STATE LICENSURE

Licensure represents the ability to practice under the title of social worker. Each state regulates the profession and sets the requirements to be licensed to practice in that state. Even when regulations vary, all states require licensed social workers to have graduated from a CSWE–accredited program and pass the national ASWB exam. This assures that those who receive the title of “social worker” have met the criteria developed to demonstrate proficiency in meeting the demands associated with the profession. This is referred to as “title protection,” and protecting the title means that individuals not appropriately trained for the profession cannot call themselves a social worker.

In this Discussion, you research the licensure requirements in your state and share them with your colleagues. Sharing the various states’ requirements can be useful should you be planning a relocation, or if you have ever worked in this or a related profession in another state.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

TO PREPARE

· Research the criteria for assuming a social work license in your state or country. You will want to research the regulations put forth by your state’s licensing board.

· Consider the benefits offered by title protection and maintenance of licensure standards.

· For help with this discussion the Library recommends the following:

· For students in the United States, the simplest way to find out about your state’s requirements for becoming a licensed social worker is to search Google Links to an external site. .

· Enter your state and licensing board. For example, Illinois social work licensing board.

· The following websites may also be helpful in finding social worker requirements in your location:

· Social Work Licensure Map Links to an external site. (United States)

· Social Work Student and Professional Related OrganizationsLinks to an external site.

· National Association of Social WorkersLinks to an external site.

· For international students, search Google Links to an external site. for your Country’s or region’s National Association of Social Workers. For example Kenya National Association of Social Workers.

· The following website may also be helpful in finding social worker requirements in your location:

· International Federation of Social WorkersLinks to an external site.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Reply button to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Post Reply, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Post Reply!

BY DAY 6

Post response to the following:

· Identify the types of social work licenses available in your state.

· Describe the criteria required to earn an LCSW in your state. Specifically,

· What are state requirements for education?

· How many hours of post-MSW practice are required?

· How many hours of supervision are required?

· How much does it cost for initial licensure?

· Describe the criteria to maintain an LCSW in your state. Specifically,

· How often do you need to renew your license?

· How much does it cost to renew a license?

· How many continuing education credits are required?

· What, if any, specific education hours are required (e.g., suicide, ethics, substance use, cultural competence)?

· Explain the benefits for licensure and title protection.