Looking to become a social worker in South 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 South 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!
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In South 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 designations Social Worker (SW) and Social Work Associate (SWA) can be granted to social workers with bachelor’s degrees. The designations Certified Social Worker (CSW) and Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice (CSWP) require education at at least the master’s level.
Social Worker (SW) and Social Work Associate (SWA) are the basic licensing levels. The SW must have a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university while the SWA needs to have a Bachelor’s degrees in a nonsocial work field or discipline or an associate of arts degree in the human services in a program approved by the Board from a junior college, college, or university approved by the Board. Both candidates must then pass the bachelor’s level exam as prescribed by the Board.
The Certified Social Worker (CSW) 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 CSW level must pass the masters-level exam as prescribed by the Board. A CSW provides a wide range of services. A CSW may provide preventive and treatment services pertaining to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.
The Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice (CSWP) 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 CSW license. The CSWP must have received a minimum of two years of postgraduate supervised experience provided by a CSWP prior to application for the clinical-level exam. The CSWP candidate must then pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. The CSWP may supervise CSW’s.
One CEU (continuing education unit) is equal to 10 contact hours of participation in a noncredit organized continuing education program conducted by an approved sponsor. Therefore, if you attend a program approved for .6 CEU’s, it is the same as 6 contact hours. You must complete 30 contact hours in your two year licensure period, or 3 CEU’s in order to renew your license.
SW/SWA Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s
- ASWB Exam: Bachelor’s-Level
- Supervision: N/A
CSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: N/A
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
CSWP Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical