New Mexico LCSW, LISW, LMSW & LBSW Continuing Education Requirements
New Mexico clinical social workers must complete 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew their LCSW / LISW / LMSW / LBSW license, including 6 hours of cultural awareness.
30
total hours / 2 years
6
cultural awareness hours
10
home study / self-study hours cap
Biennial · renewal date varies by licensee.
New Mexico LCSW, LISW, LMSW & LBSW requirements
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Total continuing education | 30 hours every 2 years. |
| Renewal | Biennial cycle: tied to your license's renewal (expiration) date. |
| Cultural Awareness | 6 hours required each cycle. |
| Format limits | Up to 10 hours may be completed through home study / self-study. |
Full board policy details
- A maximum of 10 hours per renewal period may be self-directed continuing education (e.g., reading, audio/video with appropriate documentation). The remaining hours must come from structured courses or programs.
- At least 20 of the 30 required hours must be obtained from Board-approved providers or sponsors (e.g., NASW, ASWB, NBCC, NM Counseling Board, NM Psychology Board, or other Board-recognized sources).
- Synchronous live or live-interactive online programs (webinars) are generally treated as live instruction (not self-study), provided they qualify for CE credit through approved providers. NMAC does not explicitly define online formats; licensees should verify with the Board.
- Course repeat restrictions: NMAC 16.63.12 is silent on repeating courses. There is no explicit rule prohibiting an instructor from claiming teaching credit for the same course more than once, nor about attendees retaking a course in the same cycle. By Board policy and standard CE practice, duplicate attendance of an identical program within the same renewal period is generally disallowed; licensees should assume duplicate credits will not be accepted.
- Inactive status: A licensee may place a license on inactive status by notifying the Board. To reactivate an inactive license, the licensee must complete 10 hours of CE per year of inactive status, plus any shortfall from the cycle in which the license became inactive. Inactive status does not waive CE; hours must be made up upon reinstatement.
- Retired status: A retired licensee is exempt from license fees but not from CE obligations if returning to practice. Upon return, the licensee must complete 10 hours of CE per year of retirement plus any previously unmet CE requirements.
- Late renewal: A 30-day grace period after license expiration is allowed for late renewal with a fee. There is no provision for conditional or provisional renewal pending completion of CE; CE must be completed by the renewal date (June 30).
- First renewal: The Board may issue a one-year initial license to establish the biennial cycle (NMSA 61-31-14(A)). The CE rules do not explicitly prorate or reduce hours for a first renewal; licensees should plan to meet the full 30-hour requirement (including 6 hours of cultural awareness) at first renewal unless otherwise authorized by the Board.
We turn all of this (every category, format limit, and one-time rule) into a live checklist on your New Mexico LCSW / LISW / LMSW / LBSW record, and reapply board changes automatically as they happen.
Track New Mexico LCSW / LISW / LMSW / LBSW CE free →New Mexico LCSW, LISW, LMSW & LBSW CE: frequently asked questions
How many CE hours do New Mexico LCSW / LISW / LMSW / LBSW licensees need?
New Mexico requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a LCSW / LISW / LMSW / LBSW license. Biennial cycle: tied to your license's renewal (expiration) date.
How often do New Mexico LCSW / LISW / LMSW / LBSW licensees renew?
Biennial cycle: tied to your license's renewal (expiration) date.
Are there subject-specific CE requirements for New Mexico LCSW / LISW / LMSW / LBSW licensees?
Yes. In addition to ethics, New Mexico requires 6 hours of cultural awareness.
Can New Mexico LCSW / LISW / LMSW / LBSW licensees complete CE online or by home study?
Up to 10 hours may be completed through home study / self-study.
Sources & verification
- State source
- New Mexico board rule
- Profession source
- ASWB ACE continuing education guidance
- Last verified
- May 2026
- Ruleset version
- 2026.1
Reviewed against the New Mexico board source and refreshed from the compiled ruleset above. Methodology and disclaimer. Compliance data is informational only and not legal or board advice. Always verify requirements with your licensing board before you renew. See something wrong? Report it →
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