NYSED-Approved Continuing Education for Social Workers

Registering takes just a few minutes:

1. Find your course: Select a program from our CE schedule.
2. Log in or sign up: Members use their NASW credentials; non-members can create a free account.
3. Checkout: Complete registration (member-exclusive and VMHTI courses are free).
4. Confirmation: Check your inbox for calendar invites and access links.
5. Attend & Earn: Complete the session to receive your verified CE certificate via email.

Yes. The National Association of Social Workers – New York Chapter (NASW-NY) is recognized by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for LMSWs, LCSWs, LMFTs, LMHCs, and Licensed Psychologists.

NASW-NY offers flexible learning formats to fit your schedule:

• Live Virtual Webinars: Interactive sessions that count the same as live, in-person training under NYSED requirements. Earn CEs and complete requirements from anywhere.
• Self-Study (On-Demand) Courses: Complete state-approved continuing education at your own pace, anytime.

Explore On-Demand Self-Study CE Courses →

Licensed Social Workers in New York State are required by NYSED to complete 36 hours of continuing education during each 3-year registration triennium. Effective April 2023, at least 3 contact hours must specifically address maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

NASW-NY regularly schedules 3-contact-hour boundary workshops led by industry leaders like Dr. Kathryn Krase. Upcoming programs include:

1. Complicated Relationships: Case Studies in Boundaries – July 10, 2026 (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET)
2. What Happens in Therapy, Stays in Therapy. Unless... Exploring the Ethics of Confidentiality – November 17, 2026 (1:00–4:00 p.m. ET)
3. The Challenging Ethics of Mental Health Supervision – December 8, 2026 (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET)

NASW-NY members receive 12 free CEs per year through Member-Exclusive Free CE programs, offered on a rotating schedule tied to awareness observances. Registration opens approximately two months before each program.

• March — Mental & Behavioral Health Professionals as Change Agents: Policy Advocacy Tools for Practice (Social Work Month) — Wed, March 18, 10:00AM–1:00PM — 3 CEs
• April — Autism and Trauma: Understanding the Trends and Realities to Provide a Clinically Responsive Treatment Approach (Autism Awareness Month) — Wed, April 1, 10:00AM–1:00PM — 3 CEs
• June — Legal Determinants of Health, Cultural Literacy and People Identifying as LGBTQ+ (Pride Month) — Fri, June 5, 11:30AM–1:00PM — 1.5 CEs
• September — Suicidal Ideation and Self-Injurious Behaviors: Assessment and Treatment (World Suicide Prevention Day) — Wed, September 9, 5:00PM–8:00PM — 3 CEs (Free for Members)

The Veteran Mental Health Training Initiative (VMHTI) offers close to 20 free CEs in 2026, open to both members and non-members.

• March — Equine Therapy and Veteran Support: Downstate Focus (Mon, March 30) and Upstate Focus (Tue, March 31), 1:00PM–3:00PM each — live virtual — 2 CEs each
• April — NY State Dwyer Coalition's Veteran Suicide Intervention Conference — Mon, April 20, 8:00AM–5:00PM — in person, Fordham University, Lincoln Center, McNally Amphitheater — 4 CEs
• August — Annual VMHTI Conference — Fri, August 14 & Sat, August 15 — live virtual — up to 10 CEs
• Winter — one live virtual session between September and December 2026 (details TBD)

Yes, if you're a mandated reporter in New York State, recent law changes require you to complete updated training — even if you've taken Mandated Reporter Training before.

• Chapter 25 of the Laws of 2024 added training on identifying abuse or maltreatment in children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Anyone who completed training between 11/1/2022 and 8/31/2025 must complete the updated curriculum by November 17, 2026 — a short 15-minute addendum is available through most approved providers for those who only need to cover this update.
• Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2021 added training on implicit bias, adverse childhood experiences, and recognizing signs of abuse in virtual interactions, with a completion deadline of April 1, 2025.

NASW-NY offers self-study options to meet these requirements, open to everyone:

• Making the Decision to Report Suspected Child Maltreatment: Updated NYS Mandated Reporter Training — full training for those who need the complete course.
• Meeting the Updated NYS Mandated Reporter Training Requirement (An Addendum to Previous Training) — the short addendum for those who already completed training between 11/1/2022–8/31/2025.

NASW-NY members receive up to 12 free CE credits per year (36 total credits across a 3-year renewal cycle). In addition, members gain free or discounted access to specialty initiatives like the Veteran Mental Health Training Initiative (VMHTI), which offers ~20 additional free CE hours annually.

Most state licensing boards recognize NYSED-approved continuing education courses, particularly for ethics and professional boundary requirements. However, practitioners licensed outside NY should verify specific reciprocity guidelines with their local state board.