Continuing Education Resources

Keeping up with Ohio counselor continuing education requirements can feel overwhelming at times. We understand the challenges of balancing your professional development with a busy counseling practice while meeting state board regulations.

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Ohio counselor CE requirements, approved providers and deadlines. Whether you’re a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), we’ve got you covered. Looking for simple ways to earn your required hours? Wondering which courses will best serve your practice and clients? Let’s explore your options together.

Ohio Counselor CE Requirements and License Renewal

Licensed counselors in Ohio must complete specific continuing education requirements to maintain their professional credentials. The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT) establishes these requirements to promote ongoing professional development.

Required CE Hours

Ohio licensed counselors need 30 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. Here’s the breakdown:

• 3 hours in counseling ethics
• 3 hours in supervision for supervisors
• 24 hours in counseling-related topics
• At least 50% of total hours must be from CSWMFT Board-approved providers
• Up to 15 hours can come from non-approved providers
• Maximum of 6 hours from teaching CE programs
• Maximum of 6 hours from publications or presentations
• Clinical theory and techniques
• Human growth and development
• Counseling relationships
• Social cultural foundations
• Group dynamics and counseling
• Lifestyle and career development
• Appraisal of individuals
• Research and evaluation
• Professional legal and ethical issues
• Psychopathology
• Clinical supervision
• Chemical dependency
• Crisis intervention

CE Activity Type	Maximum Hours Allowed
Teaching CE Programs	6 hours
Publications/Presentations	6 hours
Non-approved Providers	15 hours
Online Courses	No limit
Live Webinars	No limit

How to Find Approved CE Providers in Ohio

The Ohio Counselor Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT) maintains a list of approved continuing education providers. Licensed counselors can access these providers through the board’s website or through professional organizations.

Online CE Options

• The CSWMFT Board approves several online learning platforms that offer self-paced courses
• Professional counseling associations provide virtual workshops with live instructors
• Interactive webinars offer real-time engagement with subject matter experts
• Digital learning management systems track CE hours automatically
• Online courses include video lectures, reading materials, quizzes

Types of CE Activities Accepted

Ohio counselors can earn continuing education credits through diverse learning formats that accommodate different schedules and learning preferences.

Interactive Learning Programs

Ohio counselors participate in live workshops, conferences, webinars and in-service training for CE credit. Live events feature real-time discussions, case studies and skill-building exercises with experienced instructors. Virtual workshops use video conferencing platforms with breakout rooms, polls and chat features to create engaging learning experiences.

CE hours earned through interactive programs include:

• Professional conferences (up to 15 hours per event)
• Live webinars with Q&A sessions
• Small group consultation meetings
• Role-playing workshops for clinical skills
• Peer consultation groups

Independent Study Options

Self-paced learning allows counselors to complete CE requirements on their own schedule. Independent study formats include:

• Online courses with multimedia content
• Reading professional journals with post-tests
• Home study programs approved by CSWMFT
• Research projects contributing to counseling literature
• Creating original publications or presentations

Key benefits of independent study:

• Flexible completion timelines
• In-depth exploration of specialized topics
• Cost-effective CE options
• Downloadable materials for future reference
• Self-assessment tools to track learning

1. Set regular study blocks in your schedule
2. Take detailed notes while reviewing materials
3. Connect concepts to current clinical cases
4. Join online discussion groups for peer support
5. Maintain organized documentation of completed hours

Tracking and Reporting CE Credits

Ohio counselors maintain accurate records of their continuing education activities using specific documentation methods and timely reporting procedures.

Documentation Requirements

Licensed counselors keep complete records of all CE certificates containing:

• Provider name identification number
• Course title date duration
• Number of CE hours earned
• Participant name license number
• Instructor credentials signatures
• Course content category classification

Documentation includes:

• Original certificates from completed courses
• Attendance verification forms
• Activity logs for independent study
• Teaching materials syllabi for instructor credits
• Publication copies for author credits

Best practices for organizing CE records:

• Create digital copies of all certificates
• Store documents in labeled folders by renewal period
• Log activities in a spreadsheet with running totals
• Save proof of payment receipts
• Maintain backup copies in cloud storage

Submission Deadlines

The CE reporting schedule follows these key dates:

• Submit renewal application 90 days before license expiration
• Complete all CE hours by renewal deadline
• Report hours through online portal or paper forms
• Retain documentation for 4 years after submission

1. Track hours quarterly to stay on pace
2. Review requirements 6 months before deadline
3. Submit paperwork 3 months in advance
4. Address any deficiencies within 30 days

CE Requirements for Specialty Credentials

Specialty credentials in Ohio counseling require additional continuing education hours beyond the standard requirements. Here’s what counselors need to know about maintaining specialized certifications.

Clinical Endorsements

Clinical endorsements demand focused CE hours in specific treatment areas. Ohio counselors with specialized credentials complete:

• 6 hours in trauma-informed care per renewal period
• 8 hours in substance use disorder treatment for addiction specialists
• 5 hours in diagnostic assessment techniques for clinical mental health
• 4 hours in evidence-based interventions for specific populations
• 3 hours in cultural competency related to the specialty area

The Ohio CSWMFT Board maintains strict documentation standards for specialty-focused CE activities. Counselors demonstrate competency through:

Credential Type	Required Hours	Specialty Topics
Trauma	6	Assessment, Treatment Planning, Interventions
Addiction	8	Prevention, Recovery, Co-occurring Disorders
Clinical	5	Diagnosis, Treatment Modalities, Risk Assessment

Supervision Credentials

Supervision endorsements require dedicated CE hours in leadership and oversight functions. Key requirements include:

• 3 hours of supervision-specific training annually
• 2 hours focused on ethical considerations in supervision
• 4 hours covering supervision models and techniques
• 2 hours addressing supervisee evaluation methods
• 3 hours on documentation and regulatory compliance

Supervision CE activities incorporate:

Training Component	Hours Required	Update Frequency
Ethics	2	Annual
Models	4	Biennial
Evaluation	2	Annual
Documentation	3	Biennial

These specialized hours count toward the total 30-hour requirement while maintaining supervision credentials.

Conclusion

We’ve explored the essential aspects of Ohio counselor continuing education requirements and how to meet them effectively. Through proper planning tracking and timely completion of CE hours Ohio counselors can maintain their licenses while expanding their professional knowledge.

Remember that staying compliant with CE requirements isn’t just about meeting regulations – it’s about growing as a professional and providing better care for our clients. By choosing relevant courses and maintaining accurate records we can ensure our practice remains current and our licenses stay active. Talk to us!

For the most up-to-date information about CE requirements always refer to the Ohio CSWMFT Board’s official guidelines and consult with approved providers for course selections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CE hours do Ohio counselors need to complete?

Ohio counselors must complete 30 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. This includes 3 hours in counseling ethics, 3 hours in supervision (for supervisors only), and 24 hours in counseling-related topics.

What percentage of CE hours must come from approved providers?

At least 50% of total CE hours must come from CSWMFT Board-approved providers. The remaining hours can be earned through non-approved providers, teaching activities, or publications, subject to specific limitations.

What types of CE activities are accepted in Ohio?

Ohio accepts various CE formats including live workshops, conferences, webinars, in-service training, online courses, professional journal reading, and home study programs. Both interactive learning and independent study options are available to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences.

When should counselors submit their CE renewal applications?

Counselors must submit renewal applications 90 days before their license expiration date. CE hours can be reported through an online portal or paper forms. It’s recommended to track hours quarterly and review requirements six months before the deadline.

How should counselors track their CE credits?

Counselors should maintain accurate records of all CE activities, including certificates, attendance verification forms, and activity logs. Best practices include creating digital copies of certificates and storing backups in cloud storage.

Are there additional CE requirements for specialty credentials?

Yes, counselors with specialty credentials must complete focused CE hours in their specific areas, such as trauma-informed care or substance use disorder treatment. These specialized hours count toward the total 30-hour requirement while maintaining specialty credentials.

Where can counselors find approved CE providers in Ohio?

Approved providers can be found through the CSWMFT Board’s website and online directory. Sources include local universities, professional organizations, community mental health centers, hospital systems, and Ohio counseling agencies.

What happens if CE requirements are not met on time?

Failure to meet CE requirements by the deadline can result in license expiration. Counselors may need to complete additional requirements for late renewals or reinstatements, following specific procedures outlined by the CSWMFT Board.