Social Work Licensing FAQ’s

Do I need permission from the Utah licensing board before I take my exam?

No, you can register and take the exam without permission from DOPL. 

When can I take the exam?

You are eligible to take the exam after your degree is POSTED.  Clear all fees, fines and obligations with your university or college!

What if I do not pass the exam?

You are eligible for a six month temporary CSW intern license.  Apply for the CSW-i license.  The hours you accumulate with the intern license cannot be applied toward licensure as an LCSW.

If I do not pass the exam, when can I retake it?

You can retake the exam in 90 days.

How many questions are on the exam?

There are 170 multiple choice questions, only 150 of the 170 are scored.  The remaining 20 are pre-test questions (basically, they are being tested for possible inclusion in a future exam).

How can I prepare for the exam?

You can attend a licensing prep course or purchase study materials.  A study guide is available for sale by the Utah Chapter, NASW (online or in the office).  NASW also sponsors a prep course every spring.  For a comprehensive list of resources, visit the Utah Chapter website www.utnasw.org , click on “licensing.”

How do I order my official transcripts?

Call or visit the website for your university registrar’s office.  They may insist that you generate a written request, so start early!

Can I work without my CSW license?

In Utah, you cannot engage in supervised clinical practice until you have verification of licensure as a CSW.  If you are hired by an agency before you have this license, you are limited to non-clinical duties.

Can I hire a supervisor?

No.  In Utah, your supervisor must be employed by your agency.  If your agency does not have an LCSW on staff, it is their responsibility to hire and compensate (on a contractual basis) an LCSW-level supervisor, who meets the supervision requirements.

Do I need continuing education as a CSW?

No, CSW’s are not required to accrue ceu’s.  However, LCSW’s are required to have 40 hours of continuing education every two years.

Can I transfer my license to another state?

Licensing requirements are established by each state.  Some states allow reciprocity, others do not.  Call the state licensing board in the prospective state to learn more about transferring your license.  Go to ASWB website www.aswb.org for a list of state licensing boards, or conduct a keyword search.

Can I have more than one supervisor?

Yes, if you change jobs or move to Utah from a different state, you may have more than one supervisor verify your clinical hours.  Have each supervisor fill out a form.  If you were supervised by an out of state supervisor, you may be asked to enclose their resume.

I’m moving, and need to send my test scores to my new state/province. How do I do that?

Request a “score transfer” through ASWB. Call 1-888-579-3926, or make the request online at www.aswb.org.

Will the exam scores transfer?

Yes.  Providing the state uses the same exam level you took or are taking, you can have your scores sent to that state and not have to re-take the exam. Some states in the U.S. put limits on how “old” a score can be. At present, five years is the most stringent restriction in place.

I’m moving to/from California. Will my exam scores transfer?

Probably not.  Currently, California is the only state that uses a state-specific examination for social work licensing. Your scores on the ASWB examinations will not be accepted for purposes of licensure in California;  likewise, very few states accept a California exam score as a substitute for the ASWB examination.  To view the requirements for social work licensure in California, click here.