New York · LCSW Renewal
New York LCSW CEU Requirements (2026–2029)
If you hold a New York LCSW, the State Education Department's Board for Social Work requires 36 hours of approved continuing education every three years — with a hard cap of 12 self-study hours per triennial cycle. Here is the verified breakdown, straight from 8 NYCRR §74.10.
Last verified: April 2026 · Source: 8 NYCRR §74.10; NY Education Law Article 154
The short version
| Requirement | Hours | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Total continuing education | 36 | Every 3 years (triennial) |
| Self-study cap | 12 | Maximum per triennial cycle |
| Child abuse identification & reporting | 2 | One-time, pre-licensure |
New York is the only state in the country that runs LCSW renewal on a three-year cycle instead of the more common biennium. That gives you more runway to plan, but it also means the 12-hour self-study cap has to stretch across all three years — not just the year before renewal.
Self-study: capped at 12 hours
Of your 36 hours, no more than 12 may come from self-study. NYSED defines self-study as independent learning without real-time interaction — recorded webinars, journals with post-tests, and asynchronous online courses all count against the 12-hour cap. Live in-person and live-virtual courses are unlimited.
No category minimums
Unlike Oregon, Washington, or California, New York doesn't carve out specific category minimums for ethics, cultural competency, or suicide assessment. The 36 hours can come from any combination of NYSED-approved continuing education in social work — your subject choices are yours to make. (Many licensees still take ethics every cycle; it's good practice even when it isn't a board-mandated minimum.)
First registration
New LCSWs are exempt from CE for the first triennial registration period. Continuing education only kicks in starting with your second registration cycle.
Child abuse identification (pre-licensure, not renewal)
New York Education Law §6507 requires a 2-hour course on the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment as a one-time pre-licensure step. It is not a recurring renewal CE category — once you've completed it, you're done. Per Chapter 25 of the Laws of 2024, applicants applying after November 17, 2026 must complete the updated curriculum.
CE Broker not required
Unlike Florida and Texas, New York does not mandate CE Broker reporting. Licensees self-attest to CE compliance at registration; documentation must be retained in case of audit but is not uploaded to a central system.
Documentation
Keep certificates of completion for at least six years after each registration period — long enough to cover audits, which NYSED conducts on a random basis. Storing these in one place (a folder on your computer, a binder, or a tool like Still Licensed) saves you from digging through old email at registration time.
Other New York social work licenses
- LMSW: Same 36-hour triennial CE requirement under 8 NYCRR §74.10.
- Permit holders / pre-licensure CSW: Not subject to renewal CE — see your supervised-experience requirements separately.
Board links
Track these requirements automatically.
Still Licensed keeps your New York ethics and total hours up to date as you log each CE. Multi-state support for LCSWs practicing across OR, WA, CA, and AZ, with one entry counted toward every applicable state.
This page is informational. Rules change. Verify against the NYSED Office of the Professions, State Board for Social Work before acting on anything here.