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Overview of Social Work Licensing in New Jersey
The State Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE) approves individuals for certification and licensure to practice social work in the State of New Jersey. There are three levels of social work practice: certified social workers (CSW), licensed social workers (LSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
Social workers who would like to be licensed in NJ need to get an application from the BSWE. You can go to their web site at http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/social/, click on "Applications," and print the correct application for your level of certification/licensure. If you cannot get the application on line, contact the BSWE in writing to receive your application packet. Be sure to request the application for the appropriate licensing level or for certification.
If you are applying for a NJ License (LSW or LCSW) and have not yet taken the ASWB exam, PRINT, COMPLETE AND MAIL IN THE PREAUTHORIZATION FORM FIRST in order to get approval to take the ASWB exam. After you pass the exam, you can complete and send in your license application.
State Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE)
PO Box 45033
Newark, NJ 07101
(973) 504-6495
http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/social/swlic.htm
Contact for: Application for master's level exam (LSW), clinical level exam (LCSW), LSW and LCSW licensing applications, and CSW certification application, and for specific licensing questions or requests.
NASW-NJ
The New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers is a diverse membership organization that promotes, develops, and strengthens the professional practice of social work and social workers. Through advocacy and public policy, NASW-NJ affects progressive social change and social justice for individuals, families, and communities.
NASW-NJ assists members and New Jersey social workers with licensing inquiries. Most of your questions can be answered by visiting the Frequently Asked Questions section.
If you need additional assistance, you can contact us via the licensing hotline or email. Priority is given to NASW-NJ members.
Licensing hotline voicemail: (732) 248-1590 x42
Licensing email requests: Licensing@naswnj.org
Social Work Licensing and Certification in NJ Brochure
Click here for a summary of licensure and certification in New Jersey.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
www.aswb.org
Contact for: To take LSW or LCSW exam
Levels of Licensure and Certification
Anyone practicing social work or called a social worker unless working as a school social worker, certified by the Department of Education,or as a civil service employee of state, county, or local government must be licensed or certified and obtain Continuing Education Credits for their level of practice.
Continuing Education Credits are required for each renewal period. For the biennial (two year) period September 1, 2008 through August 31, 2010, an applicant for a license or certification renewal shall complete the applicable continuing education credits as follows:
A LCSW shall complete a minimum of 40 credits of continuing education, of which at least 20 of the 40 credits shall be in courses or programs directly related to clinical practice, five credits must be related to ethics, and 3 credits must be related to social and cultural competency. If the LCSW earns more than 40 credits during a biennial period, the LCSW may carry a maximum of eight surplus credits into a succeeding biennial period, of which two may be in courses or programs directly related to clinical practice;
A LSW shall complete a minimum of 30 credits of continuing education, five of which must be related to ethics, and 3 credits must be related to social and cultural competency. If the LSW earns more than 30 credits during a biennial period, the LSW may carry a maximum of six surplus credits into a succeeding biennial period; and
A CSW shall complete a minimum of 20 credits of continuing education, five of which must be related to ethics, and 3 credits must be related to social and cultural competency. If the CSW earns more than 20 credits during a biennial period, the CSW may carry a maximum of four surplus credits into a succeeding biennial period.
If an applicant initially obtains a license or certificate within the second year of a biennial license period, the applicant shall complete not fewer than one-half of the minimum required credits of continuing education, three credits of which shall be in ethics related courses. A LCSW shall complete a least 10 of the 20 credits in programs which directly relate to clinical practice.
NJ Statutes and Regulations
The Statutes and Regulations is the law and the rules which regulate the profession of social work in New Jersey. Licensed and certified social workers can find answers to questions regarding social work licensing and certification in this document. We encourage you to read over the Statutes and Regulations and familiarize yourself with the content. The licensing frequently asked question section of our website offers a link to language in the Statutes and Regulations relevant to each question.
NJ Statutes http://www.state.nj.us/oag/ca/laws/sociallaws.pdf
NJ Regulations (updated 5-09) http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/laws/socialregs.pdf
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