ARIZONA SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE
If you are considering social work practice in the field of behavioral health you are required to apply for Baccalaureate Social Work Licensure (LBSW) or Master Social Work Licensure (LMSW). For the other areas of social work practice (for example administration, community practice, or case management) licensure is voluntary. Please consult the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiner's website to review the specifics of the Social Work Licensure Requirements to determine whether or not licensure is applicable to your career plans.
TIPS ON HOW TO PRE-PREPARE FOR YOUR LICENSURE APPLICATION: LBSW AND LMSW
- For complete information on the requirements and application process, please check the AzBBHE web site: http://www.bbhe.state.az.us/ Please note that this tip sheet is intended to guide NAU graduates on where to obtain information on the licensing process. This is NOT an official AzBBHE notice.
- Transcripts: The licensure application process requires that you request an official copy of your university transcripts to verify your BSW or MSW degree. Prior to your actual graduation date you may request an official copy of your transcript (with your degree posted) to be mailed to you (do not mail to the AzBBHE). Once your degree is posted an official set of your transcripts will be forwarded to you. You would then include the sealed official transcript with your application. You may request your transcripts from the NAU Registrar's Office. Be sure to indicate that you want a "hold request" to facilitate the posting of your final grades and degree.
- Data Reports: The application process requires that within 90 days of your application date that you acquire the following reports: National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and Health Care Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB). Information on how to obtain these reports is found at the AzBBHE web site. You would submit the sealed NPDB and HIPDB reports with your application. If you intend to apply for licensure immediately upon graduation, you may time your request for these reports to coincide with the early request of you official transcripts.
- Examination: To be licensed as a LBSW or LMSW, you are required to take a licsensing examination. Examination information is found at the AzBBHE web site. The examination can only be taken after you have submitted your application to the AzBBHE and received an official approval to take the exam.
- Application Time Frame: Typically it will take up to ninety (90) days to process an application.
- LCSW: The next level of licensure for Master Social Workers is the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Please consult the AzBBHE web page for the specific requirements for the LCSW. The requirements will guide you in your selection of your first behavioral health employment. The AzBBHE web page will inform you of the number of work experience hours and clinical supervision hours required for the LCSW and the required qualification for the clinical supervisor.
- Accreditation Information: The NAU Social Work Program was accredited originally in May 1991 retroactive to 1988 by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program was re-affirmed in June, 2003 for another 8 years. NAU is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS).
