Texas · LMSW Renewal
Texas LMSW CEU Requirements (2026–2027)
If you hold an active LMSW in Texas, the State Board of Social Worker Examiners requires 30 hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal period, including 6 hours of ethics and 3 hours of cultural diversity. Up to 10 hours can carry over. Here is the verified breakdown, straight from the source.
Last verified: May 2026 · Source: 22 TAC §781.501
The short version
| Requirement | Hours | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Total continuing education | 30 | Every 2 years |
| Professional Ethics | 6 | Every 2 years |
| Cultural Diversity / Distinct Populations | 3 | Every 2 years |
TSBSWE applies the same 30-hour biennial CE rule across LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW. The renewal page names all three together: “All licensed social workers (e.g., LBSW, LMSW, LCSW) are required to obtain a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education during each renewal period... 6 hours in ethics and 3 hours designed to ensure competency when providing services to a distinct population.”
Professional Ethics: 6 hours
22 TAC §781.501(a)(1) requires 6 hours of ethics every 2-year renewal period. The Texas Code of Ethics (NASW or the BHEC code), Texas social work statutes, and clinical boundary content all qualify. The 6 hours count toward the 30-hour total.
Cultural Diversity / Distinct Populations: 3 hours
Same rule requires 3 hours focused on competency when providing services to a distinct population. Content addressing culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age-specific populations qualifies.
CE Broker reporting (effective 2026-01-01)
Texas mandates that CE be reported through CE Broker. Still Licensed is the planning layer beneath CE Broker, log here, then file at renewal so your CE Broker submission reflects what you actually completed.
Approved providers: at least half of the 30 hours
Effective January 1, 2024, at least half of the 30 hours must come from a provider listed in 22 TAC §781.501. Track provider source alongside hours so you can prove the split if audited.
Carryover: 10 hours
22 TAC §781.501(a)(2) allows up to 10 hours to roll forward into the next 2-year renewal period. Hours used to satisfy a category minimum (ethics, cultural diversity) cannot also be carried over.
Supervisor CE (status-based, not credential-based)
Any LMSW (or LCSW) holding Council-approved supervisor status must complete an additional 6 hours of supervision CE per renewal period. This is not a baseline LMSW requirement, it only applies if you are an active supervisor.
LMSW vs. LCSW: identical baseline
22 TAC §781.501 does not differentiate by credential level. LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW all sit at 30 hours / 6 ethics / 3 cultural diversity. LMSW-AP supervision and LCSW supervision pathways add the supervisor CE described above when applicable.
Renewal timing
Texas renewal is biennial. License expiration date is on your BHEC license, and renewal opens online via the BHEC renewal portal.
Documentation
Keep completion certificates for at least the current and previous renewal period. TSBSWE conducts random audits, and the burden of proof is on the licensee.
Board links
Track these requirements automatically.
Still Licensed keeps your Texas ethics and total hours up to date as you log each CE. Multi-state support means one entry can count toward every state you're licensed in.
This page is informational. Rules change. Verify against the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) / State Board of Social Worker Examiners before acting on anything here.