Tennessee Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements
Navigating Social Work licensure in Tennessee necessitates a thorough understanding of the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and the array of credentials available to practitioners. As a profession deeply committed to community well-being, Social Work in Tennessee is governed by specific standards and regulations designed to ensure that professionals are well-prepared, both in terms of knowledge and ethical practice.
This blog post explains the licensure renewal process, highlights the important dates and fees, and delves into 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 Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) gaining experience, or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) focused 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 Tennessee Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates
In Tennessee, Social Workers must meet specific credentialing and licensure requirements to practice professionally. The main credentials include Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Below is a breakdown of the requirements, licensure renewal details, and associated costs:
Credentialing Requirements
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Application: Submit application to the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure (TBSWL) with a $110 fee.
Exam: Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Education: Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Application: Submit application to TBSWL with a $160 fee.
Exam: Pass the ASWB Master’s exam.
Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW)
Education: Master’s degree in Social Work.
Experience: At least two years of supervised work experience (3,000 hours) as an LMSW under an LAPSW or LCSW, including 100 hours of face-to-face supervision.
Application: Submit application to TBSWL with a $235 fee and verification of supervised experience.
Exam: Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Education: Master’s degree in Social Work.
Experience: At least two years of supervised clinical work experience (3,000 hours) as an LMSW, including 100 hours of face-to-face supervision.
Application: Submit application to TBSWL with a $210 fee and verification of supervised clinical experience.
Exam: Pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
Licensure Renewal
Licenses must be renewed every two years. The deadline for renewal is December 31st of the renewal year. The renewal process involves completing continuing education requirements and paying the renewal fees.
Continuing Education: Social Workers must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, including three hours of ethics training.
Fees:
LBSW: $90
LMSW: $90
LAPSW: $235
LCSW: $210
Additional Costs
Application Fees:
LBSW: $110
LMSW: $160
LAPSW: $235
LCSW: $210
ASWB Exam Fees:
Bachelor’s: $230
Master’s: $230
Advanced Generalist: $260
Clinical: $260
Criminal Background Check: Fee varies by provider.
Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Tennessee’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.
2) Tennessee Social Work Continuing Education Requirements
In Tennessee, Social Workers must meet specific continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their licensure. The requirements vary based on the level of licensure and include mandatory hours in ethics and Tennessee-specific laws. Here are the detailed CE requirements:
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
Total Hours: 18 clock hours every two years.
Ethics: 6 hours in Social Work ethics.
Tennessee Law: 1 hour specific to Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 63-23-101 and the Rules and Regulations of the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure.
Additional Requirements: At least 2 hours of suicide prevention training every four years.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Total Hours: 24 clock hours every two years.
Ethics: 6 hours in Social Work ethics.
Tennessee Law: 1 hour specific to Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 63-23-101 and the Rules and Regulations of the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure.
Additional Requirements: At least 2 hours of suicide prevention training every four years.
Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Total Hours: 30 clock hours every two years.
Ethics: 6 hours in Social Work ethics.
Tennessee Law: 1 hour specific to Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 63-23-101 and the Rules and Regulations of the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure.
Additional Requirements: At least 2 hours of suicide prevention training every four years.
General Rules for CE
Multi-Media Courses: Up to two-thirds of CE hours can be completed via multi-media courses (online, webinars, etc.).
New Licensees: Exempt from suicide prevention training for the first two years if they have completed a qualifying academic program.
Supervisory Requirement: Supervisors must complete 12 hours of specific CE in clinical or non-clinical advanced practice social work supervision, including 3 hours covering Tennessee licensing rules.
Additional Notes
Tracking: Licensees are encouraged to use CE Broker for tracking CE hours, which is free and provided by the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure.
Waivers: The board may grant waivers for CE requirements under certain conditions, such as disability or military service.
Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Tennessee’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 – Tennessee Social Work Licensure Renewal and CEUs
Q: What are the continuing education requirements for Social Workers in Tennessee?
A: In Tennessee, continuing education (CE) requirements vary depending on the level of licensure:
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW): 18 hours every two years, including 6 hours in ethics and 1 hour specific to Tennessee law and regulations.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): 24 hours every two years, including 6 hours in ethics and 1 hour specific to Tennessee law and regulations.
Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): 30 hours every two years, including 6 hours in ethics and 1 hour specific to Tennessee law and regulations. Additionally, all licensees must complete at least 2 hours of suicide prevention training every four years. Up to two-thirds of CE hours can be completed via multi-media courses (online, webinars, etc.) (Tennessee State Government – TN.gov).
Q: How can I track my continuing education credits in Tennessee?
A: The Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure recommends using CE Broker, a free tracking tool provided to licensees. CE Broker helps social workers track completed courses, ensure compliance with renewal requirements, and find approved CE courses. To activate your free CE Broker account:
CE Broker also offers additional features such as a personalized transcript, a mobile app, and support services to assist with any questions or issues.
Q: What should I do if I am unable to complete my continuing education requirements due to extenuating circumstances?
A: If you are unable to meet the continuing education (CE) requirements due to extenuating circumstances such as disability, military service, or residence abroad, you can request a waiver from the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure.
The request must include written documentation explaining the situation and why you are unable to complete the required CE hours. It is recommended to submit this request before the end of the renewal cycle in which the hours were to be completed. The board will review the request and determine if a waiver can be granted (Tennessee State Government – TN.gov).
Resources for CE:Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 courses that meet Tennessee’sCE requirements. Regulatory boards have the final say on courses accepted for continuing education credit.
4) Conclusion
Navigating the licensure and continuing education requirements for Social Workers in Tennessee can initially seem complex, but understanding the specific credentials and guidelines ensures that professionals remain compliant and well-prepared for their roles.
The state’s commitment to maintaining high standards through detailed educational and ethical requirements underscores the importance of continuous learning and adherence to regulations. By fulfilling these requirements, Social Workers can enhance their knowledge base, improve service delivery, and ultimately contribute to the well-being of their communities.
Utilizing tools such as CE Broker can significantly simplify the process of tracking continuing education credits, ensuring that Social Workers meet their renewal deadlines without hassle. The flexibility offered through various forms of multi-media learning allows professionals to balance their ongoing education with their work and personal commitments. Additionally, the support and resources provided by the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure and other professional organizations make it easier for Social Workers to find approved courses and stay informed about any changes in licensure requirements.
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!
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.
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
