Washington · LICSW Renewal
Washington LICSW CEU Requirements (2026–2027)
Washington's Department of Health requires LICSWs and LASWs to complete 32 CE hours every two years, with specific sub-requirements across ethics, suicide assessment, professional roles, and health equity. Here's the full picture.
Last verified: April 2026 · Source: WAC 246-809-630, WAC 246-12-830, RCW 43.70.442
The short version
| Requirement | Hours | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Total continuing education | 32 | Every 2 years |
| Ethics & Law (must include WA laws and rules) | 6 | Every 2 years |
| Professional Roles & Boundaries | 2 | Every 2 years |
| Suicide Assessment, Treatment & Management | 6 | Every 6 years |
| Health Equity | 2 | Every 4 years |
The tricky part: annual renewal, 2-year CE cycle
Washington renewal is annual (due on or before your birthday), but the 32-hour CE requirement is tracked on a 2-year cycle. In practice, that means you attest to CE progress every year but only need the full 32 hours by the end of each 2-year window.
Your first renewal
The 6-hour suicide assessment training must be completed within the first year of licensure, before your first renewal. It counts toward your 32-hour total. Miss this and you cannot renew, so front-load it.
Health equity: a newer requirement
Under WAC 246-12-830 (effective 2024), every WA health provider — LICSWs included — must complete 2 hours of health equity CE every 4 years. Courses must be from a board-approved list.
Suicide assessment: 6 hours every 6 years
RCW 43.70.442 sets a 6-year cadence for the suicide training. After the initial first-year completion, you'll refresh it every 6 years. Track the 6-year clock from your last qualifying course, not from your license issue date.
Distance learning
Washington places no cap on distance learning. Asynchronous (self-paced) programs must include tests of comprehension to qualify. Synchronous online programs (live webinars) have no test requirement.
Accepted CE sources
- NASW, AAMFT, and other industry-recognized organizations
- Accredited institutions of higher learning
- Board-approved individual providers
Carryover
Washington does not document a carryover allowance. Assume excess hours do not roll over.
Late renewal
$50 late fee for advanced social workers, $25 for associates. Don't let it lapse — reinstatement is more painful than renewal.
Board links
Track these requirements automatically.
Still Licensed keeps your Washington 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 Washington State Department of Health before acting on anything here.