Free Social Work CEU Courses: Where to Access Continuing Education
August 16, 2025 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Education
Are there any free social work CEU courses available? Find free social work CEU courses to maintain professional licensure. This article lists online resources, platforms, and programs offering accredited continuing education for social workers at no cost.
- 1. Are there any free social work CEU courses available?
- 2. Where can I find reputable sources for free social work CEU courses?
- 3. What types of free social work CEU courses are available online?
- 4. How do I ensure free social work CEUs are accredited?
- 5. Are there any limitations or restrictions on free social work CEUs?
- 6. How can I track and manage my social work CEU requirements?
Are there any free social work CEU courses available?
Absolutely! There are several reputable platforms offering free CEU courses for social workers—many delivering fully accredited, no-cost opportunities across ethics, trauma, AI, and more. Here's a detailed roundup to help you earn credits without breaking the bank:
Top Providers Offering Free Social Work CEUs
1. Agents of Change
Offers multiple free CE courses, including:
ChatGPT and AI for Social Workers — worth 3 CE credits
Powerful Home-School Partnerships — worth 1.5 CE credits
Additional topics like vicarious trauma and ethics with technology also available for free.Agents of Changemyceapp.com
2. AATBS (Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences)
Current free offerings include:
Mindfulness and Meditation Research — 2 credits
Collective Trauma and the Social Construction of Meaning — 1 credit
Head, Heart, and Gut in Decision Making — 1 credit
Totaling 4 CE credits available at no cost.myceapp.com
3. NASW (National Association of Social Workers)
Provides free courses such as:
How to Fight Anti-AAPI Hate — 1.5 credits
Post-Traumatic Growth in an Age of COVID — 1 credit
Offering about 2.5 free CE credits in total.myceapp.com
Plus, many members may be eligible for free or discounted CE access via the NASW CE Institute.NASW
4. Quantum Units Education
Free CE options include:
Managing Stress for Disaster Responders and First Responders — 1 credit
Older Adults Living with Serious Mental Illness — 1 credit
Totaling 2 free credits.myceapp.com
5. MindfulCEUs
Offers:
The Effects of Child Maltreatment on Brain Development — 1 CE credit.myceapp.com
4. Other Providers with Free CE Offerings
CE4Less
Features a free ethics course with full social work CE credit in many states—no subscription required.CE4Less
Aspira CE
Use code SW3free to claim 3 free CE units—no subscription necessary.Aspira CEUs
Continu ed Social Work
Offers one free social work CE course using promo code 1FREECOURSE. The offer doesn't require a credit card and covers select one-hour courses.Continued.com
Free State Social Work
A free sample course is available to try without fees. (Subsequent courses typically cost $5.99 per credit hour.)freestatesocialwork.com
5. Community & University Resources (Shared via Reddit)
A helpful Reddit thread highlights free CE resources—including webinars and trainings—from:
Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency
Caron, Charlie Health, Kolmac Academy
Indiana University trauma-informed training
Relias — 200+ courses free if accessible via employer portal
Additional sources like SMI Adviser, University of Maryland Psychiatry, and more.Reddit
Summary Table: Free CEUs at a Glance
| Provider | Free CE Credits or Offers |
|---|---|
| Agents of Change | 4.5 credits (AI, home-school partnerships, etc.) |
| AATBS | 4 credits (mindfulness, trauma, etc.) |
| NASW | 2.5 credits (anti-AAPI hate, post-trauma growth) |
| Quantum Units Education | 2 credits (stress, older adults & mental illness) |
| MindfulCEUs | 1 credit (child maltreatment effects on brain) |
| CE4Less | Free ethics course with full credit (varies by state) |
| Aspira CE | 3 free units with promo code SW3free |
| Continu ed Social Work | 1 free course via promo code 1FREECOURSE |
| Free State Social Work | 1 free sample course |
| University & Webinar Sources | Varies—employer or state-specific access |
Key Considerations Before You Enroll
Check Licensing Board Approval
Free courses should still meet your state’s licensure requirements—ideally via an ACE-approved provider (like ASWB). ASWB and NASW approval status is a key compliance factor.Agents of Changefreestatesocialwork.comNASWTrack Expiration and Availability
Free offerings can change—always verify availability and deadlines directly with each provider.myceapp.comApply Promo Codes or Create Accounts
Some platforms (e.g., Aspira CE or Continu ed) require promo codes or a free account to unlock courses.Save and Organize Your Certificates
Even if free, CEUs must be documented—download your certificate and maintain your own records for renewal purposes.
Where can I find reputable sources for free social work CEU courses?
Finding reputable sources for free social work Continuing Education Units (CEUs) is crucial for maintaining your license.
Professional Associations: The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) often provides free ethics and other courses for its members, and sometimes for non-members as well.
State chapters of the NASW are also great resources. Approved Continuing Education (ACE) Providers: Websites like Continued Social Work and Agents of Change are approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) as ACE providers.
They frequently offer a limited number of free courses, which you can access after creating an account. Government Agencies and Non-profits: Occasionally, government agencies or non-profit organizations focused on specific social issues (e.g., suicide prevention, child welfare) may offer free, accredited CEUs as part of their educational outreach.
What types of free social work CEU courses are available online?
The types of free courses available online are often focused on high-demand or essential topics, but they can be quite diverse. You can find courses on:
Ethics: Many licensing boards require a specific number of ethics CEUs.
Providers often offer free ethics courses as a way to fulfill this common requirement. Cultural Competence and Diversity: Topics related to anti-racism, LGBTQ+ issues, and working with diverse populations are frequently available.
Trauma-Informed Care: Courses on trauma, resilience, and vicarious trauma are popular, and some providers offer free introductory modules.
Mental and Behavioral Health: You might find free courses on specific mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or therapeutic techniques.
How do I ensure free social work CEUs are accredited?
Ensuring that your CEUs are accredited is the most important step. Unaccredited courses may not be accepted by your state licensing board, rendering your time and effort wasted.
Check with Your State Board: The most reliable way is to visit your state's social work licensing board website.
They will have a list of approved providers or specific requirements that courses must meet. Look for ASWB/ACE Approval: The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) has an Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program.
Courses from an ACE-approved provider are generally accepted by most state boards. Always look for the ASWB/ACE logo or a clear statement of their approval status on the course provider's website. Read the Fine Print: Before you start a free course, make sure you understand the accreditation details. Some courses may be free to take, but you may have to pay a small fee to receive the certificate of completion.
Are there any limitations or restrictions on free social work CEUs?
Yes, there are a few important limitations to be aware of:
Quantity Limits: Free CEU offerings are usually limited. Providers might only offer a few free hours per year, or a single free course. You likely cannot fulfill all of your CEU requirements solely with free courses.
State-Specific Requirements: Many states have specific requirements that may not be covered by free courses.
For example, some states require a certain number of hours in live, in-person training or a specific number of ethics or suicide prevention hours. Course Formats: Some states place limits on the number of hours you can earn through "asynchronous" or self-paced courses (reading an article and taking a test), requiring a certain number of "synchronous" or live, interactive hours.
How can I track and manage my social work CEU requirements?
Effective tracking is essential to avoid last-minute stress and ensure compliance.
CEU Tracking Software: Many states have an official or recommended CEU tracking system, such as CE Broker.
These platforms help you track your completed hours, show you what requirements you still need to meet, and in some cases, report your completions directly to your board. Many of these services offer a free "Basic" account to get started. Manual Tracking: You can use a simple spreadsheet to track your CEUs. Be sure to include the course title, provider, number of credit hours, date completed, and the accreditation information. Always keep a digital or physical copy of your completion certificates in a safe place, as your state board may conduct an audit and require proof.
Professional Associations: The NASW and other professional organizations often provide online tracking tools for their members.
