Requirements by state / Iowa
Iowa social work continuing education requirements
What the Iowa Board of Social Work asks of a licensed social worker at renewal.
Verified Read on October 9, 2026
Read from the board’s own source. What follows was read on October 9, 2026 in the sources named on this page. Rules change, and the board decides: confirm before you rely on it.
LBSW, LMSW, LISW
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker · Licensed Master Social Worker · Licensed Independent Social Worker
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total hours each cycle | 27 hours |
| Ethics Within the total. | 3 hours |
| First renewal | Nothing due |
| Renewal cycle | Every 2 years |
| Hours are due | December 31 of even-numbered years |
- Hours earned at any time from first licensure up to your second renewal may be used for that second renewal.
- A Licensed Independent Social Worker who supervises completes three hours in supervision each cycle.
- A licensee who examines, attends, counsels or treats children or adults in Iowa also states at renewal that mandatory reporter training (child abuse, dependent adult abuse) was completed in the previous three years, using the curriculum of the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Up to half of the hours earned beyond the minimum in one cycle may be carried into the next.
- Who decides
- Iowa Board of Social Work
- Profession
- Social work
- Licenses on this page
- LBSW, LMSW, LISW
- Read on
- October 9, 2026
- Sources
-
- Iowa Administrative Code 481—Chapter 881, Continuing education Iowa Admin. Code r. 481—881.2(3), 881.2(12)
- Iowa Administrative Code 481—Chapter 880, rule 880.13, Social work license renewal Iowa Admin. Code r. 481—880.13
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