Frequently Asked Questions
What types of programs receive CE Approval?
Program types include, but are not limited to, providers of workshops, conferences, home study programs, and internet-based distance-learning education.
Do I need to complete an application for each program/conference/course individually?
Yes. Each program/conference/course must contain a separate application with the requested supporting documentation.
Which application should I use for my program?
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.
I am still unsure about which application to complete?
When unsure about which application to complete, it is best to complete a new program application with supporting documentation.
How many times can I hold a program?Â
Once a program is approved, it may be hosted as many times as you like within the twelve-month approval period.
Should I have a licensed social worker involved in the program planning and evaluation of my program for NASW CE approval?
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.
How do I estimate the number of distant learning CEs for my program?
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.
Should I include a post-test with my NASW CE Approval Program application? If yes, what is the minimum required score?
The NASW CE Approval Program requires a post-test on all distance-learning products with a passing score of not less than 80 percent. This requirement also applies to real-time interactive learning such as date-specific teleconferences and webinars.
How many test questions are needed for my distance learning program?
A minimum of ten multiple choice questions are required per credit hour. After the first hour an additional 5 multiple choice questions are required per hour. For programs that request additional ½ hours, such as 1.5 CEs requested, a minimum of 5 multiple choice questions also are required. All post-tests should include no more than 10 % true/false questions of the entire amount of questions.
How do I estimate the number of CEs for my program?
NASW awards contact hours for approved programs. One contact hour equals one hour of face-to-face instruction. A workshop or program must be a minimum of one hour in length. Time devoted to announcements, welcoming speeches, scheduled coffee breaks, lunch, and other social events is not included in the number of hours considered. Credit is usually given at 50% of the allotted time for an educational program connected with a meal function. 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.
What information should providers include on NASW CE certificates?
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.
Click here, to view a sample NASW CE Certificate.
What statement should I include on my marketing materials while my application is pending?
Please use the statement, "This activity is pending approval from the National Association of Social Workers" on your marketing materials until approval notification is received.
What information is expected once my program has concluded? When is the summary evaluation data expected?
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.
How long should I keep program records?
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.