Licensing FAQs |
NASW-MA offers a number of resources to help you in your journey to licensure including a Licensing Test Prep (LTP) course, a Social Work Licensing Exam Study Resource, and the Member-to-Member Supervision program. The following FAQ is a guide to assist you in furthering your understanding of the licensure process and requirements.
Massachusetts Social Work Licensing Information has been prepared as a service to NASW Members, authorized by The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Work. Update on DSM-5 & Social Work Licensing Exams The American Psychiatric Association (APA) published its 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in May 2013. The 5th edition supersedes the DSM-IV-TR. The current social work licensing exams reflect the content contained in the DSM-IV-TR. No content related to DSM-5 will appear on the exams until July 2015. Licensing Frequently Asked Questions:
WHAT IS THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL WORK?The practice of social work is the rendering or offering to render any clinical social work service, non‐clinical social work service, or case management service, as defined in the Rules and Regulations: 258 CMR 8.05, to any individual, family, or group of individuals for any fee or other form of compensation, monetary or otherwise. For the specific definition of clinical social work service, non‐clinical social work service, and case management go to www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/sw/. WHO MUST BE LICENSED?All persons who practice social work, use the title “social worker” or any derivative thereof, or refer to themselves as practicing social work must be licensed in Massachusetts, unless they are a social worker for the county, state, or municipality, or a social work intern in a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Practicing social work without a license or performing functions reserved for a higher licensing level is cause for disciplinary action. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SOCIAL WORK LICENSING?The purpose of licensing in social work is to assist the public through identification of standards for the safe professional practice of social work. The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Work (The Licensing Board) protects the public by disseminating and enforcing regulations for which licensees are held accountable. It determines eligibility for admission to examinations for social work, conducts examinations and licenses qualified individuals at one of four levels of licensure (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW; Licensed Certified Social Worker, LCSW; Licensed Social Worker, LSW; Licensed Social Work Associate, LSWA). The Board holds meetings, hears complaints, and takes action as required with the assistance of the Divisionʹs legal counsel and investigators. The Rules and Regulations 258 CMR 1.00 ‐ 31.00 contain standards governing professional ethics and practice and explain the qualifications and functions for each license level. Every social worker should have a copy the Regulations. To obtain a copy, contact the State House Bookstore or download it from the Licensing Board’s website: www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/sw/. HOW DO I OBTAIN A LICENSE AND WHAT ARE THE FEES?The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) processes social work licensing applications on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Board of Registration of Social Workers, as authorized by the Division of Professional Licensure. Call 866‐527‐2384 and request a social work license application or visit the ASWB website at www.aswb.org to download an application. Initial New Applicant fee for all licenses is $173.00. Send the completed application, including fee, to ASWB for pre‐screening. Those who meet licensing requirements will be sent written confirmation of your eligibility to test within two weeks. You will also receive scheduling instructions from ASWB as well as a copy of the ASWB Candidate Handbook. All forms and fees should be submitted to:
*Do not send forms to the Licensing Board. Applicants for licensure in Massachusetts must follow the process of either the “New Applicant” section or the “Reciprocity Applicant” section as outlined in the instructions on the application materials. DO I HAVE TO TAKE AN EXAMINATION?Yes. In order to take the ASWB exam, you must first register with ASWB and pay the required exam fee of: $230 for the Associate, Bachelors, and Masters tests, and $260 for the Advanced Generalist and Clinical examinations. To register for the exam call ASWB at 1‐888‐579‐EXAM (3926) or go to www.aswb.org to register online after you have received written confirmation of your eligibility to test. ASWB offers four different categories of licensing exams‐ Clinical, Advanced Generalist, Masters, and Bachelors. Massachusetts, however, does not use the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam. If you are pursuing your
Information about the Licensing Exams:
*You are not considered licensed until you pay your initial licensure fee and are issued a license number. Paying your initial Licensure Fee - Initial Licensure Fees to be paid once all requirements have been met:
HOW CAN I GET THE BEST SCORE ON MY LICENSING EXAM?Preparing for your licensing exam can be easy when you have the right resources! NASW-MA offers a Licensing Test Prep Course which is a one-day, live program that provides an overview of MA licensure regulations and of the examination process, a review of examination content areas, effective test-taking skills, and materials including the Social Work ASWB Exam Guide. NASW-MA also provides a Social Work Licensing Exam Study Resource: 50 Sample Questions & Answers. The questions are authentic and the answers are complete with explanations. This resource is specifically designed to prepare individuals to pass ASWB Social Work Licensing Examinations. (This resource is for Masters Level Exams only.)
Practice makes perfect! Take as many practice tests as possible; you can find free additional online practice tests at www.ASWB.org. WHAT ARE THE OVERALL REQUIREMENTS FOR SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE IN MASSACHUSETTS?This is a summary; applicants must review the Massachusetts regulations for detailed requirements.
* At least one of the professional and/or supervisory references must be licensed as a LICSW or LCSW WHAT IS MY SCOPE OF PRACTICE?LICSWAn individual who holds a license as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) issued by the Board may properly perform or provide any or all of the following functions or services:
LCSWAn individual who holds a license as a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) issued by the Board may properly perform or provide any or all of the following social work functions or services:
LSWAn individual who holds a license as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) issued by the Board may properly perform any or all of the following functions or services:
LSWAAn individual who holds a license as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) issued by the Board may properly perform any or all of the following social work functions or services, provided that all such functions or services are performed as an employee of an agency, health care facility or unrelated individual, under the supervision of a social worker who is licensed or eligible for licensure at the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Social Worker (LSW) level and who provides at least one hour per week of face-to-face supervision, which if provided in a group format may include no more than four supervisees:
WHO CAN I SUPERVISE?LICSWs
LCSWs
LSWs
LSWAs
If you have an LICSW and would like to supervise an aspiring social worker you can join our Member-to-Member Supervision program! This program helps LCSW members obtain LICSW supervision not provided at their worksites. LCSWs' requests are matched by practice specialty, location, interests, and accessibility to public transportation.
HOW CAN I GET SUPERVISION?Most organizations and agencies will provide supervision for you. If your organization or agency does not provide appropriate supervision, you can join our Member-to-Member Supervision program! This program helps LCSW members obtain LICSW supervision not provided at their worksites. LCSWs' requests are matched by practice specialty, location, interests, and accessibility to public transportation.
HOW MANY SUPERVISION HOURS DO I NEED?If you are working under supervision full time (35 or more hours per week) please refer to the chart found under the question “WHAT ARE THE OVERALL REQUIREMENTS FOR SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE IN MASSACHUSETTS?” If you are working less than 35 hours per week, you have a prorated requirement for supervision per week (35 work hours = 1 hour of supervision). However, you must always have at least 1 hour supervision minimum every month (~15 minutes/week). Example:
Additionally, NASW-MA has provided a list of Supervision FAQs.
WHAT ARE MY CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) REQUIREMENTS?All licenses expire on October 1st of every even year. Licensees must complete the required amount of continuing education hours prior to the renewal date of their license. Required CE Hours - LICSW: 30 hours • LCSW: 20 hours • LSW: 15 hours • LSWA: 10 hours See the Rules and Regulations 258 CMR 1.00 ‐ 31.00 for additional information about Social Work CE Requirements. Additionally, NASW-MA has provided a list of Continuing Education FAQs.
HOW AND WHEN DO I NEED TO RENEW MY LICENSE?It is your responsibility to renew your license by October 1 of every even year. This is true even if you received your license just months before the renewal date. Renewals are sent approximately 90 days prior to renewal date and you should receive a computerized license renewal application (which includes CE information). Sign it and return it with the renewal fee to the address indicated. It is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure that the address on file at the Licensing Board is up to date and current. License Renewal Fees - LICSW: $82.00 • LCSW: $68.00 • LSW: $54.00 • LSWA: $42.00 IF YOU DON’T RECEIVE A RENEWAL APPLICATION, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ONE FROM THE LICENSING BOARD. CALL 617‐727‐3064. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY LICENSE LAPSES?Those who miss the October 1 deadline and have an expired license may not practice, regardless of the circumstances. Lapsed Licenses:
Licensees seeking re‐licensure must meet the applicable requirements for initial licensure within the Licensing Board’s Rules & Regulations. Applicants who were “grandfathered” in at the LCSW or LICSW levels must show evidence of an MSW degree from an accredited school of social work. IS THERE RECIPROCITY FOR SOCIAL WORKERS LICENSED OUTSIDE OF MASSACHUSETTS?Social workers licensed in other states must acquire a Massachusetts license in order to practice in this state. Social workers licensed in other states who met substantially equivalent requirements as Massachusetts’, including the appropriate level ASWB examination, may be able to obtain a license without taking an examination. Call 866‐527‐2384 and request a social work license application or visit the ASWB website at www.aswb.org to download a Reciprocity application. < Back to Licensing11/14/2014 |
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