Archived Workgroup on Social Worker Requirements for Licensure

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About the Workgroup

​​Purpose- The Workgroup on Social Work Licensure Requirements was established by SB 871 (Chapter 228​) in response to disparities across race, age, and language in the passage rate for the Social Work Licensure Exam. The workgroup will examine current social worker licensure requirements, and identify potential alternatives to the current examination and licensure process. The workgroup will make recommendations on how to implement potential alternatives in order to reduce barriers and bias for future social work examinees. ​
 

Committee Wor​kgroup ​​Subgroups

​ ​

1)   Policy: Board of Social Work, Disability and Accommodations,
      Certification and Requirements (List of Items not Exhaustive)
2)   Universities/Schools/Programs of Social Work: Curriculum,
       CSWE Requirements  (List of Items not Exhaustive)
3)   Testing Barriers: Cost of Preparation, Exam Fees, Testing
       Locations, Disability and Accommodations (List of Items not
       Exhaustive)
4)   Recommendations on Testing:  The mandate for this group is
      twofold:
                a)   Recommendations on continuing the use of the ASWB
                      exam for the LBSW and LMSW, whether to establish
                      a temporary license for those who meet the LBSW. 
                      LMSW requirements but have not passed the ASWB
                      exam, how supervision could be provided to 
                      LBSWs/LMSWs at no cost to the licensees.

                b)   Complete Licensure Examinations as stipulated by
                       SB871 Section2, Subsection h (found on page 8 of
                       Senate Bill 871​).



 

Contact​

​ ​
Point of contact for any questions: 

Cynthia Whitehead

[email protected]

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​Last updated:  02-11-2026