| Requirement | California LCSW | New York LCSW |
|---|---|---|
| Total CE | 36 hours (first and subsequent renewals) | Usually 36 hours; initial registration exempt; shorter periods prorated 1 hr/month |
| Cycle | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| State-specific topic | 6 hours California Law & Ethics (subsequent renewals) | 3 hours professional boundaries (periods starting on/after Apr 1, 2023) |
| Format constraint | Check California course rules | Self-study capped at 12 hours (1/3 for shorter periods) |
| Provider check | Board-accepted provider required | NYSED-approved provider required |
What can overlap
A general clinical CE activity may be relevant to both licenses if it separately meets both states' provider, topic and format requirements. Keep completion records available for each license and do not move hours between renewal periods without verifying that each board permits it.
What cannot be assumed
- California's Law & Ethics requirement does not replace New York professional-boundaries CE.
- New York provider approval does not by itself prove California acceptance.
- The two different renewal cycles mean your course timing still matters.
- New York's initial-registration exemption and prorated short periods have no California equivalent, and California's first-renewal Summary Chart checks and one-time telehealth/suicide-risk items have no New York equivalent.
Fastest safe workflow
Choose a general course only after checking both states, then separately fill California Law & Ethics and New York professional boundaries. Start with the California + New York course finder.