Iowa Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating Social Work licensure in Iowa requires a clear understanding of the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and the various credentials available to practitioners. As a field deeply committed to community well-being, Social Work in Iowa is regulated by specific standards and guidelines to ensure that professionals 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.

This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for licensed independent social workers (LISWs), licensed bachelor social workers (LBSWs) gaining experience, and licensed master social workers (LMSWs) keen on maintaining their licensure.

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 Iowa Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates

In Iowa, Social Workers must meet specific credentialing and licensure requirements to practice legally. The Iowa Board of Social Work oversees the licensing process and offers three main levels of licensure: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW).

Types of Licenses and Requirements

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Application: Submit an application to the Iowa Board of Social Work, including official academic transcripts.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam.
- Scope of Practice: Engage in psychosocial assessment and intervention, gather social histories, and participate in social work administration and direct client contact.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Education: Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Application: Submit an application to the Board with transcripts.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Master’s exam.
- Scope of Practice: Includes all activities allowed under LBSW, plus providing psychosocial diagnoses and treatments and engaging in therapy with individuals, families, and groups.
Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
- Education: Master’s or doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Application: Submit an application with transcripts and a supervision plan.
- Experience: Complete 4,000 hours of post-master’s supervised social work practice over a minimum of two years.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
- Scope of Practice: Includes diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders, and allows for independent practice.

Licensure Renewal and Fees

Renewal Cycle: Every two years.
Renewal Fees:
- LBSW: $120
- LMSW: $120
- LISW: $120
Continuing Education: 27 hours of continuing education every renewal period.

Costs

Application Fees:
- Initial application for any license: $120
Examination Fees:
- ASWB Bachelor’s exam: $230
- ASWB Master’s exam: $230
- ASWB Clinical exam: $260

These details ensure that Social Workers in Iowa are well-prepared and meet the necessary standards to provide high-quality and ethical services to their communities.

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

Sources: (Inspections & Licensing) (Casetext – CoCounsel) (Social Worker License) (Social Worker License) (Public Health)

2) Iowa Social Work Continuing Education Requirements

In Iowa, licensed Social Workers are required to complete continuing education (CE) to renew their licenses every two years. The requirements are specific to ensure Social Workers stay updated with current practices and continue to provide high-quality services.

Continuing Education Requirements

Hours Required:
- Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW): 27 hours
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): 27 hours
- Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW): 27 hours
Content Areas:
- At least 3 hours must be in the area of ethics.
- Up to 12 hours may be completed through independent study (home study, online courses, etc.), provided they are accredited by a recognized body.
Acceptable CE Activities:
- Courses, workshops, and seminars approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) or similar accrediting bodies.
- Academic courses related to social work taken at an accredited university.
- Presenting or teaching courses, workshops, or seminars (credit is usually granted only once for preparation and presentation).
- Publishing books or articles in professional journals.
Documentation:
- Social Workers must retain records of completed CE activities for at least four years.
- Documentation should include certificates of completion, transcripts, or other verifiable proof of attendance and completion.
Audit:
- The Iowa Board of Social Work may audit licensees to ensure compliance with CE requirements. Social workers must provide documentation upon request.

Specifics and Additional Details

Ethics Requirement: The ethics courses should cover topics such as confidentiality, dual relationships, and professional boundaries, which are critical to maintaining ethical standards in Social Work practice.
Independent Study Limit: Independent study options can be very flexible, but they must be accredited. This can include online courses, home study programs, and other distance learning opportunities.
Excess Hours: Excess CE hours earned in one renewal period cannot be carried over to the next renewal period.

For more detailed information and updates, please refer to the Iowa Board of Social Work website.

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Iowa’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 – Iowa Social Work Licensure Renewal and CEUs

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

A: To maintain licensure, Iowa Social Workers must complete 27 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. This must include:

Ethics Training: At least 3 hours must focus on ethics.
Independent Study: Up to 12 hours can be completed through independent study (online courses, home study, etc.), provided they are accredited by recognized bodies like the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
Documentation: Licensees must retain CE documentation for at least four years and be prepared for potential audits by the Iowa Board of Social Work.

Q: How do I apply for a social work license in Iowa?

A: The application process for a Social Work license in Iowa varies by the level of licensure:

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW): Requires a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program, submission of an application to the Iowa Board of Social Work, and passing the ASWB Bachelor’s exam.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): Requires a master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program, submission of an application, and passing the ASWB Master’s exam.
Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW): Requires a master’s or doctoral degree in Social Work, 4,000 hours of supervised post-graduate experience, submission of an application with a supervision plan, and passing the ASWB Clinical exam.

Q: What are the fees associated with obtaining and renewing a social work license in Iowa?

A: The fees for Social Work licensure in Iowa include:

Initial Application Fee: $120 for all levels (LBSW, LMSW, LISW).
Renewal Fee: $120 every two years for all levels of licensure.
Examination Fees:
- ASWB Bachelor’s exam: $230
- ASWB Master’s exam: $230
- ASWB Clinical exam: $260 These fees cover the administrative costs of processing applications and ensuring that licensees meet all educational and professional standards.

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

4) Conclusion

Navigating the Social Work licensure process in Iowa requires a clear understanding of the specific requirements and steps for each level of licensure, from the LBSW to the LISW. Ensuring that you meet educational prerequisites, completing the necessary supervised practice hours, and passing the relevant ASWB exams are fundamental components of this journey. Staying informed about the nuances of each step can significantly ease the process and set you on a successful path in your Social Work career.

Continuing education plays a vital role in maintaining licensure and ensuring that Social Workers remain updated with the latest practices and ethical standards. With a requirement of 27 hours of CE every two years, including mandatory ethics training, Social Workers are encouraged to engage in ongoing learning and professional development. This commitment to education not only enhances personal competency but also ensures that the highest standards of care are provided to the communities they serve.

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