Board of Social Work Examiners

Important Notice(s)

​January ​31, 2024, Email announcement to Social Work licensees to provide ​2024 BSWE Information​:

  • ​NEW CE REQUIREMENT 
  • CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECK
  • IMPLICIT BIAS REQUIREMENT
  • ​LICENSED CERTIFIED SOCIAL WORKER​​

Effective July 1, 2022 all applications for licensure (initial, renewal, reactivation, reinstatement and re-licensure must be submitted through the online application system. Keep a record of your application identification number and your passcode.

Since July 1, 2018 the Board no longer issues letters of good standing or paper verification of licensure. The PRIMARY AND SOLE SOURCE to verify a Maryland social work license is by using the Board's website

It is recommended that the required ORIGINAL documentation associated with applications be mailed using a tracking service AND keep a copy of what you submit to the Board. 

BSW and MSW Official transcripts can be sent electro​​nically to louise.bohle@maryland.gov (BSW/MSW programs must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education www.cswe.org)(No other undergraduate or graduate degrees qualify for social work licensure) ​​

BSW and MSW students in their last semester can apply to take the Bachelors or Masters examination. Applicants just need to answer YES to being in their last semester on the application form.


READ READ READ all directions and instructions carefully and mail all required documentation in one mailing. All required items are mandatory unless otherwise indicated. Any omission may result in your application being deficient or delayed.


READ AND STUDY the social work statute and all the regulations concerning licensure, social work practice, code of ethics, rules and procedure for Board hearings, fees, continuing education requirements, supervision, disciplinary sanctions & monetary penalties and teletherapy.  All fees are non-refundable. 

MD Responds

The Maryland Board of Social Work encourages you to become a member of MD Responds. Administered by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Office of Preparedness and Response (OPR), MD Responds is the primary resource for emergency public health and medical volunteers for the State of Maryland.

For more information, please visit the: MD Responds

To volunteer for the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps, please register using this link Register