Resources on Social Work Licensing

Resources on Social Work Licensing

11/02/04

License: A permit issued by government to allow you to perform certain activities. Usually issued as a way to protect the public. Social Workers are licensed as a way to protect the public. See

Credential: Issued by a private organization saying you have met their requirements. There are numerous credentials available to social workers. NASW has a variety of credentials. See . People get credentials to show they’ve met a standard within the profession.

Some websites

PA Chapter NASW

• Updated requirements for social work licensure
• Listing and registration form for licensure preparation courses

/

NASW

• Links to NASW chapters to get information on licensure around the world.
• NASW Code of Ethics

/
State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors

• Social work licensing law, regulations and forms
• Information about disciplinary action against licensed social workers

/
Association of Social Work Boards
The organization that state boards belong to.

• Information about the licensing exam – they write the exam
• Requirements for licensure in various states
• Publications
• Exam registration information and booklet

/

Licenses in Pennsylvania

General

• All licenses end February 28 in odd-numbered years (next date is February 28, 2005).
• Continuing Education requirements of 30 appropriate hours needed for second renewal (none required for first renewal)
• Some people take the clinical level of the examination to get their LSW. That way, if they decide to get the LCSW, they will not have to take another examination.

Licensed Social Worker (LSW):

• MSW from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE);
• Passing the Intermediate or clinical level of the ASWB examination;
• Completion of the application form

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW):

• You need to be an LSW
• 2 years or 3,600 hours of post-master’s supervised practice in a clinical setting
• Pass the clinical level of the ASWB examination.
• Meet the requirements for supervision and have a qualified supervisor as defined in the regulations.
• Complete application form

Comparison of Intermediate and Clinical Exam content Areas from

Master’s / Clinical
Human Development and Behavior in the Environment / 18% / 22%
Diversity and Social/Economic Justice / 7% / Issues of Diversity 6%
Assessment, Diagnosis and Intervention Planning / 11%
Diagnoses & Assessment / 16%
Psychotherapy & Clinical Practice / 16%
Direct and Indirect Practice / 22%
Communication / 7% / 8%
Therapeutic Relationship / 7%
Professional Relationships / 5%
Professional Values and Ethics / 11% / 10%
Administration, Supervision and Policy / 8%
Clinical supervision, Consultation, and Staff Development / 4%
Practice Evaluation & the Utilization of Research / 2% / 1%
Service Delivery / 9% / 5%
Clinical Practice & Management in the Organizational Setting / 5%