As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Iowa, it is your responsibility to adhere to continuing education requirements each period in order to renew your license. Beyond license renewal being key to you maintaining your practice, continuing education is essential to stay abreast of what is happening in your field – something your clients will always appreciate you taking seriously. Education is how we all continue to learn and further hone our skills and expertise, so it’s certainly something to be celebrated. Though education is fantastic, keeping on track with the many hours you need to fulfill can be a challenge. Thankfully, there is a fantastic resource available to help you with that. Before we dive into the resource, let’s start by outlining what is required of Iowa LCSWs in order to renew their license.
Licensee Requirements for Iowa Licensed Social Workers
In the state of Iowa, licensed clinical social workers are required to earn at least 27 hours of continuing education every two years in order to renew their license on the December 31 expiration date in even-numbered years. At least three of the required 27 hours need to be on ethics in LCSW. Additionally, continuing education hours have to fall into one of the following topic areas in order to be accepted: human behavior, assessment and treatment, social work research/program evaluation/practice evaluation, management/administration/social policy, theories and concepts of social work education, or an area that relates directly to a licensee’s individual practice (which must be submitted to the board for consideration). For insight into more specific definitions or examples of approved continuing education activities, reference section 645-281.2(154C) of Chapter 281 of the Professional Licensure.
Key Takeaways:
- LCSWs in Iowa are required to complete 27 hours of continuing education every two years
- At least three hours must be in ethics related to social work
- The license renewal deadline is December 31 in even-numbered years
Given licensed social workers are likely to achieve their continuing education certificates in increments, from various workshops, conventions, agencies, and institutions, there is a lot of documentation to keep track of (potentially 27 or more certificates throughout the course of two years). As proof is required when you apply for renewal, it’s imperative you keep all of those certificates in a safe place – easily accessible and easy to track your progress. CE Hub is the safe place you need to work through your continuing education with ease.
What is CE Hub?
CE Hub is an app built specifically for social workers. Recognizing the difficulty that is storing continuing education certificates and keeping track of your hours, CE Hub was created to take the stress out of continuing education requirements. Instead of worrying throughout the period that you may not be on track, or perhaps that you may have lost a document or two, CE Hub provides you the peace of mind you need to enjoy the learning process. Using the platform is simple: you sign up, upload your continuing education certificates as you obtain them, then CE Hub handles the rest. All of your continuing education credits are tracked for you, and you even receive a reminder when it’s time to renew your license. Alleviate the stress of continuing education requirements by taking advantage of CE Hub today!
Disclaimer: this content is for informational purposes only. Licensees should always confirm their continuing education requirements with their respective governing agency. In the state of Iowa, LCSWs can clarify anything about their license by contacting the Bureau of Professional Licensure at the number (515) 281-0254 or email PLPublic@idph.iowa.gov.
Reference Links:
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ACO/chapter/645.281.pdf
https://idph.iowa.gov/Licensure/Iowa-Board-of-Social-Work/Continuing-Education
