2026 report · verified July 2026–October 2026

The State of Mental Health CE Requirements, 2026

Name: US mental-health CE requirements by state, 2026
Creator: certification.app
License: https://www.certification.app/ce-disclaimer

What continuing education actually costs a licensed mental-health professional depends less on their license than on their address. This report compares the board rules behind 240 state–profession combinations, every U.S. state, for LPC, LMFT, LCSW, Psychologist, Addiction Counselor, compiled from 921 versioned, board-sourced rulesets and re-verified on a rolling schedule. Every figure links to the state page that cites its board source.

Widest gap

5×

Vermont asks a Psychologist for 30 CE hours a year, while Idaho asks a LPC for 6. That's the same clinical work at 5× the annual CE load.

Typical burden

20 hrs/yr

The median board asks for 20 hours a year once cycle lengths are normalized. Most boards run one- or two-year cycles of 20–40 total hours.

Ethics minimums

78%

187 of 240 state–profession rules carve out an explicit ethics minimum (median 3 hours per cycle). The rest fold ethics into the general total.

Online CE caps

30 states

30 states cap self-study or recorded ("online") CE for at least one of these professions, a limit that surprises licensees who plan to renew entirely on-demand.

CE burden by state: who asks for the most?

Boards run different cycle lengths (one, two, or three years), so raw totals mislead. The maps and rankings below normalize every rule to hours per year. Hover or tap a state tile to open its full requirement page.

LPC · annual CE hours

CE hours / yearunder 1010–1415–1920–2425+

Full LPC ranking (50 states)

#	State	Credential	Per cycle	Hours / year
1	Maine	LPC & LCPC	55 / 2 years	27.5
2	Wyoming	LPC	45 / 2 years	22.5
3	Alabama	LPC	40 / 2 years	20
4	Alaska	LPC	40 / 2 years	20
5	Colorado	LPC	40 / 2 years	20
6	Delaware	LPCMH	40 / 2 years	20
7	Indiana	LMHC & LMHCA	40 / 2 years	20
8	Iowa	LMHC	40 / 2 years	20
9	Louisiana	LPC & LPC-S	40 / 2 years	20
10	Maryland	LCPC	40 / 2 years	20
11	Minnesota	LPC & LPCC	40 / 2 years	20
12	Missouri	LPC	40 / 2 years	20
13	Montana	LPC	20 / 1 year	20
14	Nevada	LCPC	40 / 2 years	20
15	New Hampshire	LCMHC	40 / 2 years	20
16	New Jersey	LPC	40 / 2 years	20
17	New Mexico	LPCC & LMHC	40 / 2 years	20
18	North Carolina	LCMHC & LCMHCS	40 / 2 years	20
19	Oklahoma	LPC	20 / 1 year	20
20	Oregon	LPC	40 / 2 years	20
21	Rhode Island	LCMHC	40 / 2 years	20
22	South Carolina	LPC	40 / 2 years	20
23	South Dakota	LPC & LPC-MH	40 / 2 years	20
24	Utah	CMHC & ACMHC	40 / 2 years	20
25	Vermont	LCMHC	40 / 2 years	20
26	Virginia	LPC	20 / 1 year	20
27	California	LPCC	36 / 2 years	18
28	Georgia	LPC & APC	35 / 2 years	17.5
29	West Virginia	LPC	35 / 2 years	17.5
30	Nebraska	LIMHP & LMHP	32 / 2 years	16
31	Washington	LMHC	32 / 2 years	16
32	Arizona	LPC & LAC	30 / 2 years	15
33	Connecticut	LPC & LPC-A	15 / 1 year	15
34	Florida	LMHC	30 / 2 years	15
35	Illinois	LPC & LCPC	30 / 2 years	15
36	Kansas	LPC & LCPC	30 / 2 years	15
37	Massachusetts	LMHC	30 / 2 years	15
38	North Dakota	LPC & LPCC	30 / 2 years	15
39	Ohio	LPC & LPCC	30 / 2 years	15
40	Pennsylvania	LPC	30 / 2 years	15
41	Wisconsin	LPC	30 / 2 years	15
42	Arkansas	LPC & LAC	24 / 2 years	12
43	Mississippi	LPC & P-LPC	24 / 2 years	12
44	New York	LMHC	36 / 3 years	12
45	Texas	LPC	24 / 2 years	12
46	Kentucky	LPCC & LPCA	10 / 1 year	10
47	Tennessee	LPC & LPC-MHSP	20 / 2 years	10
48	Idaho	LPC & LCPC	12 / 2 years	6

These states aren't ranked because the board rule has no single total-hour figure: Hawaii, Michigan.

LMFT · annual CE hours

CE hours / yearunder 1010–1415–1920–2425+

Full LMFT ranking (50 states)

#	State	Credential	Per cycle	Hours / year
1	Maine	LMFT & CONDITIONAL-LMFT	55 / 2 years	27.5
2	Alaska	LMFT	45 / 2 years	22.5
3	Wyoming	LMFT	45 / 2 years	22.5
4	Alabama	LMFT & LMFT-A	40 / 2 years	20
5	Colorado	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
6	Delaware	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
7	Indiana	LMFT & LMFTA	40 / 2 years	20
8	Iowa	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
9	Kansas	LMFT & LCMFT	40 / 2 years	20
10	Louisiana	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
11	Maryland	LMFT & LCMFT	40 / 2 years	20
12	Minnesota	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
13	Missouri	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
14	Montana	LMFT	20 / 1 year	20
15	Nevada	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
16	New Hampshire	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
17	New Jersey	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
18	New Mexico	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
19	North Carolina	LMFT & LMFTA	20 / 1 year	20
20	Oklahoma	LMFT	20 / 1 year	20
21	Oregon	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
22	Rhode Island	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
23	South Carolina	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
24	South Dakota	LMFT	40 / 2 years	20
25	Utah	LMFT & AMFT	40 / 2 years	20
26	Virginia	LMFT	20 / 1 year	20
27	California	LMFT	36 / 2 years	18
28	Georgia	LMFT & LAMFT	35 / 2 years	17.5
29	West Virginia	LMFT	35 / 2 years	17.5
30	Nebraska	CMFT	32 / 2 years	16
31	Washington	LMFT	32 / 2 years	16
32	Arizona	LMFT & LAMFT	30 / 2 years	15
33	Connecticut	LMFT	15 / 1 year	15
34	Florida	LMFT	30 / 2 years	15
35	Hawaii	LMFT	45 / 3 years	15
36	Illinois	LMFT	30 / 2 years	15
37	Kentucky	LMFT & LMFT-A	15 / 1 year	15
38	Massachusetts	LMFT	30 / 2 years	15
39	North Dakota	LMFT & LAMFT	30 / 2 years	15
40	Ohio	LMFT & IMFT	30 / 2 years	15
41	Pennsylvania	LMFT & LAMFT	30 / 2 years	15
42	Texas	LMFT	30 / 2 years	15
43	Wisconsin	LMFT	30 / 2 years	15
44	Arkansas	LMFT & LAMFT	24 / 2 years	12
45	Mississippi	LMFT	24 / 2 years	12
46	New York	LMFT	36 / 3 years	12
47	Tennessee	LMFT & CMFT	20 / 2 years	10
48	Vermont	LMFT	20 / 2 years	10
49	Idaho	LMFT & LAMFT	12 / 2 years	6

These states aren't ranked because the board rule has no single total-hour figure: Michigan.

LCSW · annual CE hours

CE hours / yearunder 1010–1415–1920–2425+

Full LCSW ranking (50 states)

#	State	Credential	Per cycle	Hours / year
1	Alaska	LCSW & LMSW	45 / 2 years	22.5
2	Wyoming	LCSW & CSW	45 / 2 years	22.5
3	Colorado	LCSW & LSW	40 / 2 years	20
4	Delaware	LCSW & LMSW	40 / 2 years	20
5	Indiana	LCSW & LBSW	40 / 2 years	20
6	Kansas	LSCSW & LMSW	40 / 2 years	20
7	Louisiana	LCSW	20 / 1 year	20
8	Maryland	LCSW & LMSW	40 / 2 years	20
9	Minnesota	LICSW & LISW	40 / 2 years	20
10	Mississippi	LCSW & LMSW	40 / 2 years	20
11	Montana	LCSW & LMSW	20 / 1 year	20
12	New Hampshire	LICSW	40 / 2 years	20
13	New Jersey	LCSW	40 / 2 years	20
14	North Carolina	LCSW & CMSW	40 / 2 years	20
15	Oregon	LCSW	40 / 2 years	20
16	South Carolina	LISW-CP & LMSW	40 / 2 years	20
17	Utah	LCSW & CSW	40 / 2 years	20
18	California	LCSW	36 / 2 years	18
19	Nevada	LCSW & LISW	36 / 2 years	18
20	Georgia	LCSW & LMSW	35 / 2 years	17.5
21	Nebraska	CMSW & CSW	32 / 2 years	16
22	Oklahoma	LCSW & LMSW	16 / 1 year	16
23	Washington	LICSW & LASW	32 / 2 years	16
24	Alabama	LICSW	30 / 2 years	15
25	Arizona	LCSW & LMSW	30 / 2 years	15
26	Arkansas	LCSW & LMSW	30 / 2 years	15
27	Connecticut	LCSW & LMSW	15 / 1 year	15
28	Florida	LCSW	30 / 2 years	15
29	Hawaii	LCSW & LBSW	45 / 3 years	15
30	Idaho	LCSW & LMSW	30 / 2 years	15
31	Illinois	LCSW & LSW	30 / 2 years	15
32	Michigan	LCSW & LMSW	45 / 3 years	15
33	Missouri	LCSW & LMSW	30 / 2 years	15
34	New Mexico	LCSW & LISW	30 / 2 years	15
35	North Dakota	LCSW & LMSW	30 / 2 years	15
36	Ohio	LISW & LISW-S	30 / 2 years	15
37	Pennsylvania	LCSW & LBSW	30 / 2 years	15
38	Rhode Island	LCSW & LICSW	30 / 2 years	15
39	South Dakota	CSW-PIP & CSW	30 / 2 years	15
40	Tennessee	LCSW	30 / 2 years	15
41	Texas	LCSW & LMSW	30 / 2 years	15
42	Virginia	LCSW	30 / 2 years	15
43	West Virginia	LCSW & LICSW	30 / 2 years	15
44	Wisconsin	LCSW & APSW	30 / 2 years	15
45	Iowa	LISW & LMSW	27 / 2 years	13.5
46	Maine	LCSW & LMSW	25 / 2 years	12.5
47	New York	LCSW & LMSW	36 / 3 years	12
48	Kentucky	LCSW & CSW	30 / 3 years	10
49	Massachusetts	LCSW	20 / 2 years	10
50	Vermont	LICSW	20 / 2 years	10

Psychologist · annual CE hours

CE hours / yearunder 1010–1415–1920–2425+

Full Psychologist ranking (50 states)

#	State	Credential	Per cycle	Hours / year
1	Vermont	Psychologist	60 / 2 years	30
2	Kansas	Psychologist	50 / 2 years	25
3	Utah	Psychologist	48 / 2 years	24
4	Alabama	Psychologist	20 / 1 year	20
5	Alaska	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
6	Arizona	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
7	Arkansas	Psychologist	20 / 1 year	20
8	Colorado	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
9	Delaware	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
10	Florida	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
11	Georgia	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
12	Indiana	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
13	Iowa	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
14	Maine	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
15	Maryland	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
16	Minnesota	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
17	Missouri	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
18	Montana	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
19	New Hampshire	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
20	New Jersey	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
21	New Mexico	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
22	North Dakota	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
23	Oklahoma	Psychologist	20 / 1 year	20
24	Oregon	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
25	Tennessee	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
26	Texas	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
27	Washington	Psychologist	60 / 3 years	20
28	Wisconsin	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
29	Wyoming	Psychologist	40 / 2 years	20
30	California	Psychologist	36 / 2 years	18
31	Idaho	Psychologist	30 / 2 years	15
32	Louisiana	Psychologist	30 / 2 years	15
33	Michigan	Psychologist	30 / 2 years	15
34	Nevada	Psychologist	30 / 2 years	15
35	Pennsylvania	Psychologist	30 / 2 years	15
36	South Dakota	Psychologist	15 / 1 year	15
37	Virginia	Psychologist	14 / 1 year	14
38	Kentucky	Psychologist	39 / 3 years	13
39	Illinois	Psychologist	24 / 2 years	12
40	Nebraska	Psychologist	24 / 2 years	12
41	New York	Psychologist	36 / 3 years	12
42	North Carolina	Psychologist	24 / 2 years	12
43	Rhode Island	Psychologist	24 / 2 years	12
44	South Carolina	Psychologist	24 / 2 years	12
45	Ohio	Psychologist	23 / 2 years	11.5
46	Connecticut	Psychologist	10 / 1 year	10
47	Massachusetts	Psychologist	20 / 2 years	10
48	Mississippi	Psychologist	20 / 2 years	10
49	West Virginia	Psychologist	20 / 2 years	10
50	Hawaii	Psychologist	18 / 2 years	9

Addiction Counselor · annual CE hours

CE hours / yearunder 1010–1415–1920–2425+

Full Addiction Counselor ranking (40 states)

#	State	Credential	Per cycle	Hours / year
1	California	LAADC & CADC	50 / 2 years	25
2	Louisiana	LAC	48 / 2 years	24
3	New Hampshire	LADC & MLADC	48 / 2 years	24
4	Wyoming	LAT & CAP	45 / 2 years	22.5
5	Colorado	LAC & CAS	40 / 2 years	20
6	Connecticut	LADC & CADC	20 / 1 year	20
7	Delaware	LCDP	40 / 2 years	20
8	District of Columbia	CAC I & CAC II	40 / 2 years	20
9	Hawaii	CSAC	40 / 2 years	20
10	Indiana	LAC & LCAC	40 / 2 years	20
11	Kentucky	LADC & LCADC	60 / 3 years	20
12	Maryland	LCADC	40 / 2 years	20
13	Massachusetts	LADC & LADC II	40 / 2 years	20
14	Minnesota	LADC	40 / 2 years	20
15	Montana	LAC & ACLC	20 / 1 year	20
16	Nebraska	LADC	40 / 2 years	20
17	Nevada	LADC & LCADC	40 / 2 years	20
18	New Jersey	LCADC & CADC	40 / 2 years	20
19	New Mexico	LADAC	40 / 2 years	20
20	New York	CASAC	60 / 3 years	20
21	North Carolina	LCAS	40 / 2 years	20
22	North Dakota	LAC & LCAC	40 / 2 years	20
23	Oklahoma	LADC & LADC/MH	20 / 1 year	20
24	Oregon	CADC	40 / 2 years	20
25	Rhode Island	LCDP	40 / 2 years	20
26	South Carolina	LAC	40 / 2 years	20
27	South Dakota	LAC	40 / 2 years	20
28	Texas	LCDC	40 / 2 years	20
29	Utah	LMAC & AMAC	40 / 2 years	20
30	Vermont	LADC & CADC	40 / 2 years	20
31	Virginia	LSATP	20 / 1 year	20
32	Arizona	LISAC & LASAC	30 / 2 years	15
33	Arkansas	LADAC & LAADAC	30 / 2 years	15
34	Kansas	LAC	30 / 2 years	15
35	Mississippi	CSUT & LCSUT	30 / 2 years	15
36	Ohio	LICDC & LCDC III	30 / 2 years	15
37	Tennessee	LADAC & LADAC-I	30 / 2 years	15
38	Wisconsin	CSAC & SAC	30 / 2 years	15
39	Maine	LADC & CADC	25 / 2 years	12.5
40	Washington	SUDP	20 / 2 years	10

Ethics: the near-universal carve-out

78% of the rules in this corpus reserve part of the CE total for ethics, but the boards don't agree on how much, or even on what to call it (ethics, law & ethics, ethics & boundaries, jurisprudence). Here's how the per-cycle minimum is distributed:

1 hr1

2 hrs11

3 hrs82

4 hrs28

5 hrs7

6+ hrs56

Each bar counts the state–profession rules with that explicit ethics minimum, and 53 rules state no separate minimum.

Full table: ethics CE requirements by state →

Online CE: 30 states still cap it

Most boards now accept a fully online renewal, but 66 of the 240 rules here impose an explicit ceiling on self-study or recorded coursework: as hour caps, percentage caps, or live-hours minimums that limit on-demand CE indirectly. Licensees who discover the cap in the last month of a cycle have to find live hours on short notice.

State-by-state detail: which states cap online CE →

One-time mandates and standing obligations

Beyond the recurring hour totals, 71of the rules in this corpus attach at least one training or obligation outside the CE framework: one-time courses tied to first licensure or renewal, and recurring mandates like reporting trainings. These are the requirements licensees most often miss, because course-completion totals look "done" without them.

Alaska · LPC

Alaska law (AS 47.17.020/021) imposes a statutory duty on licensed counselors to report suspected child abuse and neglect. The state provides recommended training resources (e.g., the Office of Children's Services online module), but no specific mandated-reporter training course is required as a condition of LPC licensure or renewal, and completion of such training is not tracked by the licensing board. Any such training does NOT count toward the 40-hour CE requirement.

California · LPCC

One-time training of at least 6 hours in suicide risk assessment and intervention, required by first renewal on or after January 1, 2021 (B&P §§ 4980.396, 4999.66). (6 hours, one time).
One-time training of at least 3 hours in providing mental health services via telehealth, required by first renewal after July 1, 2023 (B&P § 4980.395). (3 hours, one time).
One-time 7-hour CE course in assessment and treatment of HIV/AIDS (16 CCR § 1887.3(b)). Satisfied in one of two mutually exclusive ways: (a) equivalent prior training submitted with the licensure application — the requirement is then satisfied with ZERO CE hours credited toward the 36-hour total; or (b) a 7-hour CE course completed post-licensure — those 7 hours count toward the 36-hour total. The counts_toward link below applies ONLY to path (b). (7 hours, one time).
One-time 7-hour training in child abuse assessment and reporting required as a condition of licensure (B&P § 28; 16 CCR § 1807.2). Typically completed during graduate program or within 5 years prior to licensure application.

Connecticut · LPC & LPC-A

You need 2 hours of veterans' mental health every 6 years.

Florida · LMHC

One-time 3-hour HIV/AIDS education course required by first renewal (Fla. Stat. §491.0065). New licensees may either complete the course as part of the licensure application, or sign an affidavit at application and complete the course within 6 months of initial licensure. The affidavit path is a deferral, not a waiver — the course must still be completed. Functions as a standalone prerequisite that precedes the first CE-required cycle. (3 hours, one time).
One-time 2-hour domestic violence course from a board-approved provider, required within 6 months of initial licensure. No waiver or exemption applies based on submission timing with the licensure application — the 6-month post-licensure deadline is firm. (2 hours, one time).
One-time 8-hour Florida laws and rules course required before initial licensure issuance. (8 hours, one time).
You need 3 hours of florida laws and rules every 6 years.
You need 2 hours of domestic violence every 6 years.

Illinois · LPC & LCPC

Illinois mandated reporter training (including implicit bias content) under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Must be completed within 3 months of starting as a mandated reporter and at least every 3 years thereafter. Counts toward CE hours.
You need 1 hour of cultural competency every 6 years.

Kentucky · LPCC & LPCA

6 hours of CE in suicide assessment, treatment, and management, completed within the first 3 years of initial licensure (KRS 210.366). (6 hours, one time).
3 hours of CE in domestic violence within the first 3 years of initial licensure (KRS 194A.540). One-time requirement. (3 hours, one time).
You need 3 hours of jurisprudence / state law every 3 years.
You need 6 hours of suicide assessment every 6 years.

Maryland · LCPC

All Maryland health occupation licensees, including LMFTs, must complete an approved training program on implicit bias and structural racism. This is a one-time, lifetime requirement to be completed at the first renewal on or after April 1, 2026. The statute does not specify a minimum number of hours.

Massachusetts · LMHC

One-time domestic and sexual violence training required by M.G.L. c.112 §264 and 262 CMR 7.03(2) as a condition of initial licensure and renewal. Once completed from a Board-approved program it need not be repeated; the ~2 CE hours may count toward the 30-hour cycle total. Waived when proof was submitted with the licensure application. Approved programs include the free online Chapter 260 training from the MA Dept. of Public Health. (2 hours, one time).
Applicants and licensees must complete Board-approved domestic and sexual violence training as a condition of licensure and renewal. It is a one-time lifetime requirement and the two CE hours count in the cycle in which the training is completed.

Michigan · LPC

One-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking, required prior to initial licensure (Mich. Admin. Code R. 338.1771). Content must cover types and venues of trafficking, identification of adult and minor victims in health care settings, warning signs, and reporting resources. Acceptable formats include live, online, webinar, or peer-reviewed article review from professional organizations, law enforcement, governmental agencies, or accredited colleges. May be satisfied via coursework completed during the licensee's degree program; once completed it does not need to be repeated at renewal. (1 hour, one time).

Montana · LPC

Two hours on suicide risk assessment and safety planning every odd year, counted within the 20 annual hours (ARM 24.219.435(4)(a)).

Nevada · LCPC

At renewal, the Board asks each licensee whether they have received training in immediate, short-term, or long-term treatment of mental/emotional trauma following emergencies, and whether they are willing to volunteer in a disaster (NRS 641A.262). This is a reporting question only, it is NOT a training requirement, and failing to have or report this training is not grounds for denial of renewal.

New Hampshire · LCMHC

Each licensee shall complete 40 hours of collaboration every 2 years (peer consultation, study groups, supervision, interdisciplinary case discussions). These hours do NOT count toward the 40-hour CE requirement and must be attested to separately at renewal.

New York · LMHC

One-time, pre-licensure training (approximately 2 hours) in the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment, required by N.Y. Education Law §6507 and Social Services Law §413. Required prior to initial licensure or issuance of a limited permit. Does not count toward the 36-hour CE total.
Updated child abuse training curriculum covering reducing implicit bias in reporting decisions, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and recognizing signs of abuse via virtual interactions. Mandated reporters who completed the prior child abuse training must complete this updated curriculum by April 1, 2025 (Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2021). Does not count toward the 36-hour CE total.
Additional child abuse training component on identifying abuse of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Practitioners who took the prior training must complete this new component by November 17, 2026 (Chapter 25 of the Laws of 2024). Does not count toward the 36-hour CE total.

Tennessee · LPC & LPC-MHSP

You need 2 hours of suicide prevention every 5 years.

Washington · LMHC

Two hours of health-equity CE every 4 years.
Six hours of Department-model-list suicide assessment, treatment, and management training every 6 years.

California · LMFT

One-time training of at least 6 hours in suicide risk assessment and intervention, required by first renewal on or after January 1, 2021 (B&P §§ 4980.396, 4999.66). (6 hours, one time).
One-time training of at least 3 hours in providing mental health services via telehealth, required by first renewal after July 1, 2023 (B&P § 4980.395). (3 hours, one time).
One-time 7-hour CE course in assessment and treatment of HIV/AIDS (16 CCR § 1887.3(b)). Satisfied in one of two mutually exclusive ways: (a) equivalent prior training submitted with the licensure application — the requirement is then satisfied with ZERO CE hours credited toward the 36-hour total; or (b) a 7-hour CE course completed post-licensure — those 7 hours count toward the 36-hour total. The counts_toward link below applies ONLY to path (b). (7 hours, one time).
One-time 7-hour training in child abuse assessment and reporting required as a condition of licensure (B&P § 28; 16 CCR § 1807.2). Typically completed during graduate program or within 5 years prior to licensure application.

Connecticut · LMFT

You need 2 hours of veterans' mental health every 6 years.

Florida · LMFT

Newly licensed LMFTs must complete a 2-hour Board-approved domestic violence course within the first 6 months of initial licensure. This initial course is SEPARATE from the recurring every-third-renewal domestic violence requirement, both apply. Completing it at licensure means the course does not have to be repeated at the first applicable third-renewal deadline, but the 2-hour domestic violence CE remains due at every third biennial renewal thereafter. It does not count toward renewal CE (no CE is required in the first cycle).
A 3-hour HIV/AIDS course must be completed before or within 6 months of initial licensure (or an affidavit filed committing to complete within 6 months). One-time licensure prerequisite; does not count toward renewal CE.
An 8-hour Florida laws-and-rules course is required prior to initial LMFT licensure. One-time licensure prerequisite; distinct from the 3-hour laws-and-rules CE due every third renewal; does not count toward renewal CE.
You need 2 hours of domestic violence every 6 years.
You need 3 hours of laws and rules every 6 years.

Illinois · LMFT

DCFS-approved mandated reporter training (Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse). Required of all Illinois LMFTs as designated mandated reporters. Non-medical personnel must complete the training at least once every three years. Required at renewal regardless of any CE exemption, including at the FIRST renewal, when the 30-hour CE requirement is otherwise waived, because it is a condition of licensure under a separate statute (325 ILCS 5/4), not a CE rule. The hour may be counted toward the 30-hour CE requirement if taken through an acceptable provider.

Kentucky · LMFT & LMFT-A

One-time 3-hour training covering domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, required by state law (KRS 194A.540), typically within the first three years of licensure. If board-approved for CE, the hours may also count toward the annual CE total in the year taken.
You need 6 hours of suicide assessment every 6 years.

Maryland · LMFT & LCMFT

All Maryland health occupation licensees, including LMFTs, must complete an approved training program on implicit bias and structural racism. This is a one-time, lifetime requirement to be completed at the first renewal on or after April 1, 2026. The statute does not specify a minimum number of hours.

Massachusetts · LMFT

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 264 and 262 CMR 7.03(2), applicants and licensees must complete Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition for licensure, renewal, revival, or reinstatement. This is a one-time lifetime requirement; once completed it need not be repeated. Completing the approved training also counts for 2 hours of CE credit in the cycle it is taken.

Michigan · LMFT & LLMFT

One-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking, required by MCL 333.16148 and Mich. Admin. Code R. 338.7202. Must be completed prior to initial licensure (or by first renewal after the mandate took effect). Content must cover the defined topic areas (types of trafficking, warning signs, reporting resources). No minimum hour count is specified. This is a permanent one-and-done obligation; it does not recur each renewal cycle. A human trafficking training already completed under another Michigan health profession license satisfies this requirement and need not be repeated for the LMFT/LLMFT license.
Implicit bias training required by Mich. Admin. Code R. 338.7004 for all Article 15 licensees except veterinarians. Required at a rate of 1 hour per year of the license cycle (3 hours per 3-year LMFT cycle; 1 hour per 1-year LLMFT cycle). Recurring each renewal/relicensure. Excess hours may not be carried to the next cycle, and identical/substantially identical training may not be counted twice in one cycle. The training content must focus on recognizing and mitigating implicit biases and the health disparities that result from them.

Missouri · LMFT

For initial licensure after January 1, 2019, the 2-hour suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management training must be completed as a one-time prerequisite and may be part of graduate coursework or self-study. This does not replace the recurring biennial suicide-training requirement.

Montana · LMFT

Two hours on suicide risk assessment and safety planning every odd year, counted within the 20 annual hours (ARM 24.219.435(4)(a)).

Nevada · LMFT

At renewal, the Board asks each licensee whether they have received training in immediate, short-term, or long-term treatment of mental/emotional trauma following emergencies, and whether they are willing to volunteer in a disaster (NRS 641A.262). This is a reporting question only, it is NOT a training requirement, and failing to have or report this training is not grounds for denial of renewal.

New Hampshire · LMFT

Each licensee must complete 40 hours of collaboration every 2 years under Mhp 403.01 and Mhp 403.02. Collaboration is separate from CE and does not count toward the 40-hour CE total. Qualifying collaboration includes small-group meetings among licensed practitioners, supervision or consultation, study groups, expert consultation, clinical-research collaboration, and provider hospital meetings.

New York · LMFT

One-time, pre-licensure training (approximately 2 hours) in the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment, required by N.Y. Education Law §6507 and Social Services Law §413. Required prior to initial licensure or issuance of a limited permit. Does not count toward the 36-hour CE total.
Updated child abuse training curriculum covering reducing implicit bias in reporting decisions, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and recognizing signs of abuse via virtual interactions. Mandated reporters who completed the prior child abuse training must complete this updated curriculum by April 1, 2025 (Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2021). Does not count toward the 36-hour CE total.
Additional child abuse training component on identifying abuse of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Practitioners who took the prior training must complete this new component by November 17, 2026 (Chapter 25 of the Laws of 2024). Does not count toward the 36-hour CE total.

Tennessee · LMFT & CMFT

You need 2 hours of suicide prevention every 5 years.

Texas · LMFT

Approved human trafficking prevention training (Tex. Occ. Code Ch. 116) required as a condition of each license renewal. Course must be approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission; completion certificate required for renewal. Completing the training may be claimed for 1 hour of CE credit toward the 30-hour total.

Washington · LMFT

Two hours of health-equity CE every 4 years.
Six hours of Department-model-list suicide assessment, treatment, and management training every 6 years.

Alabama · LICSW

Alabama strongly recommends (but does not require) that all social work licensees and applicants complete the state's Mandated Child Abuse and Neglect Reporter Training, an online training provided by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, at least once. This is a one-time recommendation and is not required for license renewal. If completed through an approved provider, it may count toward CE hours.

California · LCSW

One-time 6-hour suicide risk assessment and intervention training required for licensees who renew or reactivate after January 1, 2021. (6 hours, one time).
One-time 3-hour training or coursework in the provision of mental health services via telehealth required for licensees who renew or reactivate after July 1, 2023. (3 hours, one time).

Connecticut · LCSW & LMSW

You need 2 hours of veterans' mental health every 6 years.

Florida · LCSW

Initial-licensure HIV/AIDS course; an affidavit may defer completion until six months after licensure. (3 hours, one time).
Initial-licensure domestic-violence course due within six months after licensure. (2 hours, one time).
Initial-licensure eight-hour Florida laws and rules course. (8 hours, one time).
Three hours of Florida laws and rules every third biennium (every 6 years).
Two hours of domestic violence CE every third biennium (every 6 years).

Illinois · LCSW & LSW

One hour on diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, required once every three renewal periods and countable within the 30-hour total.
LCSWs must complete six hours of clinical-supervision training on the second renewal after initial licensure, beginning with the renewal ending November 30, 2027. The engine cannot evaluate completed-renewal count, so this remains a manual requirement rather than a date-only one-time proxy.
One-hour sexual harassment prevention training required for all Illinois licensees subject to CE. This hour may count toward the 30-hour CE requirement.
One-hour implicit bias awareness training required for all Illinois licensees subject to CE. This hour may count toward the 30-hour CE requirement.
Mandated reporter training (including implicit bias section) required for social workers as mandated child-abuse reporters under 325 ILCS 5/4. Initial training within 3 months of starting practice, and at least every 3 years thereafter. May count toward CE hours.

Kentucky · LCSW & CSW

You need 6 hours of suicide assessment treatment management every 6 years.
You need 1.5 hours of pediatric abusive head trauma every 6 years.

Louisiana · LCSW

You need 3 hours of ethics every 2 years.

Maine · LCSW & LMSW

One-time 12-hour training in family or intimate partner violence required for all licensees renewing on or after January 1, 2020. Hours count toward the 25-hour biennial CE total. The Board may accept equivalent IPV training or practice experience completed before January 1, 2020 in satisfaction of this requirement. (12 hours, one time).
Maine law requires licensed social workers, as mandated reporters of child abuse/neglect and abuse of incapacitated/dependent adults, to complete the State's mandated reporter training every 4 years. This training is required by law but does NOT count toward the 25-hour biennial CE total.

Maryland · LCSW & LMSW

One-time training on implicit bias and structural racism required of all Maryland health-licensed practitioners, including social workers, at the first renewal occurring after April 1, 2026. Attestation is made on the renewal application. This training does NOT count toward the 40-hour CE total.

Massachusetts · LCSW

One-time training in domestic and sexual violence required by M.G.L. c.112, §264 and 258 CMR 31.03(4) as a condition of licensure or renewal. The 2 CE credits awarded for completing this training count toward the cycle CE total. Not required if already completed (e.g. submitted with the licensure application). (2 hours, one time).
Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c.119, §51A(k)) requires all professionally licensed mandated reporters, including licensed social workers, to complete training to recognize and report suspected child abuse or neglect. This training is legally required but does not count toward the CE hour requirement.

Michigan · LCSW & LMSW

Michigan requires implicit bias training for all license renewals on or after June 1, 2022. The requirement is 1 hour of implicit bias training per year of the license cycle (3 hours for a 3-year renewal cycle). This training is mandated by R 338.7004 and is separate from the 45-hour CE total, although qualifying coursework may also count toward CE.

Montana · LCSW & LMSW

Two hours on suicide risk assessment and safety planning every odd year, counted within the 20 annual hours (ARM 24.219.435(4)(a)).

Nevada · LCSW & LISW

Per NRS 641B.282, clinical social workers must report at each renewal their training in the treatment of mental and emotional trauma immediately following an emergency or disaster (short-term and long-term trauma) and their willingness to respond. This is a reporting requirement only; no specific hours are mandated and it does not count toward CE totals.

New Jersey · LCSW

New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 45:15BB-11.1 requires at least one hour of education on prescription opioid drugs, risks, signs of abuse, addiction, and diversion, for every social work license renewal beginning September 1, 2018. This statutory mandate is satisfied by the 1-hour prescription opioid abuse CE category requirement, which counts toward the 40-hour total.

New York · LCSW & LMSW

Mandated reporters, including LMSWs and LCSWs who completed earlier training, must complete the updated child-abuse curriculum addressing children with intellectual or developmental disabilities by November 17, 2026.

Tennessee · LCSW

You need 2 hours of suicide prevention every 4 years.

Virginia · LCSW

Virginia Code § 63.2-1509 designates licensed social workers as mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect, and requires any mandated reporter without prior training to complete a state-approved training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect. This training is a statutory obligation and does NOT count toward the 30-hour CE total. Typically completed once upon qualifying as a mandated reporter.
Virginia Code § 63.2-1606 designates licensed health providers (including social workers) as mandated reporters of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults. No specific training hours or recurrence are imposed by statute, and this duty is separate from CE.

Washington · LICSW & LASW

You need 2 hours of health equity every 4 years.
You need 6 hours of suicide prevention every 6 years.

Alabama · Psychologist

Mandated child abuse/neglect reporter training via the Alabama DHR. The Board hosts a free online training and states expressly that it does NOT count toward annual CE requirements. The underlying reporting duty (Code of Ala. §26-14-3) is statutory; the training itself is encouraged rather than imposed as a fixed-hour board mandate.

California · Psychologist

One-time requirement (B&P § 2915.4): prior to first renewal, or on reactivation/reinstatement, complete a minimum of 6 hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention. Discharged if obtained in the qualifying graduate program or applied experience. Counts toward the 36-hour total only in the cycle it is first claimed as CE; the same course may not be double-counted at a later renewal. (6 hours, one time).

Connecticut · Psychologist

Two contact hours on mental health conditions common to veterans and their families at least once every six years, counted within the 10 annual hours (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-191c(b)).

Florida · Psychologist

You need 2 hours of domestic violence every 6 years.

Illinois · Psychologist

One-hour cultural competency course (§ 1130.525) recurs once every six years. When more than one hour is completed it counts toward the CE total, but no more than one credit hour for any one renewal period. Distinct from the 3-hour diversity requirement. A qualifying course completed for another State licensure or accreditation requirement may count.
One-hour Alzheimer's disease and other dementias training (§ 1130.550) recurs once every six years. Applies only to psychologists providing health care services to and with direct patient interactions with adult populations age 26 or older; does not apply to practices limited to persons under 26. The training may also be a qualifying course completed for another State licensure or accreditation requirement.

Iowa · Psychologist

Mandatory child- and dependent-adult-abuse reporter training required by Iowa Code chs. 232 and 235B and 481, 880.12(4). Child abuse identification/reporting is 2 hours; dependent adult abuse training as required by statute. Must be completed through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (private vendors may not provide the core hours). May be counted toward the 40 CE hours, capped at the hours required to maintain compliance. Applies only to licensees who examine, attend, counsel, or treat children and/or dependent adults in Iowa. Suspended for active-duty military and those holding a current hardship/disability waiver.

Kentucky · Psychologist

A minimum of 6 hours of continuing education in suicide assessment, treatment, and management within the first year of licensure and every six years thereafter, as required by KRS 210.366. These hours count toward the 39-hour CE total. Exempt for the first six years if a qualifying 3-semester-hour graduate course in suicide and crisis assessment, prevention, and intervention was completed during graduate education. Ongoing exemptions apply where the licensee is primarily employed in a Joint Commission (or similarly accredited) clinical setting requiring suicide risk assessment with each patient, teaches a graduate-level psychology course on the subject, or teaches a CE course on the subject at least once during the six-year period.

Maine · Psychologist

One-time successful completion of a minimum of 3 contact hours of coursework in family or intimate partner violence screening, referral and intervention strategies (including community resources, cultural factors, evidence-based risk assessment and same-gender abuse dynamics). The board may accept equivalent coursework, teaching, or practice experience completed before January 1, 2020. Counts toward the 40-hour total. (3 hours, one time).
Maine law requires licensed health professionals who are mandated reporters (including licensed psychologists and psychological examiners) to complete DHHS-approved mandated reporter training at least once every 4 years. This is a separate DHHS statutory training (~60 minutes; no CE-hour figure assigned) and does NOT count toward the 40-hour Ch. 8 CE total.

Maryland · Psychologist

One-time attestation of completion of an approved implicit-bias and structural-racism training program at the applicant's first license or certificate renewal after April 1, 2026 (Health Occupations Article §1-225). Does not automatically count toward the 40-hour CE total as codified in COMAR 10.36.02.
Every 6 years following the initial submission, a renewing licensee must submit to a criminal history records check (COMAR 10.36.01.08A(7)). Not a training and not CE.

Massachusetts · Psychologist

Domestic and Sexual Violence training (M.G.L. c. 112 § 264; 251 CMR 3.10(1)(c)). Applicants and licensees shall participate in domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition for licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement. One-time requirement, complete once and not again before each renewal; a prior completer need not repeat unless the Board requires it. The board grants 2 CE credits for the cycle in which it is taken, and it counts toward the 20-hour CE total. May be completed free online. Failure to attest completion blocks renewal.

Michigan · Psychologist

One-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking meeting R. 338.2525 standards (MCL 333.16148), required prior to obtaining any psychology license. Beginning January 6, 2022. Not part of the CE count but may be satisfied via a qualifying CE activity. The board may select and audit for this training.

Missouri · Psychologist

One-time 2-hour training in suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management, meeting the committee's guidelines, required as a condition of initial licensure (§337.020.1 RSMo). May be part of the graduate course of study or obtained through self-study; applicants must maintain documentation. Does NOT recur and does NOT count toward the 40-hour CE renewal total. Applies to all applicants for initial licensure (temporary, provisional, or permanent) on or after the statute's effective date; documentation requirement applied to applicants after January 1, 2019.

Texas · Psychologist

Passage of the jurisprudence examination may be claimed as 1 hour of ethics professional development (22 TAC §463.35(f)(1)). (1 hour, one time).
All licensees who provide direct patient care must complete a human trafficking prevention course approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) each renewal period (Occ. Code §§116.002, 116.003). The completion may also be claimed as 1 PD hour under 22 TAC §463.35(f)(6).

Washington · Psychologist

"Six hours in suicide prevention, every six years. Qualifying trainings must meet the standards in WAC 246-924-255 and be listed on the department's model list." (WAC 246-924-230(1)(c)); "Each licensed psychologist shall, at least once every six years, complete a six-hour training in suicide prevention" (WAC 246-924-255(1); RCW 43.70.442(1)(a)(vi)). The six-year cadence spans two three-year CE cycles, so it is evaluated as a rolling 72-month lookback rather than a per-cycle topic floor.

Connecticut · LADC & CADC

You need 2 hours of veterans' mental health every 6 years.

Kentucky · LADC & LCADC

You need 6 hours of suicide prevention every 6 years.

Maryland · LCADC

All Maryland health occupation licensees, including LMFTs, must complete an approved training program on implicit bias and structural racism. This is a one-time, lifetime requirement to be completed at the first renewal on or after April 1, 2026. The statute does not specify a minimum number of hours.

Montana · LAC & ACLC

Two hours on suicide risk assessment and safety planning every odd year, counted within the 20 annual hours (ARM 24.219.435(4)(a), as amended effective August 22, 2026).

New York · CASAC

"Person Centered Care (1 hour)", one of the trainings that "are mandatory one-time requirements that must be completed by applicants pursuing the CASAC and individuals renewing their CASAC credential" (https://oasas.ny.gov/one-time-requirements-casac-pdf). Provided free by Partnership to End Addiction. (1 hour, one time).
"Cannabis Use Disorder Diagnostic Criteria and Assessment (1 hour)", a mandatory one-time requirement for applicants and renewing CASACs (https://oasas.ny.gov/one-time-requirements-casac-pdf). (1 hour, one time).
"Opioid Overdose Prevention Basics (1 hour)", a mandatory one-time requirement for applicants and renewing CASACs (https://oasas.ny.gov/one-time-requirements-casac-pdf). (1 hour, one time).
"NYS Mandated Reporter Training (2 hours)", provided by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services; "This training was updated on 11/1/22. To satisfy this requirement, the training certificate must be dated 11/1/22 or after" (https://oasas.ny.gov/one-time-requirements-casac-pdf). The engine does not check the 11/1/22 floor; see format_rules. (2 hours, one time).
"Harm Reduction Is Part of the Treatment Continuum (1.5 hour)", a mandatory one-time requirement for applicants and renewing CASACs, offered through OASAS Learning Thursdays (https://oasas.ny.gov/one-time-requirements-casac-pdf). (1.5 hours, one time).
"Monitoring for Suicide Risk in Treatment Settings (1 hour)", a mandatory one-time requirement for applicants and renewing CASACs, offered through OASAS Learning Thursdays (https://oasas.ny.gov/one-time-requirements-casac-pdf). (1 hour, one time).

Tennessee · LADAC & LADAC-I

You need 1 hour of suicide prevention every 4 years.

Texas · LCDC

HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention course each renewal period. "A health care practitioner, other than a physician or nurse, within the time prescribed by commission rule shall successfully complete a training course approved by the executive commissioner on identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking" (Tex. Occ. Code 116.002(a)), required "as a condition for renewal of a license issued to the health care practitioner under this title" (116.003). A "health care practitioner" holds a license "issued under this title to engage in a health care profession and who provides direct patient care" (116.001(3)); chapter 504 sits in Title 3. HHSC's LCDC continuing education page lists it as a "Required Human Trafficking Prevention Course" each renewal period. No hour figure is set, so any logged completion tagged human trafficking satisfies it.

Washington · SUDP

You need 3 hours of suicide assessment, including screening and referral every 6 years.
You need 2 hours of health equity every 4 years.

Methodology & citing this report

Every figure is computed from the same versioned rulesets that power certification.app's compliance engine. Each ruleset is authored from the state board's statute, administrative rule, or official guidance, carries its source URL and a last-verified date, and goes through automated QA before publication. This page recomputes from the live corpus daily, and the current verification window is July 2026 – October 2026. Annualized figures divide the cycle total by the cycle length, and rules without a single total-hour figure are listed but not ranked. You'll find details and limitations in our methodology & disclaimer.

You're welcome to cite or republish these figures with attribution. Link to this page or the underlying state page so readers can see the board source and verification date. For press or data questions, use the contact on our practices page.

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