Social Work Licensure
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) creates and administers the social work licensure exam. Iowa law requires completion of the appropriate ASWB exam for each level of social work licensure. Some jobs require social work licensure, whereas others do not.
In Iowa, there are three levels of licensure:
- Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW; requires completion of a Bachelor's degree in social work through a CSWE accredited program plus s passing score on ASWB Bachelor's level exam)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW; requires completion of a Master's degree in social work through a CSWE accredited program plus a passing score on the ASWB Master's level exam)
- Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW; requires the equivalent of at least 2 years full-time supervised experience post-MSW degree plus a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam)
If you are interested in licensure in other states, you will need to consult the specific state's licensing board for their requirements.
Steps to sit for the Licensure Exam:
- Apply to the State of Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing for permission to test.
- There is a testing application fee with the option to request a fee waiver. As of December 2023, the application fee was $123.
- If you have already completed your degree, you will need to request (through MyUniverse) and submit your final transcripts directly to the state.
- Current students interested in taking the licensing exam prior to graduation (no earlier than the 1st week of the semester of your final semester in the program), should email the department secretary to request a letter from the department affirming your anticipated graduation date to include with your application materials. Upon the completion of your degree, you will still need to provide the state with your final transcripts.
- There is a testing application fee with the option to request a fee waiver. As of December 2023, the application fee was $123.
- If you have already completed your degree, you will need to request (through MyUniverse) and submit your final transcripts directly to the state.
- Once approved by the State, you will then need to register through ASWB for the exam. As of December 2023, the registration fee for both the Bachelor's and the Master's Exams was $230.
- Prep for the exam. There are online licensing exam prep materials available for check out at UNI's Rod Library. Faculty will provide additional resources as available. Additional resources are available for purchase from a number of outside entities.
- Sit for the exam. You will register through ASWB for a testing date and time. Testing locations are available across the state.
Additional Resources:
- So you need to get your license? Follow these steps!
- ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) Examination Candidate Handbook
- Directory of Black Hawk/Bremer/Buchanan County Licensed Mental Health Professionals
(Let Jenny Becker know of any changes needed)
NASW:
UNI does not offer exam classes but you can access the NASW Iowa Chapter online prep training any time through Passitpro™