Understanding Maryland’s NEW Structural Racism Requirement, Anti-Oppressive Social Work, and Implicit Bias
- Elevate Continuing Education
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Updated: May 11
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.
Overview of Maryland Social Work CE Requirements:
40 CEUs Total (30 for LBSW) during your 2-year renewal period
At least 20 CEUs must be Category I Credits (see below)
20 CEUs may be earned with Category II Credits
All 40 may be earned via Category I credits.
SPECIAL TOPIC REQUIREMENTS (count towards 40 total CEUs):
3.0 Anti-Oppressive Social Work CEUs (Category I ONLY)
3.0 Ethics CEUs (can be Category I or Category II)
3.0 Supervision CEUs - for Board Approved Supervisors ONLY (can be Category I or Category II)
*One-time Implicit Bias Training Requirement AND NEW Structural Racism Requirement - NOT CE Requirements
Maryland also has two one-time training requirements: Implicit Bias and Structural Racism. Implicit Bias was announced in 2022 and Structural Racism was announced in 2026.
These are one-time requirements and they are NOT CE requirements. Social Workers will complete these by taking trainings which fulfill the requirement and by attesting at renewal that you have completed this requirement (you will check a box when you renew your license to attest that you have completed the requirement).
*If you renewed in 2022 or 2023 and attested to have taken an Implicit Bias Training, then you have fulfilled the one-time implicit bias training requirement. You will need to attest to the fact that you have completed this requirement. New licensees and reinstated licensees must still fulfill this requirement. Social Workers renewing in 2024 and beyond still need to complete the new Anti-Oppressive Social Work CE requirement. See below for more information.
What's NEW for 2026? Maryland social workers must now be aware of:
*Ongoing Anti-Oppressive Social Work CE Requirement (3 Category I CE Hours per renewal cycle)
*NEW for 2026: One-Time Structural Racism Training Requirement (starting with 2026 renewals)
One-Time Implicit Bias Training (existing requirement - many people have already completed this - started in 2022 renewal cycle)
Anti-Oppressive Social Work CE Requirement (New in 2024 - Ongoing for each renewal)
This requirement 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 - see below)
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.
One-Time Implicit Bias Training (No Changes - Introduced in 2022)
This requirement has not changed.
One-time requirement only (if you already fulfilled it, you DON'T need to complete again)
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.
Key Clarification: NEW Structural Racism requirement 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 by a Board Authorized Sponsor 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.
