Oregon Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating Social Work licensure in Oregon requires a clear understanding of the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and the various credentials available to practitioners. As a field deeply rooted in the commitment to community well-being, Social Work in Oregon is governed by specific standards and regulations to ensure that those in the profession 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.

Whether you are a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) gaining experience, or a Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW) 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 Oregon Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates

In Oregon, Social Workers must adhere to specific credentialing and licensure requirements to practice. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the credentials available, licensure renewal details, and associated fees:

Credentials for Social Workers in Oregon

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

- Requires a Master’s or Doctorate in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Completion of 3,500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
- Passing the ASWB Clinical Exam.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Requires a Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Passing the ASWB Master’s Exam.
Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW)
- Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Passing the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam.

Licensure Renewal Details

Renewal Period: Licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years) by the last day of the licensee’s birth month.
Continuing Education (CE):
- LCSWs must complete 40 hours of continuing education, including 6 hours in ethics and 6 hours in pain management.
- LMSWs and RBSWs must complete 30 hours of continuing education, including 6 hours in ethics.

Costs and Fees

Application Fees:
- LCSW: $260
- LMSW: $150
- RBSW: $100
Exam Fees:
- ASWB Clinical Exam: $260
- ASWB Master’s Exam: $230
- ASWB Bachelor’s Exam: $230
Renewal Fees:
- LCSW: $200
- LMSW: $150
- RBSW: $100
Late Renewal Fees:
- LCSW: Additional $100 (late fee)
- LMSW: Additional $75 (late fee)
- RBSW: Additional $50 (late fee)

Social Workers in Oregon must meet specific educational and examination requirements to achieve different levels of licensure. They must also adhere to continuing education mandates and renew their licenses every two years, with associated costs for applications, exams, and renewals.

This structured process ensures that Social Workers maintain a high standard of professional competence and ethical practice. Source: Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers

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

2) Oregon Social Work Continuing Education Requirements

Social Workers in Oregon must complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their licenses. Here are the specific requirements for different licensure levels:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Total Hours: 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
Ethics Training: At least 6 hours must be focused on ethics.
Pain Management: At least 6 hours must be dedicated to pain management.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Total Hours: 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
Ethics Training: At least 6 hours must be focused on ethics.

Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW)

Total Hours: 20 hours of continuing education every two years (excluding the first renewal cycle).
Ethics Training: At least 6 hours must be focused on ethics.

Continuing Education (CE) Details

Approved Providers:
- Courses must be provided by organizations approved by the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers or other recognized professional organizations (e.g., NASW, CSWE) like Agents of Change Continuing Education.
Topics Covered:
- Continuing education must be relevant to Social Work practice. This includes topics like clinical practice, Social Work ethics, cultural competence, mental health, social justice, and policy issues.
Documentation:
- Licensees must keep documentation of their completed CE activities, including certificates of completion, for at least five years. Documentation must include the name of the course, provider, date, and the number of hours earned.
Submission:
- Social Workers are required to submit proof of CE completion when they renew their licenses. This may be done through an online portal provided by the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers.
Audit:
- The Oregon Board may audit licensees to ensure compliance with CE requirements. Those selected for an audit must provide documentation for all claimed CE activities.

Source: Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers: Continuing Education

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

Q: What are the key requirements to obtain a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license in Oregon?

A: To obtain an LCSW license in Oregon, you must meet the following requirements:

Education: Hold a Master’s or Doctorate in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Supervised Experience: Complete 3,500 hours of supervised clinical experience, which includes 2,000 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of supervision.
Examination: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam.
Application Fee: Pay an application fee of $260.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam.

For more details, visit the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers website.

Q: How do I renew my Social Work license in Oregon, and what are the continuing education requirements?

A: Social Work licenses in Oregon must be renewed biennially (every two years) by the last day of the licensee’s birth month. The continuing education (CE) requirements are as follows:

LCSW: 40 hours of CE, including 6 hours in ethics and 6 hours in pain management.
LMSW: 30 hours of CE, including 6 hours in ethics.
RBSW: 20 hours of CE, including 6 hours in ethics, for each renewal cycle (excluding the first renewal cycle).

Renewal Fees:

LCSW: $200
LMSW: $150
RBSW: $100

Q: What are the different Social Work credentials available in Oregon, and what do they allow me to do?

A: The primary Social Work credentials in Oregon are:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Allows you to provide clinical Social Work services, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): Allows you to engage in advanced generalist social work practice at the master’s level, but not in clinical Social Work.
Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW): Allows you to practice non-clinical generalist Social Work at the bachelor’s level, which includes assessment, planning, intervention, and case management.

Each credential requires passing the relevant ASWB exam and meeting specific educational and supervised experience requirements. For comprehensive details, visit the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers website.

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

4) Conclusion

Navigating the landscape of Social Work licensure in Oregon can seem complex, but understanding the requirements and processes is essential for maintaining a successful and ethical practice.

Whether you’re aiming for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential to engage in clinical practice, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) to work at an advanced generalist level, or a Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW) to provide foundational Social Work services, each step is designed to ensure that professionals are well-prepared to serve their communities effectively. The rigorous standards set by the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers reflect the state’s commitment to high-quality Social Work practice.

Continuing education plays a critical role in the licensure process, ensuring that Social Workers remain up-to-date with the latest developments in their field.

The specific CE requirements, which include mandatory training in ethics and pain management, help maintain the professional integrity and competence of Social Workers throughout their careers. Regular renewal of licenses, supported by ongoing education, underscores the importance of lifelong learning in fostering a knowledgeable and ethical Social Work workforce.

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