Social work is a professional occupation and licensing is a major part of becoming a professional social worker. The School of Social Work is committed to informing students about the licensure process and guiding students as they progress through the journey. Completion of a social work degree does not guarantee licensure. Please note that licensing board requirements may vary for each state, click here for state requirements.
According to the Association of Social Work Board:
"The purpose of licensing and certification in social work is to assist the public through identification of standards for the safe professional practice of social work." The licensure exam is what regulates the field of social work and ensures that those entering the career are competent in their professional abilities. Social worker is a protected title in 45 states. This means that, in the vast majority of the United States, one must be professionally licensed in order to practice as a social worker.
The ASWB identifies four levels of licensure:
Requirements for licensure vary by state. With this in mind, it is best to obtain licensure in the state in which you plan to practice. Specific requirements for each state can be found here. Every state has their licensure examinations produced by the Association of Social Work Boards. The process for applying for licensure is as follows:
For more information, detailed timelines and exam preparation see the ASWB Exam Handbook and powerpoint below:
BSSW Career Services sponsors multiple local CEUs during the year. Through a partnership with NACSW, we are now offering online CEUs as well. For more information on these CEUs please contact Krysta Long at (254)710-6411.