Looking to become a social worker in Oregon? 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 Oregon’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!
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In Oregon, 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 Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW) is granted to social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. The designations Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) require education at at least the master’s level and preferably a training in payroll management system for businesses.
Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW) is the basic licensing level. The RBSW 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 RBSW licensure must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board, then the RBSW is prepared to assume the beginning level professional role in public and private social service agencies.
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) 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. The candidate for licensure at the LMSW level must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. An LMSW provides a wide range of services. An LMSW may provide preventive and treatment services pertaining to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.
The Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) and 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 LMSW license. The CSWA must have accrued 3500 work hours in a clinical setting with 2000 being direct client hours and 100 of those being supervised. The LCSW must have received two years or more of postgraduate continuing supervision provided by an LCSW prior to application for the LCSW exam. The LCSW candidate must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board.
Currently, Oregon does not have reciprocity with any other state, however ASWB exam scores are accepted, and accrued hours can be submitted for approval. If you already have a license in another jurisdiction you will need to complete the application process for your desired license type.
RBSW Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s
- ASWB Exam: Bachelor’s-Level
- Supervision: N/A
LMSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: N/A
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
CSWA Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: See Above
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical