continuing education for social workers in massachusetts

• Parents & Guardians
• Faculty & Staff

BC.EDU LINKS

• Boston College
• Campus Life
• Jesuit, Catholic
• Academic Calendar
• BC Magazine
• Directories
• Offices, Services, Resources
• Agora Portal
• Maps & Directions

Social Work Workshops

Boston College Continuing Education, in collaboration with the School of Social Work, offers a series of workshops three times a year - in Spring, Summer, and Fall - for new and experienced social workers looking to earn CEUs to maintain their license.

Social Work Fall Workshops

• Online participants are required to have a computer with video and audio capability.
• Participants must create a Zoom account in advance according to Boston College security requirements.
• All programs offered online via Zoom will be delivered live and will not be recorded unless stated otherwise.
• These programs have a maximum capacity to allow for participant engagement. Register early to avoid disappointment!

Registration

Week 1: October 21-25, 2024 - Online via Zoom

Registration deadline: wednesday, october 16, 2024 at midnight et., please refer to workshop descriptions for dates and times., monday, october 21, 2024.

Workshop A: White Gatekeepers: Sustaining Systemic Racism and Oppression in 21st Century America 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUS - Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Racism) Instructor: Dwayne Buckingham, PhD, LCSW-C, BCD

Racism and oppression still exist in 21st-century America. These social ills are allowed to flourish at the expense of disadvantaged populations whose only desire is to be given an equal opportunity to thrive. How do these unjust systems continue to prevail despite all the good work that has been done to dismantle them? The answer is simple: White gatekeepers.

In this soul-searching, empathic, and research-based workshop, participants will learn about: the infrastructure America and racism are sustained on, access to mental health and medical healthcare, control of wealth and prosperity-building resources, workplace hiring practices, acceptable appearance and behavior in America, and politics and law enforcement. Participants will learn about system theory and strategies that can be used to dismantle racist and oppressive systems.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to define the historical and current context of structural racism and oppression in America.
• Participants will describe how white gatekeepers sustain racism and oppression.
• Participants will identify at least five strategies that can be used to become an action-taking anti-racist professional.

GENERAL REGISTRATION: 3-hour program: $75

Workshop B: Mindfulness for Our Clients and  Ourselves 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (2 hours; 2 CEUs) Instructor: Sage Watkins, NCC

This workshop will present an overview of mindfulness and how it can be used with clients in a counseling setting, as well as personally by the clinician for stress management to avoid burnout and compassion fatigue. We'll touch on the brain science of why and how it works, common misconceptions, and tips for getting buy-in when sharing these techniques with clients. Even if you've had negative experiences with mindfulness or it "just didn't work" for you, you may find this session will change your approach and perception of the practice!

• Participants will be able to explain why and how mindfulness can help an individual cope with a variety of challenges and positively affect the brain.
• Participants will be able to utilize mindfulness techniques with a lens of cultural humility.
• Participants will be able to utilize mindfulness as a self-care technique to reduce stress and avoid professional burnout.

GENERAL REGISTRATION: 2-hour program: $50

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Workshop C: Integrating Neurobiological Approaches to Trauma Treatment 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (2 hours; 2 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination) Instructor: April Berry-Fletcher, LICSW, EdD

Social workers often find that 'talk therapy' with trauma survivors is not enough to provide much-needed safety and stability. Participants will learn to identify the neurobiological impacts of interpersonal trauma and translate these findings into a neurobiologically-informed treatment plan. Non-medication techniques and therapeutic modalities to promote self-regulation, including safe mind-body strategies, are provided from a neurobiological lens and will also be discussed.

• Participants will acquire knowledge of the neurobiological factors that differentiate interpersonal trauma from other traumatic experiences.
• Participants will assess the neurobiological impacts of trauma to inform treatment plans and modalities.
• Participants will learn and practice two neurobiologically-informed therapeutic modalities to support clients in achieving psycho-physiological regulation.

Workshop D: Supporting Clients to Divorce with Dignity (2 hours; 2 CEUs) 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Instructor: Ben Stich, LICSW, MEd

Divorce is one of the most stressful experiences someone will go through next to the loss of a loved one. The emotional impact and legal processes are complex and overwhelming. During this time of heightened stress, divorcing couples need to make life-changing decisions for themselves and their children. To help social workers support their clients, this workshop will provide an overview of the divorce process in Massachusetts. Participants will learn strategies to help their clients manage their divorce in a dignified manner, develop effective parenting plans to improve co-parenting dynamics, and offer guidance on how to talk with and support children through the divorce.

• Participants will understand the difference between a 1A and 1B divorce.
• Participants will learn at least three strategies to help clients develop parenting plans that will serve the children's best interests.
• Participants will learn how to guide clients through talking to their children about divorce.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Workshop E: Neuroscience of Imagination: Enhancing the Transformative Power of Social Work 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Racism) Instructor: Ricardo Diego Suarez Rojas, MA, MSW

Are we always conscious when imagining new possibilities? And is imagination a faculty that leads to positive outcomes? This workshop will answer these questions and their relevance to social work by exploring the neuroscience of imagination. Recent breakthroughs have redefined imagination as an umbrella concept: voluntary (e.g., conscious future visualization), involuntary (e.g., nightmares), and hybrid capacities (e.g., problem-solving insights) for creating new possibilities. Participants will acquire tools for enhancing the brain potential of individuals and groups. Given how an imagination-informed practice can improve treatment modalities and policy, mezzo practice will be emphasized. Moreover, participants will discover the links between imagination, racism, and different prejudices. This exploration will equip social workers with a brain framework to understand and challenge discrimination.  

• Participants will understand the main mechanisms of imagination and its role in perception and the creation of ideas.
• Participants will develop an imagination-informed practice in clinical and macro settings to empower individuals and groups.
• Participants will challenge racism and different types of prejudices with a basic understanding of the science of imagination.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Workshop F: Step by Step: Building a Strong Therapeutic Alliance Through Co-regulation 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination) Instructor: Victoria Grinman, PhD, LICSW-R

Even highly skilled and informed professionals can feel burnout when there is an impasse in the therapeutic process with clients. This workshop introduces clinical staff to the best use of self to support clients in their goals and healing. It hones in on the process of co-regulation and the use of self in therapy to maximize the connection and healing. By understanding how you and your clients impact one another, you can connect more deeply, work through challenges, and be more proactive against burnout. You will obtain skills in mindset, and techniques for co-regulation, connection, and self-care.

• Participants will define co-regulation between therapist and client and provide examples.
• Participants will understand the role of attachment styles in co-regulation.
• Participants will integrate specific co-regulation techniques to promote more effective interactions and therapeutic outcomes.

Friday, October 25, 2024

Workshop G: Revisioning Traditional Ethics: A Postmodern Anti-Oppressive Approach 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Racism) Instructor: Cathleen Morey, PhD, LICSW

This workshop will offer an overview of foundational theories of ethics, followed by a critical analysis of conventional ethical frameworks. Participants will explore an outline of a postmodern, anti-oppressive approach to ethics that is inclusive, addresses power structures and inequities, and is responsive to diverse cultural contexts. Experiential learning methods will engage participants throughout the workshop, with interactive discussions fostering meaningful conversations around the application of ethical theories to practice. Break-out groups and role-playing exercises will foster small group interactions, deepening participants' critical thinking, understanding, and application of anti-oppressive ethics to real-world practice examples. This hands-on approach will ensure participants gain practical, actionable skills to integrate into their practice.

• Participants will explain how foundational theories of ethics are influenced by and perpetuate White supremacy.
• Participants will identify three domains within the framework of intersectional ethics to consider in ethical decision-making.
• Participants will describe two core principles of anti-oppressive ethical practice.

Week 2: November 18-22, 2024 - Online via Zoom

Registration deadline: wednesday, november 13, 2024 at midnight et., monday, november 18, 2024.

Workshop H: Be a Better Ally 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Racism) Instructor: Alicia-Rahema Mooltrey, LICSW, MEd

Studies show that people working in human services report Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) at almost double the rate of the general population. Those lived experiences may impact the abilities and well-being of our staff. As supervisors, we must attend to these experiences in a trauma-responsive way.

This workshop will present an overview of trauma-informed care as a concept on individual and systemic levels. We will use a trauma-responsive lens to explore the dynamics of the supervisory relationship. We will discuss performance concerns that arise and how to best support staff as they learn about themselves and the work. We will also explore self-care strategies to allow us to sustain ourselves and our team in this important work.

• Participants will learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as well as the community and societal structures, such as racism, discrimination, and harassment, that cause harm to individuals in the form of trauma.
• Participants will apply SAMSHA’s principles of trauma-informed and trauma-responsive techniques to supervision to improve the professional development of their staff.
• Participants will learn to recognize how trauma shows itself in the performance of staff and learn techniques to restructure workplaces to improve staff development and experiences.

Workshop I: Ecotherapy 101: Inviting Nature and Outdoor Movement Into Your Therapeutic Work 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (2 hours; 2 CEUs) Instructor: Aliese Lash, MSW, LICSW

Looking for non-traditional ways to support your clients' healing? Curious about how to invite the healing benefits of nature into your therapy practice? This workshop introduces the fundamentals of Ecotherapy practice and shares practical ways to access the powerful holistic benefits of nature-based therapy for both clients and clinicians.

• Participants will learn nature-based skills and activities to incorporate into their therapy practice.
• Participants will gain tips and resources for facilitating therapy outdoors.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Workshop J: Working Across Generational Differences 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Racism) Instructor: Rebecca Jackson, MSW

We currently have at least three generations of workers in our organizations. This means that most of us need to figure out how to work effectively with people who are significantly older or younger than us. Unfortunately, this scenario can often lead to conflict as opposed to collaboration. However, there is a tremendous opportunity for our workplaces to benefit from this age diversity!

We’ll explore the differences across generations and how they impact our work style and work relationships. Participants will have the opportunity to practice managing some of the typical challenges that show up in cross-generational relationships, especially those related to power differentials. Participants will gain tools to help improve the quality of these relationships through personal reflection, vignettes, small group discussion, and more.

• Participants will explore the impact of generational differences in a work environment.
• Participants will more deeply understand their own intersectional identity as it relates to age.
• Participants will gain tools to help improve their relationships across generational differences.

Workshop K: Practical Stress Management​ Strategies to Improve Personal and Professional Mental Health 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (2 hours; 2 CEUs) Instructor: Elise Tofias Phillips, MEd

Social Workers have a stressful role in supporting clients. Learn how to improve your mental health, mitigate stress, and integrate practical techniques from the latest research and thought leaders into daily life. This will support personal growth, self-control, and decision-making. Stress management techniques and practical tips include: understanding the stress response cycle, self-awareness, and defining the urgency of stressful events coming your way.  The group will have time for discussion, reflection, and the opportunity to practice these skills, gain experience, and develop a personal plan.

• Participants will understand the stress response cycle.
• Participants will define the urgency of a stressful event.
• Participants will learn practical stress management techniques and practical tips for daily integration.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Workshop L: Tragedy to Resilience: Addressing Gun Violence from a Social Work Perspective 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs) Instructor: Dwayne Buckingham, PhD, LCSW-C, BCD

This comprehensive and dynamic workshop is designed for crisis response workers, social workers, and community leaders who are interested in learning how to develop effective responses to gun violence and mass shootings. Participants will join the presenter in taking a deep dive into the complex nature of mass violence, its impact on communities, and the critical role of delivering trauma-informed care, coordinating responses, and building resilience. Participants will leave the training with a deeper understanding of the impact of gun violence and mass shootings on individuals, families, communities, and the role of the social workers’ response.

• Define and clarify what constitutes mass shootings.
• Examine historical and current data and trends to understand the scope of the issue.
• Identify at least three strategies for building individual, family, and community resilience.

Workshop M: Somatic Approaches for Substance Use Disorders 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (2 hours; 2 CEUs) Instructor: Julia Schechter, MSW, LICSW

Somatic approaches for substance use disorders will focus on training participants to utilize trauma-informed practices, harm reduction methods, and body-oriented work to treat adults with co-occurring trauma/PTSD and substance use disorders. Experiential components will include a guided trauma-sensitive yoga practice, breakout sessions to practice using somatic and mindfulness interventions, and vignettes for treatment planning. Time will be allotted at the end for a Q&A discussion.

• Participants will learn strategies for incorporating mindfulness and somatic interventions into trauma/substance use disorder treatment.
• Participants will focus on the elements of choice, harm reduction, and empowerment.
• Participants will learn to incorporate these strategies into treatment planning.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Workshop N: Parent Guidance for Addressing Emotional and Behavioral Problems 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 hours; 3 CEUs) Instructor: Alexis Davis, LICSW

Working with families is so much more complex than working with individuals. This workshop will involve an in-depth discussion about how to assess family needs and dynamics to determine the best treatment plan. Participants will be introduced to multiple approaches to parent guidance work (such as Positive Discipline and Collaborative Problem Solving) and learn concrete tools to aid families in improving relationships and managing behavior.

• Participants will learn what additional considerations must be made when doing assessment and treatment planning for parent guidance cases (as opposed to individual and family cases).
• Participants will receive an introduction to various approaches to parent guidance work.
• Participants will receive concrete tools to share with families to manage behavior and family interactions.

Friday, November 22, 2024

Workshop O: The Misconception of the Angry Black Woman 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (2 hours; 2 CEUs - Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Racism) Instructors: Qur-an Webb LMSW, Shauna Figueroa, LCSW

The Misconception of the Angry Black Woman training is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the stereotypes and realities surrounding the Angry Black Woman narrative. This training series seeks to unpack the historical roots, societal impact, and contemporary implications of this harmful stereotype while fostering understanding, empathy, and allyship among participants.

This workshop will explore this stereotype through media, literature, popular culture, and its impact on the lived experiences of Black women. It will also teach how to develop strategies for challenging stereotypes, disrupting bias, and promoting positive representations of Black women in personal and professional spheres. 

• Participants will explore the origins and perpetuation of the Angry Black Woman stereotype.
• Participants will become allies and advocates for racial and gender equity.
• Participants will also learn how to foster inclusive environments where all voices are valued and respected.

Social Work Workshop Instructors

Workshop pricing, general admission.

2-hour program: $50 3-hour program: $75 6-hour program: $150

Discounted Admission

2-hour program: $25 3-hour program: $40 6-hour program: $75

Current BCSSW students and recent BCSSW graduates (2020-2024)

Free Admission

BCSSW faculty and staff who need to maintain a license.

Current BCSSW field supervisors, up to 12 CEUs​ in the Summer workshops only.

General Information:

You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Social Work Workshops. All sales are final; we are not able to offer refunds. Registrations may not be transferred to another person or to another course, workshop, or program.  

Online registration is required to participate in a workshop. General or Discounted Admission tuition for each workshop is to be paid by debit or credit card. Registrations will be processed upon receipt of payment. Payment is due in full in order to enroll.

These workshops are approved for CEUs for Social Workers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont. They meet the requirements for Continuing Education Hours established by the State Board of Social Worker Licensure in Maine. If your state is not listed, please check with your local state licensing board to ensure the workshop meets state requirements prior to registering.

The MA Board of Registration of Social Workers has adopted a policy that requires licensees to complete continuing education (“CE”) in anti-racism and anti-discrimination to meet CE obligations.         Licensees must complete the following CE each licensing cycle:         1. Two (2) CE hours in anti-racism with a focus on oppression, and         2. One (1) CE hour in anti-discrimination, addressing oppression because of ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or         expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and/or mental or physical ability.

Boston College Continuing Education is required to ensure attendance to award CEUs. Participants must attend the complete program(s) they register for to receive CEUs; we are not able to award partial CEUs. Those who arrive late, leave early, or do not attend the entire program will be unable to receive CEUs.

Getting to Campus

Parking is available at the nearby Beacon Street and Commonwealth Avenue Garages. Discounted parking passes are available upon registration.

Boston College is also accessible via public transportation (MBTA B Line - Boston College).

Visitor Parking     Maps & Directions

For Learners

Continuing education (ce) credit accreditation.

We are an approved provider for continuing education by the following accrediting bodies. Licensed individuals will need to contact their individual state jurisdiction to review current continuing education requirements for licensure renewal. It is up to the licensee to be sure that the content of the online courses they take will meet the requirements of their board and that online courses are accepted.

Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) Program

Provider #1121 Valid thru: November 08, 2024

Please visit the  ACE jurisdictional webpage  to view a listing of jurisdictions currently accepting ASWB-ACE approval.

Upon successful completion of an online course, learners will have the option to  request a pdf version  of the CE credit hour certificate containing the following statement:

Boston University School of Social Work, 1121, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Boston University School of Social Work maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/8/2021 – 11/8/2024.

Continuing Medical Education Credit (CME) 

These courses are accredited by Boston University School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education/Continuing Nursing Education to provide CNE and CME credit hours:

Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Mental Health and Aging Mental Wellness and Resilience among Older Immigrants and Refugees Substance Use among Older Adults Suicide Prevention among Older Adults

Massachusetts Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMHC) Credit 

Clinicians can apply retroactively for course approval. LMHCs should download the  MaMHCA LMHC Consumer CE Guidelines  and review the Guidelines for information about approved CEs. Licensees may obtain up to 50% of their required CE credit hours online or via home study.

Massachusetts Nursing Continuing Education Credit 

Our courses are consistent with the 244 CMR 5.00 requirements for continuing education for both registered and licensed practical nurses.  It is the responsibility of each nurse to maintain an authenticated record of continuing education offerings completed and to submit evidence of the required number of contact hours for that specific registration period upon request of the board.

Massachusetts Physician Assistants Credits 

Our courses are consistent with the 263 CMR 3.05 (3) requirements for Category II continuing education hours for physician’s assistants. Each hour of CADER online training is equivalent to one hour of continuing education.  It is the responsibility of each physician’s assistant to maintain a record of continuing education offerings completed and to submit evidence of the required number of contact hours for that specific registration period upon request of the board.

New York Office of the State Board for Social Work 

Provider #0366   Valid through July 31, 2025

CADER courses are approved by the New York State Board for Social Workers. Licensed individuals should contact the Board to verify the exact number of hours of self-study that are acceptable in meeting CE credit hour requirements. 

Compliance with continuing education requirements is the responsibility of the individual social worker. It is crucial that licensed social workers understand the CE requirements in their jurisdictions and keep up to date on any rule changes.

Nursing Continuing Professional Development (CNE) 

These courses are accredited by Boston University School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education/Continuing Nursing Education to provide CNE and CME credit hours: 

• Free State Social Work, LLC The Smart Resource for Online Continuing Education
• We ♥ Social Work
• How It Works
• Approval Information
• Browse Courses
• Your Account

Massachusetts Social Work Continuing Education

Welcome massachusetts social workers.

Free State Social Work is approved as a continuing education provider by the  Association of Social Work Boards Approved Continuing Education Program  (provider #1235) and the  National Board for Certified Counselors  (provider #6605).  We are also approved by the  Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board  (provider 10-001) and the  Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling  (CE Provider # 50-13565).

Does the Massachusetts Board accept courses from ASWB-approved continuing education providers?

How many hours can i earn with on-line ce courses.

All of your hours may be obtained with on-line courses.

Continuing education should contribute to the growth of professional competence in social work practice.

Training for Licensed Professionals to Meet Chapter 260 Requirements: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/domestic-and-sexual-violence-integration-initiatives .

Anti-racism and anti-discrimination continuing education:

Licensees must complete the following CE each licensing cycle:

• two (2) CE hours in anti-racism with a focus on oppression, and
• one (1) CE hour in anti-discrimination, addressing oppression because of ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and/or mental or physical ability.

How Can I Get Started?

All of our courses are $5.99 per credit hour.  We also offer an unlimited package. One year of unlimited courses is $74.99 and two years of unlimited courses are $124.99 .   Click here for more information about how to get started  or you can  browse our complete course catalog .

Where Can I Review Massachusetts Social Work Continuing Education Requirements?

You can review Massachusetts social work continuing education requirements at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/important-renewal-information-social-workers#continuing-education .

You can also contact the board at: Division of Professional Licensure Board of Registration of Social Workers 1000 Washington Street Suite 710 Boston, MA 02118-6100 617-727-6100

Please remember that we have done our best to research your state’s licensing guidelines. Licensing regulations can change frequently including guidelines about how many hours you can earn on-line. Most jurisdictions require a certain number of hours in ethics and other areas of practice. The final authority for approving any continuing education activity rests with your state board. Even those states that endorse the ACE program may have exceptions in terms of the courses that they will accept. It is ultimately your responsibility to understand the licensing regulations in your state.

Does Free State Social Work offer Massachusetts Social Work CEUs? Trainings? Contact Hours? Credit Hours?

Different jurisdictions have different definitions.  For some jurisdictions, the term CEU consists of ten credit hours.  At Free State Social Work, we offer continuing education credit hours and we estimate that each credit hour will require one hour of reading.

At Free State Social Work, we offer great online continuing education for social workers, counselors, and therapists.

All of our courses are $5.99 per credit hour. Please browse our complete course catalog or use the category links below.

We also offer an unlimited package! One year of unlimited courses is $74.99 and two years are $124.99. Our unlimited packages do not require you to agree to an ongoing subscription or automatic renewals. Click here for more details about our unlimited packages .

If you would like to sample one of our courses, you can try a free course here .

Browse Courses By Category

• Anti-Racism, Anti-Discrimination
• Cultural Competence
• Domestic Violence
• End of Life
• Ethics for Counselors
• Homelessness
• Human Trafficking
• Implicit Bias
• Suicide Prevention
•       New Jersey Approved

• $ 0.00 0 items

Continuing Education for Social Workers in Massachusetts

Attention : Several states and disciplines have relaxed requirements regarding live / in person Continuing Education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check with your board to see the most current requirements.

Massachusetts social workers are required to take continuing education (CE) as follows:

• LICSW – 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years
• LCSW - 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years
• LSW – 15 hours of continuing education every 2 years
• LSWA – 10 hours of continuing education every 2 years

The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers accepts distance learning and home study.

Beginning on September 28, 2023, every licensed social worker is required to complete 2 CE hours in anti-racism, and 1 CE hour in anti-discrimination. These CEs do not increase the total number of CEs required by the Board each licensing cycle and should be included within that number.  See FAQs here about this requirement.

All licensees must receive a minimum of 75% of their continuing education credit in courses approved for social work continuing education by a recognized entity set forth in 258 CMR, 31.04 (2). The Massachusetts Licensing Board recognizes the following entities:

• National NASW or its State Chapters
• Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
• Social Work Schools (accredited by CSWE)
• National Association of Black Social Workers
• The Department of Children and Families
• The Department of Public Health
• The Department of Mental Health
• Other US or Canadian Social Work Licensing Boards

While licensees may receive all of their continuing education from the above noted recognized entities, up to 25% of continuing education credit may be obtained through courses that have been approved for other professions by the following organizations AND contribute to the professional competence of the social work licensee. In order to be accepted for continuing education credit, the program must be an organized learning experience, be at least fifty (50) minutes in length, and contribute to the growth of professional competence in social work practice. Go to  http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/sw/regulations/rules-and-regs/258-cmr-3100.html  for "Program Content Requirements", 258 CMR 31.04 (1). The Licensing Board has approved the following organizations:

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• Board of Nursing Home Administrator’s (NHA)
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)

Continuing education credit will not be given for programs that do not apply directly to and "contribute to the growth of professional competence in social work practice." Programs focused on marketing skills, management or other business skills, or computer proficiency skills will not be considered acceptable, as those types of courses are intended to enhance business skills, and not social work skills.

CE Approvals:

The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers accepts programs offered by ASWB approved sponsors

At Health, LLC, Provider #1707, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. At Health, LLC, maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 5/3/2023-5/3/2026.

Renewal date: Sept 30 even-numbered years

Massachusetts social workers can earn 100% of their CE credits online through athealth.com.

View the course catalog

State laws can change. Practitioners are responsible for determining their state’s licensure requirements. To view the Massachusetts continuing education regulations, click the button below.

CE Regulations for Massachusetts Social Workers

Page last modified or reviewed by athealth.com on Jul 31, 2023 .

Featured Courses

Ethics and risk management in counseling, ethics and risk management: confidentiality in the digital world, ethics in counseling: staying on track, evidence-based interventions for disorders in children and adolescents, strength-based clinical supervision, suicide assessment, treatment, and management, therapist's guide to brief cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt), trauma informed care, addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in substance abuse treatment, cultural competence: the immigrant experience, cultural identity and the testing process, culturally and linguistically responsive assessment.

$5 CE Credit For You

​need ceus  get $5 on us..

We've got a $5 credit waiting for you.  Earn your CEUs online, skip the travel.

No thanks .

$5 ce credit for you, get your $5 credit for ce.

Enter your best email below and we'll send you a $5 coupon good for this month on any of our highly-rated online CE courses.

We respect your email privacy and will never sell, rent, or abuse your email in any way.

Social Workers CE Requirements, Accreditations & Approvals

External link, this link leads outside of the netce site to:.

While we have selected sites that we believe offer good, reliable information, we are not responsible for the content provided. Furthermore, these links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by NetCE, and none should be inferred.

Back to Accreditations & Approvals

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, NetCE is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit.

• About NetCE
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Copyright © 2024 NetCE · Contact Us

Continuing competence

Nearly every jurisdiction that issues social work licenses requires that social workers document their efforts to maintain competence as a social worker. Most often, maintaining competence takes the form of continuing education.

The bottom line

Continuing competence is the responsibility of the individual social worker—not the CE provider, the licensing board, or the professional association. It is up to you to understand your jurisdiction’s requirements for continuing education—how your jurisdiction tabulates CE time (“clock hours” versus “contact hours,” for example), which types of courses will not be accepted, etc.

The final say

Your jurisdiction’s social work board always has the final say about whether the continuing education courses you took will be approved. Familiarize yourself with your licensing board’s continuing education rules. If you’re considering a particular CE program and have a question about whether your board will accept it, contact your board for clarification before you take the course.

Getting continuing education credits

Maintaining your social work license requires more than just filing paperwork every two years. Regulatory boards recognize the importance of lifelong learning to the social work profession.

For CE providers

Organizations that offer continuing education for social workers can apply to participate in ASWB’s Approved Continuing Education program.