| Requirement | California LCSW | New York LCSW |
|---|---|---|
| Total CE | 36 hours | 36 hours |
| Cycle | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| State-specific topic | 6 hours California Law & Ethics | 3 hours professional boundaries |
| Format constraint | Check California course rules | Self-study capped at 12 hours |
| 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.
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.