North Dakota

Social Work Licensure in North Dakota

Find Education Requirements in North Dakota for one of the following:

North Dakota is considered to be part of the Midwest and is one of the least densely populated states in the US. North Dakota is known not only for its frigid winters, but also for the hospitality of its inhabitants. If you like the peace and quiet that comes with wide open spaces then there is no question that North Dakota is great place to live. North Dakota is also a great state to start your licensed Social Work career in. It is important to remember that there can always be updates or changes to a state’s rules and regulations. It is extremely important to stay informed with current regulations is the state’s website on licensure. Here is the website for the State of North Dakota:

There are three different kinds of social work licenses in North Dakota: Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).

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Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

  • If you wish to attain the title Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in North Dakota, you must first get a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
  • You must currently be working for an agency or organization in Social Work. You will also need to provide three references including a field supervisor, social worker and faculty supervisor. There will also be a state and federal criminal check and Child Abuse Central Index checks will be required.
  • Finally, you must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s Level Exam scoring a minimum of 70.
  • To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 30 contact hours of continuing education.

Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

  • If you wish to attain the title Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in North Dakota, you must first get a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
  • You must currently be working for an agency or organization in Social Work. You will also need to provide three references including a field supervisor, social worker and faculty supervisor.
  • There will also be a state and federal criminal check and Child Abuse Central Index checks will be required.
  • Finally, you must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Exam.
  • To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 30 contact hours of continuing education.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

  • If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Dakota, you must first get a Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
  • To attain your license, you will need to accrue 3,000 hours of professional Social Work supervised practice. You will need to log these hours over not less than two years or more than four years. The supervision must be by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
  • Once you have completed and sent in your application you may apply with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for their Clinical Level exam. Once you pass the test you will be eligible to receive your new title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Dakota.
  • To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 30 contact hours of continuing education.