Rhode Island-licensed social workers have a biennial license renewal with an April 15th renewal application deadline, odd years. Thirty (30) hours of continuing education are required to renew a license every two years. Of the thirty hours, six (6) hours are allowed from home study and twenty-four (24) hours must be live “contact hours.”

Three hours of social worker ethics and three hours of cross cultural practice to include alleviation of oppression is required. The board accepts ASWB approval of continuing education hours.

The main reason for continuing education is to ensure the highest possible standards for the social work profession. All licensees are required to participate in continuing education as a condition of license renewal.

Professional Development Resources is approved as a provider of continuing education for social workers by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB Provider #1046, ACE Program). Professional Development Resources is also approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling (Provider #BAP346); by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (Approval #PCE1625); by the Illinois DPR as a Registered Social Work CE sponsor (Provider #159-000531); by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board (Provider #RCST100501); and by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678).

Continuing Education Requirements

Rhode Island-licensed social workers are required as a condition of renewing a license to complete thirty (30) hours of continuing education credits every two years with a April 15th renewal application deadline, odd years. Of the thirty hours, six hours are allowed from home study.

Information gathered from the Rhode Island Board of Social Work Examiners on March 27, 2013.