North Dakota Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating Social Work licensure in North Dakota requires a clear understanding of the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and the various credentials available to practitioners.

As a field deeply rooted in the commitment to community well-being, Social Work in North Dakota is governed by specific standards and regulations to ensure that those in the profession are well-equipped, both in terms of knowledge and ethical practice.

This blog post explains the licensure renewal process, outlines the essential dates and fees, and explores the various types of credentials that mental health practitioners can pursue in the state. Whether you are a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) gaining experience, or a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) keen on maintaining your status, this guide serves as a comprehensive resource.

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1) Key North Dakota Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates

In North Dakota, Social Workers must meet specific credentialing and licensure requirements, which vary depending on the level of practice. Here are the details for each type of licensure, including renewal processes and fees:

Credentialing and Licensure Requirements

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Exam: Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s level exam.
Application: Submit an application with a $25 fee, three professional references, an official transcript, and complete a criminal background check.
Fees: $25 application fee, $75 initial license fee, $230 exam fee, and $40 for the background check.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Education: Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Exam: Pass the ASWB Master’s level exam.
Application: Submit an application with a $25 fee, three professional references, an official transcript, and complete a criminal background check if not already licensed at the LBSW level.
Fees: $25 application fee, $75 license fee if not upgrading from LBSW, and $230 exam fee.

Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

Education: Master’s or doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Exam: Pass the ASWB Clinical level exam.
Supervision: Complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work practice over a period of up to four years.
Application: Submit an application with a $25 fee, three professional references, and an official transcript. Complete a background check if not previously licensed.
Fees: $25 application fee, $75 license fee if not upgrading from LMSW, and $260 exam fee.

Licensure Renewal Details

All Social Work licenses in North Dakota need to be renewed biennially by December 31 of odd-numbered years. To renew, social workers must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) within the two-year licensing period.

Renewal Fees: $75 for LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW.

For more detailed information on licensure and renewal requirements, you can visit the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners’ official site at ND Board of Social Work Examiners.

Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet North Dakota’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.

2) North Dakota Social Work Continuing Education Requirements

In North Dakota, licensed Social Workers are required to complete 30 hours of approved continuing education (CE) every two years to maintain their licensure.

These hours must be accumulated during the two-year licensing period, which runs from January 1 of the even-numbered year to December 31 of the odd-numbered year.

Specific Requirements:

Total Hours: 30 hours of CE are required every two years.
Ethics Training: At least 2 of these hours must be focused on Social Work ethics.
Independent Learning: No more than 10 hours can be from independent learning activities, such as online courses without live interaction. However, live webinars count as face-to-face hours.
Face-to-Face Hours: These include in-person or live online workshops, professional conferences, and academic courses.

Newly Licensed Social Workers:

If licensed between January 1 and June 30 of the odd-numbered year, only 15 hours of CE are required.
If licensed on or after July 1 of the odd-numbered year, no CE hours are required for that period.

Acceptable CE Content:

Topics must enhance professional competence and be relevant to Social Work practice, such as human behavior theories, Social Work skills, ethics, and cross-disciplinary courses related to social work.
Ethics training should specifically address Social Work practice ethics, boundary issues, or behavioral health ethics.

Record Keeping:

Social Workers are responsible for keeping track of their CE records and must retain documentation for at least four years. These records should not be sent to the Board unless specifically requested during an audit.

Hardship Extensions:

In cases of extreme hardship, such as medical emergencies, the Board may grant an extension for completing CE requirements. Requests for extensions must be submitted in writing along with the renewal application and fee.

For more detailed information, you can visit the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners’ website at NDBSWE CE Requirements.

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet North Dakota’s CE requirements and track your completed CEUs, with over 150 courses that meet these requirements!

Agents of Change, #1919, is approved as an ACE provider to offer Social Work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit.

3) FAQs – North Dakota Social Work Licensure Renewal and CEUs

Q: What are the continuing education requirements for Social Workers in North Dakota?

A: To maintain licensure, Social Workers in North Dakota must complete 30 hours of approved continuing education (CE) every two years.

This period runs from January 1 of the even-numbered year to December 31 of the odd-numbered year. At least 2 of these hours must focus on Social Work ethics.

Additionally, no more than 10 hours can be earned through independent learning activities such as pre-recorded online courses. All live, real-time webinars count as regular, face-to-face continuing education hours.

For more details, you can visit the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.

Q: What are the specific requirements for obtaining a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) credential in North Dakota?

A: To obtain an LCSW credential in North Dakota, you must:

Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Pass the ASWB Clinical level exam.
Complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical Social Work practice within a four-year period.
Submit an application with a $25 fee, three professional references, and an official transcript.
Complete a criminal background check if not previously licensed.

Q: How do I renew my Social Work license in North Dakota, and what are the associated costs?

A: To renew your Social Work license in North Dakota, you must:

Complete the required 30 hours of continuing education within the two-year licensing period, including 2 hours focused on Social Work ethics.
Submit a renewal application and pay the renewal fee, which is $75 for all licensure levels (LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW).
Ensure that you have documented and retained proof of your CE hours for at least four years.

Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 courses that meet North Dakota’s CE requirements. Regulatory boards have the final say on courses accepted for continuing education credit.

4) Conclusion

Navigating the landscape of Social Work licensure in North Dakota involves a thorough understanding of the credentialing processes, renewal requirements, and the various licenses available.

From obtaining a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) credential to achieving the status of a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), each step is crucial in ensuring practitioners are well-equipped to serve their communities effectively. Adhering to these guidelines not only meets legal and professional standards but also underscores a commitment to ethical and informed practice in the field of Social Work.

Continuing education plays a pivotal role in maintaining licensure and enhancing professional competencies. North Dakota’s requirements ensure that Social Workers remain updated on critical aspects of their practice, including ethics, human behavior theories, and clinical skills.

By completing the necessary CE hours, social workers not only fulfill state requirements but also invest in their ongoing professional development, ultimately benefiting their clients and communities. It is essential for practitioners to keep accurate records of their CE activities and stay informed about any updates to the requirements to ensure smooth license renewal processes.

Resources like Agents of Change Continuing Education provide accessible and varied learning opportunities for Social Workers to meet Continuing Education requirements. Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education.

We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with their Continuing Education and want you to be next!

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► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangetraining.com

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Social Workers for more than 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Social Workers stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment