New Mexico Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating Social Work licensure in New Mexico 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 New Mexico is governed by specific standards and regulations to ensure that professionals are well-equipped in both 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 Clinical 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.

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 New Mexico Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates

In New Mexico, Social Workers must navigate through a well-defined process to obtain and maintain their licensure. Here’s an overview of the credentialing and licensure requirements, renewal details, and associated fees.

Credentials and Licensure Levels

New Mexico offers three main levels of Social Work licensure:

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program, passing the ASWB Bachelor’s exam, and completing cultural coursework specific to New Mexico.
- Role: Non-clinical Social Work.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Requirements: Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program, passing the ASWB Master’s exam, and completing the New Mexico cultural coursework.
- Role: Advanced non-clinical Social Work and can practice clinical Social Work under supervision.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Requirements: Master’s or doctoral degree in Social Work, completion of 3,600 hours of supervised clinical experience over 2-5 years, passing the ASWB Clinical exam, and completing the New Mexico cultural coursework.
- Role: Independent clinical practice.

Licensure Renewal Details

Licenses must be renewed every two years by July 1st. The renewal process includes completing 30 hours of continuing education (CE), with at least 6 hours in cultural awareness.

Fees

The fees for licensure and renewal are as follows:

Initial Licensure:
- LBSW: $200
- LMSW: $300
- LCSW: $300
Licensure Renewal:
- LBSW: $100
- LMSW: $200
- LCSW: $300
Examination Fees:
- ASWB exams: $230 for Bachelor’s and Master’s exams, $260 for Clinical exams.
Other Fees:
- Late renewal fee: $100
- Duplicate license: $25

For more detailed information, you can visit the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s Social Work Examiners page.

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

2) New Mexico Social Work Continuing Education Requirements

In New Mexico, Social Workers are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to maintain their licensure. Here are the key details:

Total Hours Required: 30 hours every two years.
Cultural Awareness: At least 6 of the 30 hours must be dedicated to cultural awareness courses.
Approved Providers: The New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners accepts CE courses from providers approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) like Agents of Change Continuing Education, National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and the American Psychological Association (APA).

Details on CE Requirements

Online Courses: All 30 hours can be completed online if they are from approved providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education.
Supervision Courses: Social Workers who supervise LMSWs must complete a 3-hour course on supervision.

Additional Information

Cultural Coursework: Completing a Board-approved course in New Mexico culture is required if not already covered in your degree program.
Renewal Process: Licenses must be renewed online through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s portal. The renewal fee is $100 for LBSWs, $200 for LMSWs, and $300 for LCSWs.

For the most current information and detailed guidelines, please refer to the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s Social Work Examiners page.

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

Q: What are the key steps to obtain a Social Work license in New Mexico?

A: To become a licensed Social Worker in New Mexico, you must follow these steps:

Educational Requirements: Complete a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Exams: Pass the appropriate ASWB examination (Bachelor’s for LBSW, Master’s for LMSW, and Clinical for LCSW).
Cultural Coursework: Complete a Board-approved course on New Mexico culture if it was not included in your degree program.
Experience: For LCSW licensure, accumulate 3,600 hours of supervised clinical experience over a period of 2 to 5 years.
Application: Submit your application along with the necessary fees to the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s Social Work Examiners page.

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

A: Social workers in New Mexico are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their licensure. This includes:

Cultural Awareness: At least 6 hours must be dedicated to cultural awareness.
Approved Providers: CE courses must be from providers approved by the ASWB, NBCC, or APA.
Online Courses: All 30 hours can be completed online if the courses are from approved providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education.
Supervision Course: If you are supervising LMSWs, you must complete a 3-hour course on supervision.

Q: How much does it cost to obtain and renew a Social Work license in New Mexico?

A: The fees for Social Work licensure in New Mexico are as follows:

Initial Licensure Fees:
- LBSW: $200
- LMSW: $300
- LCSW: $300
Renewal Fees:
- LBSW: $100
- LMSW: $200
- LCSW: $300
Examination Fees:
- ASWB exams: $230 for Bachelor’s and Master’s exams, $260 for Clinical exams.
Other Fees:
- Late renewal fee: $100
- Duplicate license: $25

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

4) Conclusion

Navigating the process of obtaining and maintaining Social Work licensure in New Mexico can be intricate, but it is crucial for ensuring that practitioners are well-prepared to serve their communities effectively.

From understanding the educational and experiential requirements to staying updated with continuing education and renewal protocols, each step reinforces the commitment to professional excellence and ethical practice. The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department and various educational resources provide comprehensive guidance to help Social Workers meet these standards.

Continuing education plays a significant role in this journey, mandating that Social Workers complete 30 hours every two years, with a focus on cultural awareness. This requirement not only ensures that Social Workers remain knowledgeable about the latest practices and ethical standards but also emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the diverse cultural contexts within New Mexico.

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