MASSACHUSETTS SOCIAL WORKER Anti-Racism and Anti-oppression CE requirements
- Shan Ru Lin, ATR-BC, LCPC, ATCS
- 44 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Massachusetts social workers must complete 3 hours of specific continuing education (CE) regarding anti-racism and anti-discrimination for each renewal cycle, effective September 28, 2023. This includes 2 hours focused on anti-racism and 1 hour focused on anti-discrimination (addressing ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc.).
As detailed on this Massachusetts Social Worker Continuing Education, Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education Policy
Key Requirements:
Total Hours: 3 hours total per renewal cycle (2 hours anti-racism + 1 hour anti-discrimination).
Applicability: All licensed social worker levels (LSWA, LSW, LCSW, LICSW) renewing on or after September 28, 2023.
Content Focus: The 2-hour anti-racism course must focus on oppression.
Approved CE providers:
American Psychological Association (APA)
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Board of Nursing Home Administrator’s (NHA)
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
NASW providers
Documentation: Licensees must maintain records of completion for at least two licensing periods, notes the Mass.gov documentation.
These required hours count toward the total CE hours needed for license renewal, according to this Mass.gov page.
FAQ: Massachusetts Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination CE Requirement for Social Workers
What is the Massachusetts anti-racism and anti-discrimination CE requirement for social workers?
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers requires licensed social workers to complete 3 continuing education (CE) hours focused on anti-racism and anti-discrimination during each licensing cycle. This includes 2 CE hours in anti-racism with a focus on oppression and 1 CE hour in anti-discrimination addressing systemic inequities and discrimination.
When did the anti-racism and anti-discrimination CE requirement take effect in Massachusetts?
The policy was adopted by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers and applies to license renewals occurring on or after September 28, 2023. All social workers renewing their license after that date must complete the required anti-racism and anti-discrimination continuing education hours.
How many CE hours are required for anti-racism and anti-discrimination in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts social workers must complete:
2 CE hours in anti-racism, focused on understanding oppression and systemic racism
1 CE hour in anti-discrimination, addressing discrimination related to identity factors
These hours count toward the total CE required for license renewal.
Do these 3 CE hours increase the total CE required for license renewal?
No. The anti-racism and anti-discrimination CE hours are included within the total continuing education hours required for each licensing cycle, not added on top of them.
How often do Massachusetts social workers need to complete anti-racism and anti-discrimination CE?
The requirement must be completed during every license renewal cycle, which typically occurs every two years for Massachusetts social workers.
Can one course meet both the anti-racism and anti-discrimination requirements?
Yes. A single course that includes both topics and is at least 3 CE hours long may meet the entire requirement if it covers both anti-racism and anti-discrimination content.
What topics should anti-discrimination CE training cover?
Anti-discrimination continuing education should address systemic oppression and discrimination affecting individuals based on factors such as:
Race or ethnicity
National origin or color
Sex or gender identity
Sexual orientation
Religion
Age
Disability or health status
Immigration status
These topics help social workers understand inequities and deliver culturally informed care.
Does the Massachusetts Board pre-approve anti-racism CE courses?
No. The Massachusetts Board does not pre-approve specific courses for the anti-racism and anti-discrimination requirement. Social workers are responsible for selecting courses that meet the policy criteria and maintaining documentation in case of an audit.
Do I need to keep proof of completing anti-racism and anti-discrimination CE?
Yes. Social workers must maintain records of continuing education activities for at least two licensing cycles, including documentation showing completion of the anti-racism and anti-discrimination training requirement.
Are courses approved for other professions accepted for Massachusetts social worker CE credit?
In some cases, up to 25% of the total CE hours may come from courses approved by other professional organizations, such as:
American Psychological Association (APA)
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
These courses must still contribute to the social worker’s professional competence.
Where can Massachusetts social workers find courses that meet the 3-CE anti-racism and anti-discrimination requirement?
Many continuing education providers offer courses designed to meet this requirement. Social workers can complete the training through live webinars, online video courses, or continuing education bundles that include both anti-racism and anti-discrimination content.
A convenient option is a 3-CE Diversity Course Bundle that covers both topics and meets the Massachusetts requirement.
👉 See available courses at edu.springadv.com https://edu.springadv.com/bundles/3-ce-diversity-bundle
What is a convenient way to complete the Massachusetts 3-CE diversity requirement?
Many clinicians prefer completing the requirement through a single 3-credit course bundle that covers both anti-racism and anti-discrimination topics, allowing them to meet the full requirement efficiently during one training session.
