certificates, transcripts, and emails confirming attendance.

Store digital copies in a folder labeled by state and year. Consider backing them up to a cloud drive so they’re accessible from anywhere. New Jersey requires keeping records for five years, New York for 6 years, and Connecticut for at least 3, so don’t delete or toss anything too soon.

6. Take Advantage of Carryover (Where Allowed)

Connecticut and New York won’t let you carry over credits, but New Jersey does. Depending on your license type, you may be able to bring forward between 4 and 8 extra credits into your next renewal cycle.

If you find yourself with a lighter workload one year, take advantage of the extra time to complete additional training and use those hours to reduce the burden during your next period. This flexibility can be a real stress-reliever when unexpected personal or professional challenges come up later.

7. Don’t Rely on Just One Provider

It’s tempting to stick with a single CE provider, but not every provider is approved by every state board. Cross-check approvals carefully before enrolling. That said, providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education stand out because they’re ASWB and NBCC-approved, making them broadly acceptable in the Tristate area. If you mix and match, just make sure you know which courses will count in which states before you spend the time and money.

8. Treat CE as Professional Growth, Not a Chore

The fastest way to burn out on continuing education is to view it as a checkbox exercise. Instead, look for courses that connect directly to your work: trauma-informed care, telehealth, cultural humility, or interventions for specific populations. When CE supports your day-to-day practice, it feels less like an obligation and more like a career investment.

9. Stay Alert to Policy Changes

Regulations can shift; as they did recently when New York added the boundary requirement and New Jersey introduced the opioid credit. Make a habit of checking your state board’s website or signing up for newsletters from organizations like NASW chapters. A few minutes of reading each year can save you from an unpleasant surprise during renewal.

10. Ask for Employer Support

If you work in an agency, hospital, or school, ask if they can help fund CE or give you time off to attend live events. Many employers view CE as a benefit to them as well, since it ensures staff are up to date on best practices. Sometimes they’ll even host in-house trainings that can be counted toward your requirements.

By following these steps, you’ll move from constantly worrying about meeting the Tristate (NY, NJ, Connecticut) Social Work Continuing Education (CE) Requirements to feeling in control and confident. Instead of scrambling to fit everything in, you’ll create a smooth system that turns CE into a steady habit, enriching your practice and making renewals stress-free.

4) FAQs – Tristate Social Work CE Requirements

Q: Can I use the same continuing education course to count toward requirements in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut?

A: Yes, in many cases you can, but it’s not automatic. The key is whether the course is offered by a provider approved in each state and whether it covers the mandated topics for that state’s cycle.

For example, a 3-hour ethics course from an ASWB-approved provider may count in both New Jersey and Connecticut. However, New York requires that courses be offered by NYSED-approved providers, which may exclude some otherwise acceptable courses.

Always confirm with your state board before assuming a single course will satisfy multiple states’ requirements. This extra step avoids disappointment when it’s time to renew.

Q: What happens if I miss my continuing education deadline?

A: If you fall behind, the consequences vary by state, but none of them are pleasant. In New York, you may need to request an adjustment or switch to inactive status if you can’t meet the hours by your renewal date, and you won’t be allowed to practice until your license is reinstated. In New Jersey, the board may audit your renewal and deny your license if you can’t prove compliance, and you could face disciplinary action. Connecticut requires all 15 hours annually, and missing them means you’ll be considered noncompliant at renewal.

To avoid stress and potential penalties, it’s best to pace yourself throughout the cycle and keep your certificates organized and ready.

Q: Do live webinars count as “live” continuing education in the Tristate area?

A: In most cases, yes. States like Connecticut explicitly allow synchronous online courses (real-time webinars where you can interact with the instructor and other participants) to count as “live” hours, which helps meet their requirement for at least 5 hours of live CE per year. New Jersey and New York also recognize interactive online formats, provided the course is from an approved provider.

What doesn’t usually count are purely self-paced, recorded courses with no live interaction. That’s why many professionals choose providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education, which frequently hosts live webinars that meet these standards and can be applied across multiple state requirements.

5) Conclusion

Staying on top of the Tristate (NY, NJ, Connecticut) Social Work Continuing Education (CE) requirements may feel complicated at first, but with the right system in place, it becomes much more manageable. Each state has unique rules and timelines, yet they all share the same purpose: keeping social workers informed, ethical, and prepared to meet the evolving needs of their communities. Understanding those distinctions is the first step toward ensuring your practice remains compliant and your professional growth continues uninterrupted.

Rather than waiting until the last minute, the smartest approach is to spread your CE work throughout the cycle. Knock out mandatory subjects early, blend live and self-study courses wisely, and keep careful records of everything you complete.

If you are licensed in more than one state, pay attention to overlapping requirements so that one course can serve more than one purpose whenever possible. This proactive approach not only reduces stress but also helps you choose learning opportunities that enrich your skills and keep your work relevant.

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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, 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.

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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

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