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| Licensure FAQs |
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Licensure is confusing – especially if you’re new to the process. Let us help by answering any questions you may have about licensure. Still have questions? Contact the NASW-PA office at 717-232-4125 or the PA State Board at 717-783-1389.
What types of social work licensure are there in Pennsylvania?There are 3 different social work licenses in the state: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The LBSW is for those at the Bachelor's level while the LSW and LCSW are for those at the Master's level or above.
What are the requirements for a social work license?It depends on the license type you are applying for. Click the license type you are seeking below to be taken to the PA State Board's requirements and prerequisites for that particular license:
What is the difference between LSW and LCSW licenses?An LCSW is the highest level of social work licensure available in Pennsylvania. It is only available to those that have already received their LSW license. The biggest application difference is the LCSW's work experience requirement: applicants must complete 3,000 supervised clinical hours after earning their LSW.
How do I apply for/renew my license?Via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's PALS online system. All licensure applications, whether for new licenses or license renewals, must be created and submitted through the PALS system.
When do I need to renew my license?In Pennsylvania, there is a set 2-year licensure renewal cycle that applies to all social work licenses. This applies to new licenses as well regardless of when they were issued. The current two-year licensing period began March 1, 2023 and will end February 28, 2025.
What do I need to do in order to renew my license?
How do I check if my license was renewed?Visit the State of Pennsylvania's website here to verify the status of your license.
Can I place my license on "inactive" status?Yes. To do so, log into your PALS online system account and locate the “Professional License Details” section on your dashboard. Click the “Inactivate” button associated with the license you wish to place on inactive status. Once the “Request to Place License on Inactive Status” form is open, select the date you wish to make your inactive status effective. If the license you are inactivating is a prerequisite for any other license, the license(s) attached to this license will also be inactivated. You do not need to maintain professional liability insurance, meet continuing education requirements, comply with other applicable administrative requirements, or pay the biennial renewal fee while on inactive status. However, you will be required to comply with all such requirements if/when you apply to reactivate your license.
How do I contact the PA State Board?Phone: 717-783-1389
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