how do i become a licensed master social worker (lmsw)?
You must:
-
File the application for the LMSW and pay the fee of $294. (Form 1)
Note: LMSW Application forms are available at the Office of the Professions link in the FAQs section below. -
Have your social work graduate program verify receipt of the MSW degree (Form 2)
Note: NYU students should mail (Form 2) upon completion of 65 credits, after their degree is posted on their transcript to: Office of University Registrar, Academic Records, 726 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10003. - Complete the two-hour Department-approved course in child abuse identification and reporting and receive a certificate or the exemption (Form 1CE) A list of approved providers, including online courses is available at: http://www.op.nysed.gov/training/caproviders.htm#NewYorkCity
- Pass the ASWB master's examination.
If you have met the education requirement for licensure as an LMSW but are waiting to pass the examination, you must apply for a limited permit (Form 5) and pay the fee ($70), in addition to the application and fee for licensure, in order to practice licensed master social work prior to passing the examination. Please note that:
- The limited permit is valid for one year and may not be renewed.
- You must complete the two-hour Department approved course in the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect or file an exemption using Form 1CE (available on the web) before a permit or license will be issued.
- You must be under the general supervision of an LMSW or LCSW, who is in the same facility and accessible to you.
- You can take the ASWB examination every 90 days if you do not pass the first time. If you are at risk of losing your job, the ASWB will waive the 90-day waiting period upon written request.
- If you have not passed the exam when the limited permit expires you may not practice as a licensed master social worker unless you work in an exempt setting.
faqs
Applying for Social Work Licensure in New York State:
Information and answers to frequent questions about applying for Social Work Licensure in New York State can be found at: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/swfaqlicapp.htm.
Out of State Licensing Requirements:
Information about requirements for licensure in other states can be found through links on the ASWB Web site: http://www.aswb.org.
the association of social work boards (aswb) exam information
ASWB develops and maintains four categories of social work licensure examinations: Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical. Not every jurisdiction uses all four categories, so candidates must be sure to check with individual boards to find out which examinations are appropriate for the jurisdiction in which they are seeking licensure.
Each examination contains 170 four-option multiple choice questions designed to measure minimum competencies at four categories of practice. Only 150 of the 170 items are scored; the remaining 20 questions are "pretest" items included to measure their effectiveness as items on future examinations. These pretest items are scattered randomly throughout the examination. Candidates have four hours to complete the test, which is administered electronically.
Examinations are administered by appointment at Pearson vue throughout the U.S. There are no fixed administration dates; instead, registered candidates schedule a time to take the test.
Special accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities. Additionally, many jurisdictions offer arrangements for candidates whose first language is not English. New York State does not.
In order to view any PDF files, visitors will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. This is a free software to download from the Adobe Web site.
aswb study guide
The study guide that the School of Social Work suggests for the ASWB Exam is the ASWB Master's Examination Study Guide 5th Edition. The cost is $30 plus shipping and handling. You can order it by calling: (800) 225-6880 or online at: http://www.aswb.org/SWLE/studyguides.asp.
Further information about the ASWB Exam can be found at the ASWB Web site: http://www.aswb.org/SWLE/faqs.asp
NYU students graduating in September or December:
After all requirements for the MSW are met and your degree is posted on your transcript, send Form 2 (Certification of Professional Education) to the New York University Office of Degree Verification:
Send in Form 2
By mail or hand delivery to:
New York University
Office of Degree Verification
726 Broadway, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10003
Note: You do not have to wait until the official date for granting your degree (September or December).
new jersey requirements for lsw
- You may apply to take ASWB Master's exam in last semester of the MSW program. Download the Application for Pre-approval to sit for ASWB Master's exam from http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/apps.htm#S
- Call to request Application for Pre-approval to sit for ASWB Master's exam (973) 504-6495
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Submit application with $75 fee to:
NJ State Board of Social Work Examiners
PO Box 45033
Newark, NJ 07101 -
Obtain an official transcript from the New York University Office of Degree Verification to send with application.
(Note: It will not be a final transcript. It confirms you are in the last semester of study.) -
NJ Board will send you authorization to sit for exam.
If you take the exam in NY, be certain to indicate that the score should be sent to the NJ Board. - After you have passed the exam , call the NJ Board to request a formal application.
- The application fee of $75 that you previously paid will be applied to your formal application process.
- After you have graduated , obtain an official final transcript that states the degree has been granted from the New York University Office of Degree Verification.
- Send this with your formal application, together with fingerprint history and ASWB exam score.
- Your application must be approved by the New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners, which meets on the 4th Wed. of each month.
- The NJ Board will send you written approval. You must then return a licensure fee to the Board office before you are officially licensed.
- Consult NJ NASW’s website for detailed instructions (www.naswnj.org)
licensing in connecticut
Connecticut does not have a Master's level license.
Requirements for the LCSW in Connecticut:
- MSW
- 3000 hours of supervised experience
- ASWB Clinical or Advanced Generalist Exam
