Social Work Licenses

What License Do I Need?

In Oregon, the practice of clinical social work is protected per ORS 675.523. Any person seeking licensure in Oregon must apply. Out of state licenses do not transfer. Follow the step by step application instructions found on the Applications page.

A person may not practice clinical social work unless the person is a clinical social worker licensed under the State of Oregon, or a clinical social work associate certified by the Board of Licensed Social Workers in Oregon.

Semi-Retired LCSW also known as Reduced Requirements

A Semi-Retired status is an Active license with reduced work and renewal requirements. Only Available to LCSW's renewing who qualify, not available to new applicants.

The LCSW must meet certain requirements to qualify for the reduced requirements. Must have been licensed under the jurisdiction of a state board for at least 20 years

Must have not been disciplined by a licensing authority for the past 15 years
Will not engage in more than 500 hours of clinical practice per year.
After initial status change, CE requirements will drop to 20 per renewal period, including 6 in Ethics.
Fee charged will be that of the Semi-retired as of the first renewal after the status change.

Inactive Status

Only Available to LCSW's renewing. Not available to new applicants.

An inactive status of the CSWA and LCSW prevents the licensee to practice clinical social work and/or represent themselves as a licensed social worker. In addition, they may not use the title of Social Worker, CSWA, or LCSW without also stating "Inactive" preceding the title. Both licenses may reactivate with the proper channels through the board.

An Inactive RBSW and LMSW may still practice non clinical social work as the employer allows, however they may no longer use the title of licensed social worker, or represent themselves as a social worker licensed in the state of Oregon,.

All license holders through Oregon Board of License Social Workers either hold a BSW, or an MSW. That title may always be used regardless of the licensure status.

Clinical Licenses

Clinical Social Work means A specialty within the practice of master's social work that requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advance clinical skills to the ASSESSMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT OF MENTAL, EMOTIONAL OR BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS OR CONDITIONS including but not limited to those identified in the DSM.

Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA)

The first step in obtaining a clinical license. A CSWA is a clinical Social work associate obtaining clinical experience needed to obtain the LCSW while under approved supervision. A CSWA is expected to practice clinical social work in an Agency to qualify.

You will need a CSWA if you:

Have an MSW
Are an MSW currently under supervision in another state.
Are a newly licensed clinical social worker in another state that has not met the Oregon licensure requirements.
Are an MSW Graduate pursuing the clinical track to an LCSW.

Application Fees:

$260

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

You qualify to be an LCSW if you:

Are currently or previously licensed in another state.
Meet the following LCSW requirements:

3500 hours post MSW experience
2000 of those hours are direct client
100 hours of supervision with at least 50 being individual.
a minimum of 24 months of supervised experience.

Have passed the ASWB clinical level exam.
Have an MSW

Application Fees:

$460

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Exam Candidate

The LCSW Candidate is offered to an applicant who otherwise meets our LCSW requirements except has not passed the ASWB Clinical exam. THIS IS NOT A LICENSE TO PRACTICE, and you will not receive a license or license number until after you pass the ASWB exam. Should you need to practice prior to passing the exam, you will need to apply for the CSWA and do so under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. This candidacy will allow you to register and schedule the exam with ASWB.

You qualify to be an LCSW Exam Candidate if you:

Are currently or previously licensed in another state
Have met Oregon LCSW Requirements:

3500 hours post MSW experience
2000 of those hours are direct client
100 hours of supervision with at least 50 being individual.

a minimum of 24 months of supervised experience.

Have an MSW
NEED TO TAKE AND PASS THE ASWB CLINICAL EXAM

Application Fees:

$460

Non Clinical Licenses

Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW)

The practice of baccalaureate social work means the basic, generalist practice of social work that includes assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, information and referral, counseling, nonclinical supervision, consultation, education, advocacy, community organization, and the development and administration of policies, programs or activities.

BSW Level

Requires degree to be a Baccalaureate in Social Work

Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules

Application Fees:

$150

RBSW Exam Requirement

If you have not currently taken the ASWB Bachelors level exam, you will be required to do so before licensure. Upon approval of the application, exam authorization will be given to ASWB. The authorization lasts one year, with the opportunity of an extension.

Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW)

Practice of master’s social work is characterized by the application of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of assessment, treatment planning, implementation or evaluation, case management or referral, counseling, nonclinical supervision, consultation, education, research, advocacy, community organization, or the development, implementation or administration or policies, programs or activities.

MSW level

Requires degree to be a Masters in Social Work.

Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules

Application Fees:

$200

LMSW Exam Requirement

If you have not currently taken the ASWB Masters level exam, you will be required to do so before licensure. Upon approval of the application, exam authorization will be given to ASWB. The authorization lasts one year, with the opportunity of an extension.