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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.

How CE for Clinical Social Workers Works (General Principles):

Credit Hours: CEs are typically measured in "credit hours" or "CEUs" (Continuing Education Units). The number of hours required varies by licensing board and renewal cycle.
Approved Providers: Licensing boards usually specify what types of activities count for CE credit and which organizations are approved to provide them. This often includes professional associations like PSCSW, universities, and specialized training institutes.
Variety of Formats: CE can be obtained through various formats, including: Workshops and seminars (in-person or online), Conferences, Online courses and webinars, Peer-group meetings or study groups (often with specific guidelines), Teaching or publishing relevant material
Specific Requirements: Many states or licensing bodies also have specific requirements for certain types of CE, such as ethics training, suicide prevention, or child abuse reporting.

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.