Questions & Answers Regarding Continuing Education Credit Requirements For PA Social Workers
Q. What are the CEC requirements for licensure renewal?
A. During each licensure period (March 1 in odd years until February 28 in the next odd year), social work licensees must earn 30 Continuing Education Credits (CEC). 3 of the thirty CEC’s must be on ethics, in order to renew their license. Exception: An individual applying for a license in PA for the first time is exempt from the CEC requirements for their FIRST renewal period. For example, a license issued in April, 2007 is exempt from the continuing education requirements for the biennial renewal period ending February 28, 2009.
Q. How do I document my CEC’s for the LSW licensure renewal?
A. Each licensee needs to obtain a certificate of attendance for each workshop/conference attended. This certificate must contain the attendees name; date and location of the course; title of the course; number of credit hours earned; the provider’s name; and the approval number assigned to the provider by the PA Board. If the provider is a preapproved provider, the certificate will not have a number but the preapproved provider’s name.
Q. How long must I keep CEC documentation?
A. Each licensee is required to retain the documentation of completion of the 30 clock hours for four years following the certification. The Board or its auditing agents will perform random audits to determine licensee’s compliance with the CE requirements.
Q. What if I want to attend an event not administered by one of the preapproved providers?
A. Providers desiring to offer CEC’s for social workers must apply directly to the PA Board for course approval. Upon approval, the PA Board will assign the provider a number for that workshop. This approval number may appear on their promotional materials and brochures. However, this number must appear on the certificates awarded by the provider in order to be applicable for LSW renewal. If the course does not have the PA Board approval number or is not in the preapproved group, it will not be applicable for the LSW renewal. See for the form.
Q. How can I insure that a workshop I attend will count towards my social work license requirements?
A. If the workshop is being sponsored or co-sponsored by a preapproved provider, it will count. If the course is being sponsored/co-sponsored (provided) by a group other than a preapproved provider, contact the provider to verify that they have submitted materials to the Board or contact the PA State Board at
or call 717-783-1389 and ask them.
Q. The course I want to attend is being held out of state and they have told me that they are not getting the course approved by the PA Board. Can I still attend and use these credits towards my renewal?
A. The Board may approve participation in other continuing courses or programs for credit so long as the licensee submits, prior to attending, an application for program approval and supporting documentation. Upon completion of the course or program, also submit verification of attendance. Contact the PA Board for specific details and requirements regarding this process. The form is the same as that used by providers and can be obtained at:
Q. What types of programs are acceptable as continuing education events?
A. Acceptable subject matter for continuing education courses and programs is limited to courses and programs pertaining to the enhancement of the social worker’s knowledge and practice skills related to helping people achieve adequate and productive personal, interpersonal and social adjustments in their individual lives, in their families and community.
Q. Are there any courses that cannot be used towards LSW renewal?
A. Yes, courses on marketing the practice or office management are not acceptable CEC’s. Also, any program not approved or designated as preapproved by the Board will not be acceptable.
Q. Are there any required course?
A. 3 Credits on Ethics
Q. What is NASW-PAs role in the process?
A. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is responsible for the licensure law and continuing education regulations. NASW-PA is a provider of continuing education credits for social workers. NASW-PA has the designation from the PA Board as a preapproved provider for its continuing education programs. This means that all CEC’s sponsored/co-sponsored or provided by NASW, its state and local affiliates, will be applicable towards licensure renewal.
Q. Does NASW-PA give approval to providers?
A. NASW-PA provided or approved programs are automatically preapproved. But, all CE certificates must be issued by NASW-PA.
Q. Are there restrictions on obtaining credits on-line?
A. Yes, no more than 20 CE’s
Q. How can I contact the PA State Board?
A. Web:
E-Mail:
. Call: 717-783-1389 (No toll free number) or write: P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649.
Q. How can I find out about Board approved CEC programs?
A. If you are a member of one of the preapproved providers, you will receive their materials. Providers are responsible for their own program promotions. You can go to this link on the licensure board website:
Q. What is NASW?
A. NASW is the acronym for National Association of Social Workers. NASW is the largest association for professional social workers. NASW was founded in 1955, by merging many social work groups. NASW is comprised of over 150,000 members worldwide in 56 chapters, which function as administrative units. The Pennsylvania Chapter is the eighth largest Chapter, containing over 6,500 members.
Q. How can I join NASW?
A. Visit or or call the Pennsylvania Chapter NASW at 1-800-272-6279 (in PA only) or 717-232-4125. Regular membership is open to all students and graduates of CSWE accredited Schools of Social Work. Individuals holding non-social work degrees or social work degrees from non-CSWE approved programs are eligible for NASW associate membership.
This material is the sole property of NASW Pennsylvania Chapter. Copyright 2005 NASW PA. All information is accurate and complete as provided to NASW PA. NASW PA is not responsible for inaccurate information. For verification, contact the PA State Board of Social Work Examiners at 717-783-1389
Updated March 1, 2008