Are you looking to become a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in Minnesota? TinyEYE is here to guide you through the process with this easy-to-read, comprehensive guide. Whether you're applying by examination or endorsement, we've got you covered!
License Requirements
Applying by Examination
If you do not have a current social work license in another state or jurisdiction, you will need to apply by examination. Here are the requirements under Minnesota Statutes section 148E.055:
- Academic Degree: A master's degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work, or a similar accreditation body that the board designates, or a doctorate in social work from an accredited university.
- Examination: Passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Advanced Generalist exam.
- Criminal Background Check: All applicants for initial licensure must complete a criminal background check (CBC) under Minnesota Statutes section 214.075, unless you hold a current permanent or temporary social work license in Minnesota.
- Supervised Practice: Documentation of 4,000 hours of nonclinical supervised practice is required.
- Ethical Standards: Must not have engaged in conduct in violation of the Board's ethical standards of practice.
Applying by Endorsement
If you have a current social work license in another state or jurisdiction, you will need to apply by endorsement. Here are the requirements under Minnesota Statutes section 148E.055:
- Active Social Work License: Hold an active license or credential as an advanced practice graduate or master's level social worker in another jurisdiction.
- Academic Degree: Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Criminal Background Check: All applicants for initial licensure must complete a criminal background check (CBC) under Minnesota Statutes section 214.075, unless you hold a current permanent or temporary social work license in Minnesota.
- Ethical Standards: Must not have engaged in conduct in violation of the Board's ethical standards of practice.
Processing Time, Deadlines, and Important Information
Plan ahead! Getting your permanent license involves multiple steps and generally takes at least three months—in many cases, it takes longer. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Applications are reviewed in order of date received, and initial application review typically takes between 30 and 60 days from the date an application is received by the Board.
- Review application requirements and submit required documentation to avoid delays in processing your application.
- If you are eligible, a temporary license allows you to begin authorized social work practice for a time-limited period and can typically be issued more quickly than a permanent license.
- Applications remain open for one year from the date your application and fee are received by the Board. If you do not complete all application requirements by the one-year deadline, your application will close, and you will need to reapply, pay another fee, and may need to complete another CBC.
- Log in to Online Services to check your application status. Review your online application checklist regularly and look at the comments added by Board staff on each item for details.
- Update your email and mailing address: The Board will contact you about your application via mail. If your address changes, log in to Online Services to update your mailing address.
For more information, please follow this link.
