Delaware Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements
Navigating Social Work licensure in Delaware requires a thorough understanding of the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and the various credentials available to practitioners.
Social Work in Delaware is guided by specific standards and regulations, ensuring that professionals in the field are well-prepared, both in terms of knowledge and ethical practice, to serve their communities effectively.
This blog post details the licensure renewal process, highlights the essential dates and fees, and examines the various types of credentials that mental health practitioners can pursue in the state. Whether you are a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) gaining experience, or a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) keen on maintaining your status, this guide serves as a comprehensive resource.
Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.
We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 FREE CEUs!
1) Key Delaware Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates
To become a licensed Social Worker in Delaware, there are specific credentialing and licensure requirements. Below is an overview of the different credentials, licensure renewal details, costs, and fees for specific licenses.
Types of Licenses and Credentials
- Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Examination: ASWB Bachelor’s exam.
- Continuing Education: 20 hours every two years, including 6 hours in ethics and 1 hour in mandatory reporting.
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Education: Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Examination: ASWB Master’s exam.
- Continuing Education: 30 hours every two years, including 6 hours in ethics and 1 hour in mandatory reporting.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Education: MSW or Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Experience: 3,200 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience over at least two years, with at least 1,600 hours under an LCSW’s supervision.
- Examination: ASWB Clinical exam.
- Continuing Education: 40 hours every two years, including 6 hours in ethics and 1 hour in mandatory reporting.
Licensure Renewal
- Renewal Period: Every two years before January 31 of odd-numbered years (e.g., 2023, 2025).
- Renewal Process: Complete the online renewal application via DELPROS, attest to completing the required continuing education units, and pay the renewal fee.
- Renewal Fees:
- LBSW: $65
- LMSW: $65
- LCSW: $183 (plus a background check fee of $65)
Fees for Specific Licenses
- Application Fees:
- LBSW/LMSW: $65
- LCSW: $183
- Examination Fees:
- ASWB Bachelor’s Exam: $230
- ASWB Master’s Exam: $230
- ASWB Clinical Exam: $260
Additional Information
- Late Renewal: If you fail to renew your license before the expiration date, you can file a late renewal application within one year, which includes a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. If not renewed within one year, the license terminates, and you must reapply as a new applicant.
For more details on the licensure requirements and process, you can visit the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation and the NASW Delaware Chapter websites.
Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Delaware’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.
2) Delaware Social Work Continuing Education Requirements
In Delaware, continuing education (CE) requirements for Social Workers are structured to ensure that professionals remain up-to-date with current practices and ethical standards. Here is a detailed overview of these requirements:
Continuing Education Requirements
- Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- CE Hours Required: 20 hours every two years
- Specific Requirements: Includes 6 hours of ethics training and 1 hour of mandatory reporting training.
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- CE Hours Required: 30 hours every two years
- Specific Requirements: Includes 6 hours of ethics training and 1 hour of mandatory reporting training.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- CE Hours Required: 40 hours every two years
- Specific Requirements: Includes 6 hours of ethics training and 1 hour of mandatory reporting training.
Additional Details
- Renewal Period: Social Workers must attest to the completion of the required CE hours during each biennial renewal period.
- Audit Process: A percentage of licensees will be randomly selected for an audit to verify CE completion. It is essential to keep all CE certificates and documentation for at least five years in case of an audit.
- Approval of CE Courses: CE courses must be approved by the Board of Social Work Examiners or an organization recognized by the Board. Many professional associations, such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and Agents of Change Continuing Education, provide approved CE courses.
Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Delaware’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 – Delaware Social Work Licensure Renewal and CEUs
Q: What are the continuing education requirements for Social Workers in Delaware?
A: Social Workers in Delaware must complete continuing education (CE) hours every two years to maintain their licensure. The specific requirements vary by licensure level:
- Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW): 20 hours of CE, including 6 hours of ethics and 1 hour of mandatory reporting training.
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): 30 hours of CE, including 6 hours of ethics and 1 hour of mandatory reporting training.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): 40 hours of CE, including 6 hours of ethics and 1 hour of mandatory reporting training.
Licensees must attest to completing these hours during the renewal process and keep documentation for at least five years in case of an audit.
Q: How often do Social Work licenses need to be renewed in Delaware, and what is the process?
A: Social Work licenses in Delaware must be renewed every two years, with all licenses expiring on January 31 of odd-numbered years (e.g., 2023, 2025). The renewal process involves:
- Receiving a renewal notice via email a few months before the expiration date.
- Accessing and completing the online renewal application through the DELPROS system.
- Attesting to having completed the required continuing education units (CEUs).
- Paying the renewal fee using a credit card.
It’s essential to keep contact information updated to ensure receipt of renewal notices. Late renewals can be submitted within one year of the expiration date, but a late fee will apply. If the license is not renewed within one year, it will terminate, and the individual must reapply as a new applicant.
Q: What are the steps to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Delaware?
A: To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Delaware, follow these steps:
- Education: Obtain a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Supervised Experience: Complete 3,200 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience over at least two years, with at least 1,600 hours under an LCSW’s supervision.
- Application: Submit an application for licensure along with required documentation, including a Supervisory Reference Form and proof of attempts to secure LCSW supervision if needed. A criminal background check is also required.
- Examination: Register for and pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
- Licensure: Upon passing the exam, the Board will issue the LCSW license, allowing you to practice clinical Social Work in Delaware without supervision.
Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 courses that meet Delaware’s CE requirements. Regulatory boards have the final say on courses accepted for continuing education credit.