Wisconsin Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

In Wisconsin, the credentialing and licensure requirements for Social Workers are governed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Here is an overview of the credentials, licensure renewal details, and associated costs and fees:

Credentials

1. Certified Social Worker (CSW)
   • Requirements:
     • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
     • Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s examination.
   • Scope of Practice: Entry-level Social Work under supervision.
2. Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW)
   • Requirements:
     • Master’s or doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
     • Pass the ASWB Master’s examination.
   • Scope of Practice: Advanced practice under supervision.
3. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
   • Requirements:
     • Master’s or doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
     • Pass the ASWB Clinical examination.
     • Completion of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical Social Work practice.
   • Scope of Practice: Independent clinical Social Work practice.
4. Independent Social Worker (ISW)
   • Requirements:
     • Master’s or doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
     • Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist examination.
     • Completion of 3,000 hours of supervised Social Work practice.
   • Scope of Practice: Independent non-clinical Social Work practice.

Licensure Renewal Details

• Renewal Cycle: Every two years, by February 28th of odd-numbered years.
• Continuing Education Requirements:
  • CSW and APSW: 30 hours of continuing education, including 4 hours of ethics and professional boundaries.
  • LCSW and ISW: 30 hours of continuing education, including 4 hours of ethics and professional boundaries.

Fees

1. Application Fees:
   • CSW: $60
   • APSW: $60
   • LCSW: $150
   • ISW: $150
2. Examination Fees:
   • ASWB Bachelor’s Exam: $230
   • ASWB Master’s Exam: $230
   • ASWB Clinical Exam: $260
   • ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam: $260
3. Renewal Fees:
   • CSW: $70
   • APSW: $70
   • LCSW: $90
   • ISW: $90

Summary

• Certified Social Worker (CSW): Requires a bachelor’s degree and ASWB Bachelor’s exam. Renewal fee is $70.
• Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW): Requires a master’s or doctoral degree and ASWB Master’s exam. Renewal fee is $70.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Requires a master’s or doctoral degree, ASWB Clinical exam, and 3,000 hours of supervised practice. Renewal fee is $90.
• Independent Social Worker (ISW): Requires a master’s or doctoral degree, ASWB Advanced Generalist exam, and 3,000 hours of supervised practice. Renewal fee is $90.

These details ensure that Social Workers in Wisconsin are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide ethical and effective services to their communities.

For detailed information and application forms, you can visit: DSPS Social Worker Exam Information and DSPS Social Worker Continuing Education​.​​

In Wisconsin, the continuing education (CE) requirements for Social Workers are designed to ensure that professionals maintain and enhance their skills throughout their careers. Here are the key points regarding the CE requirements:

Continuing Education Requirements

1. General Requirements:
   • Social Workers must complete 30 hours of continuing education during each biennial (two-year) licensure period.
   • The licensure period ends on February 28th of odd-numbered years.
   • The first renewal period after initial licensure is exempt from CE requirements.
2. Ethics and Professional Boundaries:
   • At least 4 of the 30 CE hours must be in the area of ethics and professional boundaries.
   • These hours must be obtained through interactive learning formats, such as live presentations or real-time webinars.
3. Interactive Learning Format:
   • The 4 required hours in ethics and professional boundaries must be obtained in a live, synchronous presentation with discussion or an asynchronous educational program approved by recognized professional organizations.
4. Acceptable CE Providers:
   • CE hours can be obtained from programs approved, sponsored, provided, endorsed, or authorized by several organizations, including:
     • Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Agents of Change Continuing Education is authorized by the ASWB.
     • National Association of Social Workers (NASW) or its state chapters
     • Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
     • American Psychological Association (APA)
     • American Medical Association (AMA) for Category I continuing medical education programs
     • Accredited colleges and universities
5. Documentation and Audit:
   • Social workers must certify completion of CE requirements during the license renewal process.
   • They should retain documentation of completed CE hours, including certificates of attendance or completion, for at least four years after the renewal period.
   • The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) may conduct random audits to ensure compliance.
6. Special Provisions:
   • Up to 15 of the required 30 CE hours can be earned through in-house training and development programs, provided they are approved by one of the recognized organizations.
   • Presenting or developing professional material can also earn CE hours, with 1 hour granted per hour of presented or developed material, and 20 hours for presenting a semester-long course.

Sources

• Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) – Social Worker Continuing Education: DSPS Social Worker Continuing Education​​

These requirements ensure that social workers in Wisconsin remain competent and ethical in their professional practice, continually improving their knowledge and skills to better serve their communities.