Initial Application Instructions
Initial Application for Licensure
Pursuant to NRS 641B.500, it is unlawful for any person to represent him/herself as a social worker without a license. You may not engage in the practice of social work until you are licensed.
Please refer to NRS 641B and NAC 641B for specific laws and statutes about licensure. Links to these documents can be found at the Board website - http://socwork.nv.gov/.
Licensure Types
- LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- MSW clinical license
- License by endorsement
- LISW - Licensed Independent Social Worker
- MSW macro/administrative license
- License by endorsement
Application Processing Timeline
Every item on the enclosed application must be completed. Once ALL information has been received by the Board, the application will be processed. Allow forty-five (45) days for processing of the complete application. Failure to provide requested information will result in a delay or rejection of the application as incomplete.
The status of license applications can be viewed online using the online Application Status Form.
Please select the license you are applying for below.
General Qualifications / Requirements
- Applicant must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
- Applicant must provide one form of identification that verifies birth date, including
- Copy of birth certificate (Hospital certificates are not acceptable), or
- Copy of current passport.
- Applicant must provide a copy of current driver’s license or state identification card.
- If you have a positive criminal history then you will need to provide a court certified copy of records pertaining to arrests, charges and / or convictions from the Court Clerk in the community where the incident(s) occurred.
- Applicant must possess a Master's degree in Social Work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- Applicants must pass the appropriate examination given by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
- Applicant must pass state and federal background checks
FINAL APPROVAL FOR LICENSURE WILL OCCUR AFTER RECEIPT OF THE BACKGROUND CHECK REPORTS.
Before you begin this application please ensure you have the electronic copies of the following documents.
- Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport
- Current Picture ID
- Name Change Documents as relevant to this application. If your transcripts, prior licenses, and/or legal history are in a different name than your application, then we will need name change documents.
- Approved verification of eligibility for Armed Services Discount.
- If you have a positive criminal history then you will need to provide a court certified copy of records pertaining to arrests, charges and / or convictions from the Court Clerk in the community where the incident(s) occurred.
Incomplete Applications
An application for licensure, which is not completed within six (6) months, will be considered closed. The Board will not refund any fee related to an application, which has closed.
Narrative explanation of LCSW License Types
Licensure as a LCSW by Endorsement
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE accredited program.
- Holds an current, equivalent, valid and unrestricted license to engage in social work in another state(s)
Applications and Fees
Credit or Debit card payment must be remitted at time of application submission.
License Fee Schedule
| Application Fee | $ 50.00 |
|---|---|
| Initial license Fee | $ 125.00 |
| "Endorsed" license - Additional Fee | $ 125.00 |
General Qualifications / Requirements
- Applicant must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
- Applicant must be a United States citizen or must be lawfully entitled to remain and work in the United States
- U.S. citizens must submit a copy of their birth certificate or passport. (Hospital certificates are not acceptable).
- Naturalized citizens must forward a copy of their naturalization certificate.
- Aliens must submit a copy of documentation from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service evidencing the lawful entitlement of the applicant to remain and work in the United States
- If you have a positive criminal history then you will need to provide a court certified copy of records pertaining to arrests, charges and / or convictions from the Court Clerk in the community where the incident(s) occurred.
- Applicant must possess a Master's degree in Social Work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- Applicants must pass the appropriate examination given by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
- Applicant must pass state and federal background checks
FINAL APPROVAL FOR LICENSURE WILL OCCUR AFTER RECEIPT OF THE BACKGROUND CHECK REPORTS.
Before you begin this application please ensure you have the electronic copies of the following documents.
- Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport
- Current Picture ID
- Name Change Documents
- Signed Fingerprint Waiver if it has been more than 6 months since your last background check with the board.
- Approved verification of eligibility for Armed Services Discount.
- If you have a positive criminal history then you will need to provide a court certified copy of records pertaining to arrests, charges and / or convictions from the Court Clerk in the community where the incident(s) occurred.
Incomplete Applications
An application for licensure, which is not completed within six (6) months, will be considered closed. The Board will not refund any fee related to an application, which has closed.
Decision Tree for type of LISW Licensure
Narrative explanation of LISW License Types
Licensure as a LISW by Endorsement
- Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE accredited program.
- Holds an current, equivalent, valid and unrestricted license to engage in social work in another state(s)
Applications and Fees
Credit or Debit card payment must be remitted at time of application submission.
License Fee Schedule
| Application Fee | $ 50.00 |
|---|---|
| Initial license Fee | $ 125.00 |
| "Endorsed" license - Additional Fee | $ 125.00 |
Armed Forces Discount on License fee (50% reduction in initial license fee)
Applicant has verified eligibility as an active member of, or the spouse of an active member of the Armed Forces of the United States; is a veteran or a veteran's surviving spouse. Approved verification information can be found be found on the Board's website at: http://socwork.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/socworknvgov/content/licensees/Attachment2.pdf.
Fingerprint Waiver Document
Please printout and complete the Fingerprint Waiver (available on the website, the link is listed below the application) as fingerprinting is required for licensure. You will be submitting the waiver seperately from this application. If you have a prior application on file than please contact the board office to verify if you need new fingerprinting.
Before you begin this application please ensure you have the electronic copies of the following documents.
- Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport
- Current Picture ID
- Name Change Documents
- Approved verification of eligibility for Armed Services Discount.
- If you have a positive criminal history then you will need to provide a court certified copy of records pertaining to arrests, charges and / or convictions from the Court Clerk in the community where the incident(s) occurred.