Getting a Social Work License in Hawaii

As of July 1, 2004, Hawaii established three levels of licensing for social workers:

1)      Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)

2)      Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

3)      Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

The requirements for each level can be found in the licensing law, HRS 467E. To download a copy of the law, go to:  http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/main/hrs  then scroll down and click on “HRS Chapter 467E- Social Worker”

Briefly the requirements are:

1)      LBSW- a) possess a BSW degree from an accredited social work program

 b) pass the ASWB Basic level exam

2)      LSW-    a) possess a MSW or doctoral degree from an accredited social work program

 b) pass the ASWB Masters, Advanced Generalist or Clinical level exam

3)      LCSW- a) possess a MSW or doctoral degree from an accredited social work program

 b) pass the ASWB Clinical level exam

 c) provide evidence of completion of 3000 hours of post masters clinical social work  experience under supervision completed within no fewer than two years, but within no  more than five years.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

1.      Obtain a license application from:

• Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs (DCCA)

             Ph 586-3000  or  http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/pvl/programs/socialworker/

• National Association of Social Workers

677 Ala Moana Blvd. #702
Honolulu, HI  96813

                   Ph 521-1787 (Oahu) or 1-888-552-NASW (Neighbor islands)

                  Or www.naswhi.org and click on “licensing”

2.      Submit to DCCA

• Official copy of transcripts where you received your social work degree. Have the transcript sent directly to DCCA-PVL, Att: SW, P.O. Box 3469, Honolulu, HI 96801 or you can have the transcripts sent to you to submit with your application. However, if it is sent to you, DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE. You must submit the entire unopened envelope to DCCA.

For University of Hawai'i School of Social Work graduates--  If applying for a license within 3 months after your graduation date, attach a note to your application saying that you are a recent graduate of UH and that your name is on the list of graduates from the University. DCCA will process your application if your name is on this list to speed up the process, however, at a later date you must submit an official transcript for the DCCA files.                   

• $60 application fee
• If applying for the LCSW, you must also submit evidence of 3000 hours of clinical experience.

You may submit:

a)      Verification of a QCSW. Contact bprather@naswdc.org  to have a letter of verification sent directly to DCCA

b)     Supervisor’s form in the LCSW application. Make sure that your supervisor can verify that you have completed 2000 hours of assessment, clinical diagnosis and psychotherapy; 900 hours of client-centered advocacy, consultation and evaluation; and 100 hours of direct face-to-face supervision (40 hours can be in small group of not more than 6 supervisees)

3.      Once your application and social work degree is verified you will be sent an exam application.

4.      Submit license exam application and $175 to testing company

When your application is approved, an authorization letter will be sent with a phone number to call to schedule yourself for the exam.  Exams are given on a computer so you may schedule it at your convenience.

5.      Take the Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist or Clinical level exam.

To find out the content of each exam go to: http://www.aswb.org/exam_info_NEW_content_outlines.shtml
 

6.      You will know if you passed the exam when you walk out of the testing center. If you passed the exam DCCA will notify you of the balance of the licensing fee due.  If you did not pass you may retake the exam after 90 days.  There may be an additional fee.

7.   If you have taken the ASWB exam previously in another State you can request ASWB to transfer your score to Hawaii.  Go to:  http://www.aswb.org/score_request.php
or call ASWB in Culpeper, Virginia at: 1-(800) 225-6880

NEED HELP????

• Order ASWB study guides for $30 plus postage at www.aswb.org  then click on “product ordering”  or call ASWB in Culpeper, Virginia at: 1-(800) 225-6880
• Sign up for license exam prep class with the NASW Chapter office (521-1787 Oahu  

or 1-888-552-NASW neighbor islands) and you will be notified of the next available class.

·         Other study materials can be ordered through:

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

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

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

·         SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS- You may order the following journal articles to assist you in reviewing for the Hawaii state licensing exam.  There is no guarantee that the information contained in these articles will appear on the exam, however, it provides a good overview and basic information for that particular topic.

The cost of the article includes copying and postage costs.  To order these articles, fill out the order form on the next page and mail with a check payable to NASW, Hawaii Chapter.

NASW, Hawaii Chapter

677 Ala Moana Blvd. #702
Honolulu, HI  96813

Articles will be mailed to you as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, contact the Chapter office at 521-1787 (Oahu) or 1-888-552-NASW (neighbor islands).

SUPPLEMENTAL READING LIST