Understanding Maryland’s NEW Structural Racism Requirement, Anti-Oppressive Social Work, and Implicit Bias
- Elevate Continuing Education
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
Maryland social workers are now navigating three separate—but related—requirements that can understandably feel confusing. With the recent addition of a new structural racism training requirement, it’s more important than ever to clearly understand what is required, how often, and what counts.
This guide breaks everything down in a straightforward way so you can stay compliant with confidence.
The Three Requirements (At a Glance)
Maryland social workers must now be aware of:
One-Time Implicit Bias Training (existing requirement)
*Ongoing Anti-Oppressive Social Work CE Requirement (3 Category I CE Hours per renewal cycle)
*NEW One-Time Structural Racism Training Requirement (starting with 2026 renewals)
Each requirement serves a different purpose and has different rules.
One-Time Implicit Bias Training (No Changes)
This requirement has not changed.
One-time requirement only
Not a CE requirement
No certificate required, but trainings should be through a Board Authorized Sponsor and include Implicit Bias in the title.
Verified through attestation during license renewal
**IMPORTANT: If you have already completed this requirement, you do NOT need to take it again.
If you have not completed it (for example, if you are newly licensed or reinstating), you will still need to fulfill it.
Anti-Oppressive Social Work CE Requirement (New in 2024 - Ongoing for each renewal)
This requirement also remains the same.
3 Category I CE Hours required every renewal cycle
Must be live and interactive (Category I)
Requires a CE certificate
Counts toward your total CE hours
This is a continuing education requirement, meaning it functions just like your ethics CE requirement.
NEW: One-Time Structural Racism Training Requirement (Starting 2026)
This is the newest update in 2026
One-time requirement (just like implicit bias)
NOT a CE requirement
No certificate required, but trainings should be through a Board Authorized Sponsor and include Structural Racism in the title.
Verified through attestation at renewal
Beginning with the 2026 renewal cycle, all Maryland social workers must complete a training on structural racism.
Key Clarification: This Is NOT the Same as the 3 CE Requirement
The new structural racism requirement is:
Separate from CE requirements
Verified via attestation
Not tracked through CE certificates but trainings should be through a Board Authorized Sponsor and include Structural Racism in the title.
There Is an Efficient Way to Meet Both Requirements
A 3-hour Category I training that includes “Structural Racism” in the title can:
Fulfill the 3 CE hour Anti-Oppressive requirement
AND satisfy the one-time Structural Racism training attestation
Plus, some of our trainings include Implicit Bias and can help fulfill all three requirements for those who need Implicit Bias as well.
This allows you to meet both requirements at the same time.
Putting It All Together
Here’s what you need to do moving forward:
If you have already completed Implicit Bias:
❌ Do NOT repeat it
✅ Complete the NEW structural racism training (one-time, attestation)
✅ Complete your 3 Category I CE hours in anti-oppressive social work (every cycle)
If you have NOT completed Implicit Bias:
✅ Complete Implicit Bias training (one-time)
✅ Complete Structural Racism training (one-time)
✅ Complete 3 Category I CE hours in anti-oppressive social work
How We Help Simplify This
We understand how nuanced these requirements are, and we aim to make this process as straightforward as possible.
We offer live, interactive 3-hour trainings that:
✅ Meet the Category I CE requirement
✅ Include structural racism content in the title (with some also including Implicit Bias)
Are designed to help you satisfy both requirements efficiently
Final Takeaway
To remain compliant in Maryland:
Remember that the Implicit Bias and Structural Racism are one-time attestation requirements
The 3 CE hour Anti-Oppressive Social Work is an ongoing CE requirement
Look for trainings that allow you to meet both (or all 3) efficiently when possible
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to confirm with the Maryland Board.
Note: Elevate Continuing Education is a Board Authorized CE Sponsor by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. However, we are not affiliated with the board, and social workers should verify their licensing requirements directly with the BSWE.
