Oklahoma Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating Social Work licensure in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma is governed by specific standards and regulations to ensure that professionals are well-prepared, both in knowledge and ethical practice.

This blog post explains the licensure renewal process, outlines 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 Social Worker (LSW) 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 Oklahoma Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates

Credentials

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA)

Licensure Requirements

Education: Obtain a degree from a CSWE-accredited Social Work program.
Examination: Pass the appropriate ASWB exam (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Clinical, depending on the license).
Supervised Experience: Required for LCSW (clinical experience under supervision).
Background Check: Complete a criminal background check.

Licensure Renewal Details

Renewal Cycle: Every two years on December 31st (regardless of issuance date).
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
- LCSW: 32 hours of CE, including 3 hours in ethics.
- LMSW: 32 hours of CE, including 3 hours in ethics.
- LSW: 32 hours of CE, including 3 hours in ethics.
- LSWA: 16 hours of CE, including 3 hours in ethics.

Costs and Fees

Initial Application Fee: $150 (all licenses)
Exam Fees:
- Bachelor’s Exam: $230
- Master’s Exam: $230
- Clinical Exam: $260
License Issuance Fee: $100 (upon passing the exam)
Renewal Fees:
- LCSW: $100
- LMSW: $100
- LSW: $100
- LSWA: $50
Late Renewal Fee: Additional $25 if renewed after the expiration date.

Additional Information

Temporary License: Available for applicants awaiting exam results.
Inactive Status: Licensees may request inactive status if not practicing.
Reinstatement Fee: $150 plus any unpaid renewal fees if the license has lapsed.

These requirements ensure that Social Workers in Oklahoma remain well-qualified and up-to-date with professional standards and ethical practices.

For more detailed information and updates on the licensure process, you can visit the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers website.

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

2) Oklahoma Social Work Continuing Education Requirements

General Requirements

Annual CE Hours: Social Workers in Oklahoma are required to complete 16 hours of continuing education (CE) each year.
Ethics Training: Of the 16 CE hours, 3 hours must be dedicated to ethics training.
Face-to-Face Training: At least 8 of the 16 CE hours must be completed in a face-to-face setting or through live webinars where interaction with the presenter is possible.

Categories of Continuing Education

Category I: Workshops, seminars, or conferences that provide direct interaction with the instructor or presenter.
Category II: Professional meetings or conferences where the primary activity is the presentation of new information in the field of social work.
Category III: Individual learning activities, such as online courses, reading professional literature, or other self-directed learning activities.

Specific Requirements for Different Credentials

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Requires the same 16 hours of CE annually, including 3 hours in ethics.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): Also requires 16 hours of CE annually, with 3 hours in ethics.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW): Similar CE requirements, 16 hours annually, including 3 hours in ethics.
Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA): Needs 16 hours of CE annually, including 3 hours in ethics, with the same emphasis on face-to-face interaction for half of the hours.

Approved CE Providers

Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers (OSBLSW)
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), which includes Agents of Change Continuing Education
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Other pre-approved providers: Courses or programs offered by these organizations generally meet the CE requirements, but Social Workers can also seek individual approval for other courses by submitting a Continuing Education Application to the Board.

Record Keeping and Reporting

Documentation: Licensees must keep documentation of their CE activities, such as certificates of completion, for at least 3 years. This documentation should include the date, location, subject matter, and hours earned.
Renewal Application: When renewing their license, Social Workers must attest to having completed the required CE hours. The Board may audit licensees to verify compliance, so maintaining accurate records is essential.

For more detailed and updated information, you can visit the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers website

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

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

A: In Oklahoma, Social Workers must complete 16 hours of continuing education (CE) annually to renew their licenses. This includes 3 hours dedicated to ethics training and at least 8 hours that must be completed in a face-to-face setting or through live webinars with interactive elements. The CE hours can be categorized as follows:

Category I: Workshops, seminars, or conferences with direct interaction.
Category II: Professional meetings or conferences focused on presenting new information.
Category III: Individual learning activities such as online courses or professional reading. Documentation of CE activities should be kept for at least 3 years for potential audits by the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers (OSBLSW).

Q: How do I apply for a Social Work license in Oklahoma?

A: To apply for a Social Work license in Oklahoma, follow these steps:

Education: Ensure you have a degree from a CSWE-accredited Social Work program.
Application: Complete the licensure application form and submit it along with a $150 application fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
Provisional License: If you meet all criteria except for passing the exam, you may receive a provisional license to practice under supervision for up to one year.
Examination: Pass the appropriate ASWB exam (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Clinical).
Supervised Experience: Required for certain licenses, such as LCSW, which mandates 4,000 hours of supervised postgraduate experience. Upon passing the exam and meeting all requirements, the Board will issue your permanent license.

Q: What are the fees associated with Social Work licensure in Oklahoma?

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

Initial Application Fee: $150 for all licenses.
Exam Fees:
- Bachelor’s Exam: $230
- Master’s Exam: $230
- Clinical Exam: $260
License Issuance Fee: $100 upon passing the exam.
Renewal Fees:
- LCSW: $100
- LMSW: $100
- LSW: $100
- LSWA: $50
Late Renewal Fee: An additional $25 if the renewal is completed after the expiration date.

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

4) Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of Social Work licensure in Oklahoma is a crucial step for any practitioner committed to the field. Understanding the requirements for credentialing, including the necessary education, examinations, and supervised experience, lays a solid foundation for a successful career.

Additionally, staying informed about the continuing education requirements and renewal processes ensures that Social Workers remain competent and ethical in their practice, thereby safeguarding the well-being of the communities they serve.

The Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers provides a structured pathway for licensure, with clear guidelines and resources to support social workers at every stage of their professional journey. Whether you are aiming to become an LCSW, LMSW, LSW, or LSWA, the requirements are designed to maintain high standards in the profession, promoting both personal growth and public trust.

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