Usually 36 hours every three years
New York requires acceptable formal CE during each three-year registration period for LCSWs who are required to complete CE. The initial registration period is exempt, and registration periods shorter than 36 months are prorated at one hour of CE per month.
What to plan for
- 36 total CE hours (usually): Required during each three-year registration period; the initial registration period is exempt, and periods shorter than 36 months are prorated at one hour per month.
- 3 hours professional boundaries: Required within the total for registration periods beginning on or after April 1, 2023.
- Self-study limit: No more than 12 hours of self-study in a 36-month period; shorter periods are capped at one-third of the period requirement.
- No carryover: Hours beyond the requirement cannot be carried over to the next registration period.
- NYSED-approved provider: Courses must come from a New York State Education Department-approved provider and count toward an acceptable topic.
Provider approval matters
New York CE must come from a New York State Education Department-approved provider. A course that works in another state is not automatically eligible in New York.
Read the New York LCSW CE FAQ ↗
Open New York's approved-provider list ↗
Holding California too?
California requires its own Law & Ethics hours on a two-year cycle, with additional checks for first renewals and one-time telehealth/suicide-risk items. See the two-state comparison.