How many CE hours does a Pennsylvania Licensed Clinical Social Worker need?

30 CE contact hours every 2 years, per the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, MFTs & Professional Counselors. 30 CE hours every 2 years, including Act 31 child-abuse and suicide-prevention training. Always confirm with the board.

StayLicense Pricing

CE requirements › Pennsylvania LCSW

Pennsylvania Licensed Clinical Social Worker: CE & renewal requirements

30 CE contact hours every 2 years

Biennial — licenses expire February 28 of odd-numbered years.

Source: Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, MFTs & Professional Counselors · confirmed 2026-06. Requirements change — always verify with the board.

Required topics

3 hrs Professional Ethics
2 hrs Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting (Act 31)
1 hr Suicide Prevention

First renewal & exemptions

First-renewal licensees are exempt from the 30 hours EXCEPT the 2-hr Act 31 child-abuse training, which is always required.

If your license lapses

Practicing on an expired license is prohibited; keep certificates 4 years for audit.

How CE is tracked

Self-certify in PALS; the Act 31 child-abuse training is reported electronically by the provider (don't self-upload). No live-CE requirement.

Watch out: The Act 31 child-abuse hours are verified by the provider (not uploaded by you) and are required even for otherwise-exempt first-renewal licensees.

Are you on track? Check free

Enter your license expiration and CE hours completed — see what you still owe, the pace to finish, and your reminder schedule. No signup.

Informational only, based on the numbers you enter — not legal or licensing advice, and not an official record. Confirm your exact requirement and current status with the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, MFTs & Professional Counselors.