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The Licensure Process

The application process involves filling out the application, passing a written test at an acceptable level (the ASWB test), and paying a fee (which is expensive compared to Wisconsin).  The license is renewable every two years, depending upon when you are licensed.

You must first submit your application to the address below, including all forms and affidavits required at the time of application as directed in the application packets.  Once your eligibility for taking the examination is verified by the Board, you will be sent information about the examination and how it is to be scheduled.  MINNESOTA WANTS NEW GRADUATES TO APPLY FOR LICENSURE RIGHT AWAY! THE STATUTE SAYS YOU CANNOT TAKE ON ANY HUMAN SERVICE POSITION WITHOUT IT!!! 

Step 1: Send in a completed, signed and notarized application and the application fee, including the form and fee for the Criminal Background check.

*Applicants who have a disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicants for whom English is a second language (ESL) may ask for reasonable accommodations by sending in the applicable form included with the application materials.

Step 2: Send an ‘official’ copy of your transcript which verifies major, degree granted and date of the degree.

Step 3: As A BSW level person you will NOT send in the supervisor verification form AT THE TIME OF YOUR APPLICATION; however, you will need to assure yourself that the proper supervision for the LSW level of licensure is maintained by you as soon as you become licensed. 

Step 4: A verification of license form if you are coming under a reciprocity agreement.

Continuing Education Requirements

You must obtain and report 40 hours of acceptable continuing education (60 minute hours with 50 minutes minimum time of learning each hour) every two years.  Keep records in case of an audit for 1 year.  The training programs which apply and acceptable types of continuing ed activities are noted in the student handbook.

Continuing Supervision Requirements

As soon as you are employed in an agency as a social work or in carrying out the duties of a social worker (this means no matter what the job is called), you must have the appropriate supervision.  In most cases this is readily available within your agency setting.  However, if it is not you must arrange for it with a qualified person. As an LSW, you will need to meet a one time requirement of 100 hours of supervision for 4,000 hours of practice.  You must submit (within 30 days of employment) and get a Supervision Plan approved.  You may be supervised by an LSW who has already completed the supervised practice requirement, and LGSW, LISW or LICSW.  You will be required to verify supervision received at the time you submit your licensure renewal application.

Required Criminal Background Check

To become licensed the applicant must undergo a criminal background check.  Convictions of crimes or pending charges may be grounds for denial of the social work credential if the circumstances of the conviction or charge are substantially related to professional practice as defined in the Minnesota statutes.  Again, check with the Board if you have questions.

Costs

Cost for licensure include (these prices can change anytime):

• Application to the Board of Social Work, including the criminal background check: $78.25
• Application to take the Association of Social Work exam: $230
• Initial licensure: $81

TOTAL COST FOR INITIAL LICENSURE: $389.25 These prices can also change at any time!!  Be aware!

Information For Students Affected By The Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Policy

As stated by staff at the Minnesota Board of Social Work on April 22, 2019:

“The Board is required to follow all statutory requirements related to issuing licenses.  In addition to meeting the education, exam and supervision requirements in the social work practice act (MN Statutes 148E), an applicant must also have a social security number or individual taxpayer ID number in order to be issued a license.   This requirement of the Board is found in MN Statutes 270C.72, Subd 4.  I have copied this section of Minnesota Statues below for your review:

270C.72 TAX CLEARANCE; ISSUANCE OF LICENSES.

Subd. 4.Licensing authority; duties.

All licensing authorities must require the applicant to provide the applicant’s Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number and Minnesota business identification number, as applicable, on all license applications. Upon request of the commissioner, the licensing authority must provide the commissioner with a list of all applicants, including the name, address, business name and address, and Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number and business identification number, as applicable, of each applicant. The commissioner may request from a licensing authority a list of the applicants no more than once each calendar year.

MINNESOTA MERIT SYSTEM

The Minnesota Merit System is the means through which most public social work positions in counties throughout the state may be accessed.  These include jobs in counties like Child Support Officer, Family-based Services Provider, and County Agency Social Worker (BSW level). There are some counties, including St. Louis County, which are exceptions to this system.  Contact the personnel offices of those counties directly.  I have attached the latest website material linking you to county employment in Minnesota.

Many Minnesota and County positions must be applied for using the Merit System process.  In most cases there is also an examination (not the same as the ASWB, but similar).  There is a recent change in the law which says that if you have passed the Minnesota licensure exam, you may be listed in the system without taking their exam.

If you wish to enter the Merit System in order to be under consideration for public jobs, you may call or write to the address and number listed below.  Read the materials carefully and follow directions.  Call them if you have questions.