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Continuing Education

Continuing Education (CE) refers to the ongoing learning and development activities social workers undertake to maintain and enhance their professional competence and meet licensing requirements. CE is crucial for ensuring social workers stay updated on the latest knowledge, skills, and ethical practices, ultimately improving the quality of services they provide.

PSCSW is committed to helping social workers meet their professional development needs. We offer a plethora of professional development programs such as education and training courses, resources, and much more. As a PSCSW member, you can receive CEs at discounted rates to fill your licensing or credentialing requirements when you stay engaged with our organization.

CEs offered by PSCSW are valid in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and many other jurisdictions. Please check with the state boards of social work in other states to determine if PSCSW CEs are valid in your jurisdiction.

How Continuing Education Works for Social Works (All Levels of Licensure):

Credit Hours: CEs are measured in "credit hours" or "CEUs" (continuing education units). The number of hours required varies by licensing board and renewal cycle.
Approved Providers: The state board specifies what types of activities count for CE credit and which organizations are approved to provide them. This includes professional associations like PSCSW, colleges and universities, and organizations on the list of PA State Board Preapproved Providers of Continuing Education.
Variety of Formats: CE can be obtained through various formats, including: workshops, conferences, courses and seminars (in-person or online), or teaching or publishing relevant material.
Specific Requirements: Thirty (30) credit hours of continuing education in courses approved by the state board are required in each biennium (2-year period). Excess credit hours from one biennium may not be carried over to the next biennium. The biennium is a two-year period running from March 1 to February 28 of odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $95. Included in the 30 credit hours there must be the following:
- Ethics - 3 credit hours are required.
- Child abuse recognition and reporting - 2 credit hours are required. Courses must be selected from the state's Approved List of Child Abuse CE Providers.
- Suicide prevention - 1 credit hour is required. The program must have the word "suicide" (or a derivative thereof) in the title and be taken through an approved provider. For additional information, see Suicide Prevention Continuing Education (PDF).

PSCSW Member Benefit! Reminder to log in before registering to receive the member rate. We are unable to offer refunds if you process via the non-member rate and are not logged into your member profile before registering for any CE opportunity! If you need assistance logging in, please contact our Association Management team: pscsw@pscsw.org

Here's why continuing education is crucial for clinical social workers:

Maintaining Licensure and Competence: Nearly all licensing boards for clinical social workers in the United States and many other countries require a certain number of CE hours for license renewal. This ensures that practitioners remain competent and adhere to the evolving standards of their profession.
Enhancing Clinical Skills and Knowledge: The field of social work is constantly evolving with new research, therapeutic modalities, and understanding of human behavior and social issues. CE allows social workers to learn about and integrate these advancements into their practice, improving their effectiveness in helping clients.
Staying Current with Ethics and Laws: Ethical dilemmas and legal frameworks relevant to social work can change. CE helps social workers stay informed about their ethical obligations and any new laws or regulations that impact their practice, reducing the risk of professional misconduct or legal issues.
Specialization and Professional Development: Many CE opportunities allow social workers to specialize in particular areas (e.g., trauma-informed care, substance abuse treatment, grief counseling, family therapy) or deepen their expertise in existing areas. This can lead to new career opportunities and enhanced service delivery.
Networking and Peer Learning: Attending CE workshops, conferences, or online courses often provides opportunities to connect with other professionals, share experiences, and learn from colleagues, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Improved Client Outcomes: Ultimately, the goal of continuing education for clinical social workers is to improve the quality of care and support provided to clients. By staying informed and skilled, social workers are better equipped to address the complex and diverse needs of individuals, families, and communities.

FAQs about CE Certificates

Q: When will my certificate be issued?

A: You will receive your certificate within 10 days from when the evaluation closes for submission.

Q: How long do I have to complete the evaluation form?

A: Evaluations must be submitted within 90 days of the original program date to be issued a valid certificate.

Q: What name will appear on the certificate?

A: The name you completed the evaluation with.

Q: What credentials will appear on the certificate?

A: The credentials utilized within the evaluation.

Q: How will I receive the certificate?

A: Via the email you used when registering for the program.

Q: May I receive a paper copy of the certificate?

A: No, we do not offer physical certificates anymore. You are welcome to print from your home printer or another resource after it has been emailed to you.

Q: How long do I have to request a certificate?

A: You may request a re-issue of a certificate that has been previously issued for $20 each if greater than a 6-month window from the event. We maintain records for a few full cycles.