Membership FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the continuing education requirements to maintain my license?

To maintain either an LCSW or LICSW, you must obtain 30 CE Hours within the two (2) year licensing cycle. There is a limit of eight (8) non-contact hours per licensing cycle.  

A minimum of three (3) contacts hours must be in Social Work Professional Ethics and a minimum of three (3) contact hours must be in Cross-Cultural Practice to include the alleviation of oppression. See section 7.4.5 of the regulations.

Why must I have all my CE Credits prior to May 1 of a license renewal year when my license is good until May 1 of that year?

Rhode Island law requires that you renew your license by the 30th of April prior to the expiration of your license. At the time of license renewal, each licensee will be required to attest to the fact of having complied with the CE requirements. See section 7.4.5 of the regulations.

An extension of time to complete continuing education requirements may be granted to a social worker solely at the discretion of the Board for reasons of hardship or other extenuating circumstances. Please contact the RI Department of Health at 401-222-5960.

How do I obtain a license to practice clinical social work in Rhode Island? 

Link to above question: https://health.ri.gov/applications/SocialWorker.pdf

If you need further assistance, please contact the NASW-RI Chapter. 

By email: assoc.naswri@socialworkers.org

By phone: 401-274-4940

Other Resources: 

Rhode Island Social Work Regulations

https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/216-40-05-7

Social Work Licensing Verification 

https://healthri.mylicense.com/Verification