NDBSWE North Dakota Licensure Information
Effective March 1, 2008, according to NDCC 43-41-04.2, all applicants for licensure shall be required to submit to a statewide and nationwide criminal history check as well as consent to a Child Abuse Information Index Check and authorization for the ND Department of Human Services or its designee to release to the Board reports of decisions that services are required for child abuse or neglect filed pursuant to NDCC 50-25.1-05.2. [Applicants who hold a current North Dakota license and are applying for an upgrade of their current licenses are not required to complete the criminal history checks and the Child Abuse Information Index Check.]
All information obtained from the ND Department of Human Services or its designee is confidential and closed to the public except that it may be disclosed for use in an adjudicative or judicial proceeding.
All costs associated with obtaining a background check and the Child Abuse Information Index Check are the responsibility of the applicant.
Once your application for license is received by the Board office, a Criminal History Record Check Request form and two (2) fingerprint cards will be mailed to you. Complete the form and mail it back to the Board office along with the two (2) fingerprint cards containing your set of prints. Both cards must be printed on and submitted directly to the Board office.
The cost to run the criminal history checks is $47.25. you must submit a check or money order for $47.25, made payable to the North Dakota Attorney General along with the form and both fingerprint cards to the Board office. You may get fingerprinted at your local law enforcement agency. Please call ahead, as fingerprinting may only be offered on certain week days. There may be an additional cost for fingerprinting depending on the agency you go to.
Initial Application for Licensure
NOTICE - Prior to earning clinical supervision hours for achieving LICSW status, you must submit a Supervision Plan to the Board office for approval! For more information, see the Requirements for Licensure.
The beginning date for approved supervision plans is the date the plan is received by the Board office. Supervision hours earned before that date will not count. You do not need to pass the Clinical level exam prior to submitting and beginning your supervision plan
Licensing Fees:
Application $25.00
Licensure $75.00
Test $175
If you have any questions regarding the licensure process or questions on how to properly complete the forms you may email ndbswe@aptnd.com
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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Regarding LicensureQ: What are the levels and qualifications for social work licensure in North Dakota?
A: Three levels of practice are licensed. A Licensed Social Worker (LSW) holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and is limited to working for an agency or organization. A Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) holds a master’s or doctorate degree in social work and must also work for an agency or organization. A Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker holds a master’s or doctorate degree in social work and has successfully completed within four years, three thousand (3,000) hours of post-master's clinical social work experience. A Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker may practice independently and is eligible for reimbursement by third party insurance payers. North Dakota social workers at all levels of licensure are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education each licensing period.
Q: Must you have a social work degree to be licensed in North Dakota?
A: In North Dakota you have to have a degree in social work from an accredited school to be licensed.
No other degree is accepted.Q: What is the process for reinstatement of licensure?
A: To reinstate your license after the renewal date has passed you must start at the beginning. This means you must file an application, application fee, licensure fee, official transcript, repeat the exam, and provide three references.
Q: Does North Dakota have reciprocity with other states?
A: No, when applying for licensure you must have the Verification of Out of State Licensure Form filled out by the board in the state where you are licensed. If that states qualifications do not meet the same qualifications as North Dakota you must meet North Dakota’s requirements.
Q: What if I fail to renew my license?
A: If you do not renew by Dec. 31st, you are no longer licensed and able to practice social work in North Dakota until you have fulfilled all requirements for renewal. You must re-apply for licensure including a re-take of the exam.
Q: Upon receipt of my license may I engage in the private/independent practice of social work?
A: Only Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers may engage in the private/independent practice of social work.
Q: When and where may I take the examination?
A: You may register to take the examination after the Board approves your application for licensure and notifies you of your eligibility. The Board currently uses the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examinations. The examinations are administered by ACT in Minot State University and The Skills & Technology Training Center in Fargo.
Q: If I fail the examination, may I retake it?
A: Yes, but you must wait 90 days before retaking the examination
Q: Does North Dakota have a temporary or provisional license?
A: NO. This means if you fail the examination, you are unable to practice social work in North Dakota until you have passed the test and been licensed.
Q: Please explain the supervision required to become a LICSW.
A: To become a LICSW you must have 3000 hours of post-graduate, supervised clinical experience earned within 2 to 4 years. (Supervision must be obtained by a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or a LCSW with more than 2 years of experience.) See Requirements for Licensure.
NDBSWE | Box 914 - 2900 E Broadway | Bismarck, ND 58502-0914
Voice (701) 222-0255 - Fax (701) 224-9824 Email ndbswe@aptnd.com