Education
Key Facts
- Education: Obtain a minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The BSW program provides a comprehensive overview of the social work field, covering subjects such as statistics, human behavior, social work practice theory, and research. It also includes field practicum experiences in various settings like child welfare agencies, hospitals, mental health centers, and juvenile courts.
- LSW Application: Complete the LSW application online through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board’s licensure portal. You can apply in your program’s final semester, but you must graduate before receiving your license. The application fee, as of March 2020, is $83.50.
- ASWB Licensing Exam: After the board reviews your application, you will receive permission to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam. The exam you take depends on your social work degree or your current program. If you hold a bachelor’s degree or are in the final semester of a bachelor’s program, you will take the ASWB bachelor’s exam. If you hold a master’s degree or are in the final semester of a master’s program, you will take the ASWB master’s exam. The exam fee, as of March 2020, is $230.
- Background Checks: Complete the required background checks for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The board provides instructions for both in-state and out-of-state applicants.
- Official Transcripts: Request your academic institution to submit your official transcripts to the board. Your transcripts must reflect that your degree has already been awarded.
- Laws and Rules Video: Watch the board’s online laws and rules video, which reviews the legal and ethical standards relevant to practicing as an LSW in Ohio.
- LSW License: Once the board has received your transcripts, exam results, and background checks, you will be eligible to receive your LSW license. The board will notify you when it has issued your license.
To become an LSW in Ohio, you must obtain a minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The BSW program provides a comprehensive overview of the social work field, covering subjects such as statistics, human behavior, social work practice theory, and research. It also includes field practicum experiences in various settings like child welfare agencies, hospitals, mental health centers, and juvenile courts.
LSW Application
Complete the LSW application online through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board’s licensure portal. You can apply in your program’s final semester, but you must graduate before receiving your license. The application fee, as of March 2020, is $83.50.
ASWB Licensing Exam
After the board reviews your application, you will receive permission to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam. The exam you take depends on your social work degree or your current program. If you hold a bachelor’s degree or are in the final semester of a bachelor’s program, you will take the ASWB bachelor’s exam. If you hold a master’s degree or are in the final semester of a master’s program, you will take the ASWB master’s exam. The exam fee, as of March 2020, is $230.
Background Checks
Complete the required background checks for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The board provides instructions for both in-state and out-of-state applicants.
Official Transcripts
Request your academic institution to submit your official transcripts to the board. Your transcripts must reflect that your degree has already been awarded.
Laws and Rules Video
Watch the board’s online laws and rules video, which reviews the legal and ethical standards relevant to practicing as an LSW in Ohio.
LSW License
Once the board has received your transcripts, exam results, and background checks, you will be eligible to receive your LSW license. The board will notify you when it has issued your license.
Citations
- How to Become a Social Worker in Ohio
- Ohio – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
- Ohio Social Work License to Become a SWA, LSW or LISW in OH
FAQs
What are the education requirements to become an LSW in Ohio?
A minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
How do I apply for an LSW license in Ohio?
Complete the online application through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board’s licensure portal.
What is the ASWB licensing exam and how do I take it?
The ASWB licensing exam is required for all LSW applicants. You will receive permission to take the exam after the board reviews your application. The exam you take depends on your social work degree or current program.
What background checks are required for an LSW license in Ohio?
You must complete background checks for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Do I need to submit official transcripts to the board?
Yes, you must request your academic institution to submit your official transcripts to the board. Your transcripts must reflect that your degree has already been awarded.
What is the cost of the LSW application and exam?
The LSW application fee is $83.50, and the ASWB licensing exam fee is $230, as of March 2020.
How long does it take to process an LSW application?
The processing time for an LSW application varies, but you can expect to receive your license within a few months of submitting your completed application and all required documentation.
What are the continuing education requirements for LSWs in Ohio?
All licensed social workers in Ohio must complete 30 continuing education (CE) hours pre-approved by the board during each two-year renewal period. Three of these hours must cover topics related to ethics.