In Arizona, Social Workers must navigate a structured process to obtain and maintain licensure. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the credentialing and licensure requirements for Social Workers in the state:

Credentials

1. Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
   • Eligibility: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) from an accredited program.
   • Examination: Must pass the ASWB Bachelor’s level exam.
   • Experience: No post-degree experience required.
2. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
   • Eligibility: Requires a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.
   • Examination: Must pass the ASWB Master’s level exam.
   • Experience: No post-degree experience required.
3. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
   • Eligibility: Requires a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.
   • Examination: Must pass the ASWB Clinical level exam.
   • Experience: Requires 3,200 hours of supervised post-degree clinical experience, including at least 100 hours of supervision.

Licensure Renewal

• Renewal Period: Social Work licenses in Arizona are renewed every two years based on the licensee’s birthday.
• Continuing Education: Licensees must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. This must include:
  • At least 3 hours in ethics.
  • At least 3 hours in cultural competence.

Fees

• LBSW Initial Application Fee: $150
• LBSW Examination Fee: Approximately $230 (paid to ASWB)
• LBSW Renewal Fee: $130
• LMSW Initial Application Fee: $150
• LMSW Examination Fee: Approximately $230 (paid to ASWB)
• LMSW Renewal Fee: $130
• LCSW Initial Application Fee: $250
• LCSW Examination Fee: Approximately $260 (paid to ASWB)
• LCSW Renewal Fee: $180

Additional Details

• Application Process: Applications for licensure can be submitted online through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners’ (AZBBHE) website. You must provide proof of education, pass the required exams, and submit the application fee.
• Supervised Experience: For LCSW licensure, you must complete a specified amount of supervised clinical experience, which should be documented and verified by a licensed supervisor.

For the most current information and detailed procedures, visit the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners website or contact them directly.

In Arizona, continuing education (CE) is a crucial component of maintaining Social Work licensure. Here are the detailed requirements for continuing education for Social Workers in the state:

Continuing Education Requirements

1. Total Hours:
   • Social Workers must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
2. Specific Subject Areas:
   • Ethics: At least 3 hours must be in ethics.
   • Cultural Competence: At least 3 hours must be in cultural competence.
3. Approved CE Providers:
   • Continuing education activities must be provided by recognized organizations or institutions. Examples include:
     • Accredited colleges or universities.
     • National or state Social Work professional associations.
     • Institutions or organizations recognized by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE).
4. Types of Acceptable CE Activities:
   • Workshops and Conferences: Attendance at workshops, seminars, or conferences related to Social Work practice.
   • Academic Courses: Enrollment in Social Work or related academic courses at an accredited institution.
   • Online Courses: Participation in online courses offered by approved CE providers.
   • Publications and Presentations: Authorship of published materials or presentations at professional meetings.
   • Self-Study Programs: Completion of self-study programs approved by recognized CE providers.
5. Documentation and Record Keeping:
   • Licensees must retain documentation of completed CE activities, including certificates of completion, transcripts, or other proof of participation.
   • Documentation should be kept for at least four years and must be provided to the AZBBHE upon request.
6. Reporting CE:
   • Social Workers must attest to the completion of their CE requirements when they renew their licenses.
   • Random audits may be conducted by the AZBBHE to ensure compliance with CE requirements.

Additional Notes:

• First-Time Renewal: Licensees who are renewing their license for the first time after initial licensure may be subject to prorated CE requirements based on the time period since their initial licensure.
• Excess Hours: If a licensee completes more than the required 30 hours of CE in a renewal period, the excess hours cannot be carried over to the next renewal period.
• Non-Compliance: Failure to meet CE requirements can result in disciplinary action, including fines, mandatory additional CE, or potential suspension of the license.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on continuing education requirements, it is recommended to consult the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE) website or contact them directly.