FAQs  About Licensing

 

1.       I have a LSW but it expires on June 30, 2004 how do I renew it?

You should have received a renewal notice in the mail from the Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).  If you did not, then they do not have your current address and you need to contact them to correct your address. To contact DCCA: Address: DCCA-PVL, P.O. Box 3469, Honolulu, HI 96801, Attn: SW,   Phone: (808) 586-2693  Email: social_worker@dcca.hawaii.gov

You can renew your license online at www.ehawaii.gov/pvlrenew

 

2.      I have a LSW and want to get the LCSW that goes into effect on July 1, 2004. Do I need to renew my LSW?

If you can complete the requirements for the LCSW by July 1, 2004 then  you do not need to renew your LSW. You can apply for the LCSW now by contacting DCCA or downloading the application from:

http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/areas_social_worker.html

If you cannot complete the requirements for the LCSW by July 1, 2004 then “yes” you will need to renew your LSW and then apply for the LCSW when you have completed those requirements

 

3.      I have a LSW and want to get the LCSW, do I have to submit transcripts again?

When you submit the application for the LCSW, DCCA will check their files to see if your transcripts are on file. If they have your transcripts, you will not need to submit another transcript, however, if they do not have your transcripts, they will send you a deficiency notice to let you know that you need to have transcripts sent from directly from your school to DCCA.


NOTE:  UH students were able to have  their LSW application processed  simply by having their name on a list sent from UH Graduate Division to DCCA. If you did not follow up and send official transcripts to DCCA after receiving your LSW, they do not have transcripts on file for you.

 

4.      How do I show proof of having 3000 hours of clinical experience under supervision?

If you have the QCSW or DCSW, you must request that a letter of verification be sent directly from NASW (national) to DCCA. You can email your request to bprather@naswdc.org

If you have a BCD, you must request that a letter of verification be sent directly from ABE to DCCA. Information about ABE can be found at  http://www.abecsw.org/

If you do not have a QCSW, DCSW or BCD and was supervised by a clinical social worker, you can have your supervisor complete, sign and notarize the form that is provided in the LCSW application. Make sure that the clinical hours have met the requirements in #3 under “licensing requirements”  in the application.

If you were supervised by a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice nurse, you have until June 30, 2009 to count supervision by these professions. You need to have them complete, sign and notarize the supervision form that is in the LCSW application form. Make sure that the clinical hours have met the requirements in #3 under “licensing requirements” in the application.

 

5.      I have a license from another state that also required 3000 hours of clinical experience.  Can I submit a letter from that state’s licensing board to verify the completion of 3000 hours?

No, DCCA will not accept a letter from another licensing board to verify completion of 3000 hours of clinical supervision because our licensing law is specific about how those hours should be divided. You will need to complete the supervision form provided with the LCSW application or get a QCSW.

 

6.      I took the ASWB exam in another state.  Do I need to take the exam again?

No,  you do not need to retake the ASWB exam if it is the same level exam that is required for the license you are applying for (ie, if you are applying for the LSW and have taken the Master’s level, previously Intermediate level exam, or if you are applying for the LCSW and have taken the Clinical level exam).

You can request a score transfer from ASWB.  Go to:  https://www.aswb.org/score_request.php   or call ASWB in Culpeper, Virginia at: 1-(800) 225-6880

 

7.      How do I sign up to take the clinical exam?

Before July 1, 2004- If you have the LSW but took the ASWB intermediate exam or the ACSW exam to get your license, you can call ASWB (1-888-579-EXAM ) to sign up to take the clinical exam.
 

After July 1, 2004- You need to submit an application for the LCSW first. After that has been received by DCCA, they will send you an application for the ASWB clinical level exam.

 

8.      When are licensing exams given?

Licensing exams are now computerized so they can be taken anytime you can schedule available computer time at the testing center. There are testing centers on Oahu, Maui and Hilo.

 

9.      When is the next licensing preparation course?

Currently, NASW has been offering licensing preparation courses twice a year, usually around the time students are graduating with their BSW or MSW degrees.  You are also able to access licensing preparation materials from:

1)     ASWB study guides-   www.aswb.org or or call ASWB in Culpeper, Virginia at: 1-(800) 225-6880

2)     www.LicensingPrep.com and enter coupon code “ED4LEAP” for member discount

3)     http://www.members.aol.com/siripro/prepcourse.htm

4)     Practice Exam  (Free Test prep site for Social Work Examination: multiple choice, case study, content.  Available 24/7)