Wisconsin social work CE requirements

For social workers, advanced practice, independent and clinical social workers renewing with the MPSW Examining Board. Last checked against state rules: October 2026

hours every two years For every social work license level.

Rules that catch people

Hours don't carry over. Only hours earned in the current two-year credential period count.

Social workers must take their ethics hours in an interactive format, such as a live session with discussion.

Keep your certificates for at least four years. Each one needs your name, the date, the provider, the hours and the course title.

Required topics

Ethics and boundaries is the only topic Wisconsin requires. There are no separate suicide prevention, diversity or trafficking hours.

Ethics and boundaries4 hoursEvery credential, every period. Social workers must complete these in an interactive format. Marriage and family therapists and counselors share the 4-hour minimum without the interactive rule.

What else counts

There's no limit on self-study from an approved sponsor such as NASW. The only cap is on in-house agency training that no approved sponsor has reviewed: up to 15 of your 30 hours.

Newly credentialed? You don't need CE for your first renewal if you were credentialed partway through a two-year period.

Courses that count in Wisconsin

Every course we offer counts toward your 30 hours. These meet the Wisconsin ethics and boundaries requirement.

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Licensed somewhere else? Check whether your state accepts our courses.

Source: Wisconsin Administrative Code chapter MPSW 19. The MPSW Examining Board makes the final call on your renewal.