Montana Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

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

As a field fundamentally dedicated to the well-being of communities, Social Work in Montana is regulated by specific standards and guidelines to ensure that professionals are well-prepared, both in terms of knowledge and ethical practice.

This blog post clarifies the licensure renewal process, details the essential dates and fees, and explores the different types of credentials that mental health practitioners can pursue in the state. Whether you are a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) gaining experience, or a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) aiming to maintain 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 Montana Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates

To become a licensed Social Worker in Montana, there are several credentials available, each with specific requirements and associated fees. Here’s an overview of the credentialing and licensure requirements, renewal details, and costs for social workers in Montana:

Credentials Available:

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
- Requirements:
  - Earn a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
  - Complete 2,000 hours of post-baccalaureate supervised work experience over at least 18 months.
  - Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam.
- Application Fee: $200
- Exam Fee: $230
Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)
- Requirements:
  - Earn a master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
  - Complete 2,000 hours of supervised work experience over at least 18 months.
  - Pass the ASWB Master’s exam.
- Application Fee: $200
- Exam Fee: $230
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Requirements:
  - Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
  - Accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact over a minimum of two years.
  - Complete 100 hours of supervision, with at least 50 hours being face-to-face individual supervision.
  - Pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
- Application Fee: $200
- Exam Fee: $260

Licensure Renewal:

Renewal Period: Licenses must be renewed annually by December 31st.
Continuing Education: Requirements for continuing education vary, but generally, Montana mandates annual continuing education for social workers.
Renewal Fees: Renewal fees are typically around $100, but it is advisable to check the latest fees on the Montana Board of Behavioral Health website.
Sources: Montana Board of Behavioral Health

Additional Fees:

Fingerprint-based Background Check: $30

These guidelines ensure that Social Workers in Montana are well-prepared and maintain high standards of practice to support the well-being of their communities.

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

2) Montana Social Work Continuing Education Requirements

In Montana, Social Workers are required to complete specific continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their licensure. Here’s a detailed overview of those requirements:

Continuing Education Requirements:

General Requirements:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) must complete 20 hours of continuing education each year.
- At least 2 of these hours must be dedicated to suicide prevention.
- All 20 hours can be completed through home study courses.
Course Approval:
- The Montana Board of Behavioral Health no longer pre-approves CE courses or sponsors. Licensees must ensure the courses they take are relevant to their scope of practice as defined by the board.
- Courses from providers approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program are accepted like Agents of Change Continuing Education.
Online Courses:
- There is no limit on the number of CE hours that can be earned through online courses.
- Providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education offer online courses that are approved for CE credits in Montana.

Important Resources:

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

Q: What are the steps to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Montana?

A: To become an LCSW in Montana, follow these steps:

Education: Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Supervised Practice: Complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact over a minimum of two years.
Supervision: Accumulate 100 hours of supervision, with at least 50 hours being face-to-face individual supervision.
Examination: Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical exam.
Application: Submit the LCSW application along with three reference letters and a $200 application fee.
Background Check: Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check ($30 fee).

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

A: Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) in Montana must complete 20 hours of continuing education annually. The requirements include:

General Hours: 20 hours of continuing education, which can all be completed through home study.
Specific Training: At least 2 of these hours must be dedicated to suicide prevention.
Course Approval: Courses must be relevant to the Social Worker’s scope of practice and can be taken from providers approved by the ASWB ACE program like Agents of Change Continuing Education.

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

A: To renew your Social Work license in Montana:

Renewal Frequency: Licenses must be renewed annually by December 31st.
Continuing Education: Complete the required 20 hours of continuing education each year, including 2 hours in suicide prevention.
Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is typically around $100, but it is advisable to check the latest fee schedule on the Montana Board of Behavioral Health’s website.

Steps for Renewal:

Ensure you have completed the required continuing education hours.
Submit your renewal application online or via mail.
Pay the renewal fee.

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

4) Conclusion

Navigating the licensure process for Social Workers in Montana involves understanding the various credentialing requirements, renewal processes, and continuing education obligations. Whether you are pursuing a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential, it is crucial to adhere to the educational prerequisites, supervised practice requirements, and examination mandates.

This structured approach ensures that Social Workers are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality services to their clients and communities.

Maintaining your Social Work license in Montana requires staying current with continuing education requirements, which are designed to keep practitioners informed about the latest practices and ethical standards in the field.

The annual requirement of 20 hours of continuing education, including specific training in suicide prevention, reflects Montana’s commitment to the ongoing professional development of its Social Workers. By engaging in relevant and approved educational activities, Social Workers can continue to enhance their competencies and contribute effectively to the well-being of 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