CE Approval Program FAQ

Program types include workshops, conferences, and symposiums.

Yes. Each program, conference and course must contain a separate application with the requested supporting documentation.

Although many conferences are held annually, they not renewable as the content and speakers change each year. Therefore, a new application and supporting documentation is required. On occasion, we may request that a renewing provider complete a full application and/or to submit supporting documentation.

When unsure about which application to complete, it's best to complete a new program application with supporting documentation.

Once a program is approved, it may be hosted as many times as you like within the 12-month approval period.

The NASW CE Approval Program requires that a professional social worker be involved with the planning and evaluation of all programs. The name and credentials of the professional social worker involved is required on all NASW CE Approval Program applications.

Distance learning contact hours are determined based on content, time to review the content, and an appropriate number of test questions that reflect whether the learning objectives have been met.

Each continuing education provider is instructed to estimate the number of contact hours on their application. NASW determines the final number of contact hours for a program.

In addition to the date, program title, and provider number the following items must be included on all provider printed certificates:

• A unique identification number for each approved title. (See provider NASW CE Approval letter for unique identification number)
• Specialized category credit (e.g., ethics, clinical, mandatory reporting)
• Name and credentials of the presenter. Exception: not required for conferences issuing a single certificate

• The statement “This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval #____________) for (_____________) continuing education contact hours” is required on all NASW CE Approved certificates. The approval number and unique identifier number along with the social work category with be provided on your approval letter.

View a sample NASW CE Certificate

Applicants awaiting an approval decision from NASW must NOT include phrases such as: “Pending approval” “CEUs applied for” “Approval under review”, etc. on your promotional materials.

Such phrases are misleading to potential registrants of a program.

Once you receive your official approval letter from NASW you should include the NASW approval language as shown on your approval letter on your promotional materials.

Following a date-related presentation, only summary evaluation data must be submitted to NASW within 60 days reflecting aggregate scores. Compile all participant information onto a single form and email the document to ceu@naswdc.org. NASW will not accept individual evaluation forms. Attendance monitoring forms are records maintained by the provider.

It is the responsibility of the provider to maintain program, attendance and financial transaction records for all participants. such records should be kept for a minimum of six years and be made available to participants.