When is NASW’s next National Conference?
NASW does not have a National Conference scheduled at this time. We encourage
you to attend National sponsored events at www.socialworkers.org/ce/default.asp and attend
events sponsored by your state chapters at www.socialworkers.org/ce/cechapter.asp.
What is continuing education?
Continuing education is training taken by social workers that have already
completed the formal education required to enter their field. Many professional
associations, including NASW, encourage their members to keep up with the
current knowledge base by participating in specified additional training within
certain time limits. NASW recommends that members follow the continuing
education recommendations in the NASW
Standards for Continuing Professional Education. State-licensing boards for
social workers may also require social workers to obtain a specific number of
hours by successfully completing qualified academic or professional courses.
How many continuing education hours do I need to retain my
credential/license?
The number of hours that you need depends on whether you have a professional
credential or state license. If you hold a professional credential, contact the
professional association from which you obtained the credential and ask for
their continuing education requirements (see information below on the NASW
credentials and specialty certifications). If you hold a state license, contact
your state social work licensure board to get a copy of your continuing
education regulations for licensure renewal. The names, addresses and phone
numbers of all social work licensure boards can be found on the Association of
Social Work Board’s (ASWB) web site at www.aswb.org.
How do I become a licensed social worker?
In order to obtain a social work license, individuals must meet minimum
standards for education and experience and generally must pass a licensure
examination. Because these requirements vary from state to state, contact your
state licensure board via the ASWB web site to obtain information on the
eligibility and application requirements in your state.
What are professional credentials and specialty certifications?
Professional credentials and specialty certifications demonstrate an
individual’s specified level of knowledge, experience and skill. NASW offers
three credentials and three specialty certifications. To obtain information on
each, click on the hypertext link below or go to www.socialworkers.org/credentials/default.asp for
details.
Does NASW have a National Approval Program so I can get CE Approval for
social workers who attend my conference/educational program?
NASW has a CE Approval Program, which provides formal social work continuing
education contact hours for programs that meet our criteria. This approval
extends to national, regional and multi-state continuing education providers.
State or local providers will be referred to NASW state chapters except where no
state approval programs are in place. Programs approved by NASW may be used by
social workers to meet the continuing education requirements for Social Work
Licensure/Certification renewal. Go to the CE Approval Program web site: www.socialworkers.org/ce/cenatl.asp
for more information.
What is the difference between a Continuing Education Contact Hour and
Continuing Education Unit?
As defined by the International Council for Continuing Education (IACET), one
continuing education unit (CEU) equals 10 contact hours of participation in an
organized continuing education experience. Because there is some variation on
the use of the term CEU, licensed social workers are encouraged to check with
their regulatory boards to verify whether this formula is being used for
licensure renewal.
What type of educational programs do I need to get my social work
degree?
For further information about undergraduate and graduate school of social
work training and programs, contact the Council on Social Work Education at www.cswe.org.
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