Getting a Social Work License in Hawaii

Effective July 1, 2004

July 1, 2004, Hawaii will have three levels of licensing for social workers, i.e., the LBSW (licensed bachelor social worker), LSW (licensed social worker) and LCSW  (licensed clinical social worker).  APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE.  Download an application from the DCCA website at www.hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl or email [email protected]  or call the NASW Hawaii Chapter office 521-1787 (Oahu) or 1-888-552-6279 (toll free neighbor islands).

To apply for the LBSW

1)      Obtain an application form from DCCA (applications can be downloaded from:

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

2)      Arrange to have an official transcript of your BSW degree from a school of social       work accredited by CSWE sent directly to DCCA

3)      Take and pass the ASWB Bachelor’s level exam

To apply for the LSW:

1)      Obtain an application form from DCCA (applications can be downloaded from:

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

2)  Arrange to have an official transcript of your educational degree (MSW or higher) from a  school of social work accredited by CSWE sent directly to DCCA

3)    Take and pass the ASWB  Masters  level  exam.

Renewing your LSW:

If you already have an LSW and want to renew your LSW, simply wait until you receive your renewal notice from DCCA in the mail. You will have the option of renewing by mail or online.

To apply for the LCSW:

1)      Obtain an application for license from DCCA (applications can be downloaded from:

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

2)      Arrange to have an official transcript of your educational degree (MSW or higher) from a school of social work accredited by CSWE sent directly to DCCA

3)      Show proof of completion of 3000 hours of clinical experience under supervision; and

4)      Take and pass the ASWB clinical level exam. The DCSW essay exam will be accepted as a clinical exam as long as you apply for the LCSW before June 30, 2005. After that date, ONLY the ASWB clinical level exam will be accepted.

5)      If you need a letter of verification for your QCSW or DCSW, contact NASW (national) at 1-800-638-8799 ext. 447 or email [email protected] . Letters should be sent directly from NASW to DCCA.

If you have a license from another state:

Technically, DCCA does not "grandparent" anyone a license, you must meet the licensing requirements.  If you have a license from another state, you should check with the DCCA (808) 586-2693 to see if there is a reciprocity agreement with the state that you hold a license from. At this time DCCA does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states but you can still get a Hawaii license if you meet the Hawaii requirements.

To get a copy of the new licensing law click here. 

The new law is a practice protection law. That means that you must be licensed if you are performing any of the items listed in the “scope of practice”.

The law also spells out LCSW supervision requirements