Looking to become a social worker in Indiana? You’ve come to the right spot! While there are similarities in licensing requirements from state to state, each state is unique. In addition to providing the essentials below, you can click the link we have provided for Indiana’s official licensing body. There you can find additional information on potential requirements like background checks, state-to-state license transfers, and continuing education requirements. We hope this handy guide assists in your efforts to become a certified social worker in your state!
Image Source
In Indiana, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designation Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker (LBSW) is granted to social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. The designations Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) require education at at least the master’s level.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) is the basic licensing level. The LBSW must have a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university whose social work program is approved or accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The candidate for the LBSW licensure must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board, then the LBSW is prepared to assume the beginning level professional role in public and private social service agencies.
The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) must have a master’s of social work from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. The candidate for licensure at the LSW level must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. An LSW provides a wide range of services. Social Workers licensed in the State of Indiana are required to obtain at least 40 hours of continuing education in order to renew their license. MSW applicants applying for their LSW are exempt from the experience and supervision requirements.
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE and hold a current LSW license. The LCSW must have received two years or more of postgraduate continuing supervision provided by an LCSW prior to application for the LCSW exam. The LCSW candidate must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. If the applicant has passed an equivalent exam in another state, then they may apply for the LCSW license by “endorsement” rather than examination.
Bachelor social worker, social worker and clinical social workers licensed in the State of Indiana are required to obtain at least forty hours of continuing education, with at least twenty hours of Category I Continuing Education with two hours of Category I Ethics Continuing Education, in order to renew their license. A social worker who has been licensed less than twenty-four months will need twenty hours of continuing education with one hour of Category I Ethics Continuing Education to renew their license. A social worker who has been licensed less than twelve months does not need continuing education in order to renew their license.
LBSW Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s
- ASWB Exam: Bachelor’s-Level
- Supervision: N/A
LSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: N/A
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical