Looking to become a social worker in North Dakota? You’ve come to the right spot! While there are similarities in licensing requirements from state to state, each state is unique. In addition to providing the essentials below, you can click the link we have provided for North Dakota’s official licensing body. There you can find additional information on potential requirements like background checks, state-to-state license transfers, and continuing education requirements. We hope this handy guide assists in your efforts to become a certified social worker in your state!
Image Source
In North Dakota, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designation Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is granted to social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. The designations Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) require education at at least the master’s level.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is the basic licensing level. The LSW must have a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university whose social work program is approved or accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The candidate for the LSW licensure must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board, then the LSW is prepared to assume the beginning level professional role in public and private social service agencies.
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE and hold a current LSW license. The LCSW candidate must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. The LCSW should be able to demonstrate skill and interventions directly related to individuals, families, groups, communities, or organizations.
The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and hold a current LCSW license. The LICSW must: have received two years (3000 hours) or more of postgraduate continuing supervision and pass the clinical-level exam as prescribed by the Board. By law, the assessment, diagnosis, and/or treatment of addictions is within the scope of practice for LICSW’s.
A social worker licensed in North Dakota must complete thirty (30) approved continuing education contact hours for the two-year licensing period to maintain licensure in North Dakota. All licenses have the same two-year licensing period, January 1 of the even-numbered year to December 31 of the odd-numbered year. No more than ten (10) contact hours may be completed by self-study/distance learning methods. At least two (2) contact hours must concern social work ethics. The required hours must be completed before you renew your social work license.
LSW Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Supervision: N/A
- ASWB Exam: Bachelor’s-Level
LCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: N/A
- ASWB Exam: Clinical
LICSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical