Social Work Students

The Board recommends that students currently enrolled in a social work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) apply for a standard license six months before graduation for the best application process.

• Applying for a license before graduation gives students the option to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam, upon Board approval, before graduating, and complete the licensing process more quickly after completing their degree
• Under Minnesota Statutes section 148E.055 and ASWB Exam Policy, students cannot take the exam more than six months before completing social work degree requirements

Apply for a License

Review standard license and application requirements:

• Apply for LSW
• Apply for LGSW

Students who have passed the ASWB exam and submitted fingerprints for the criminal background check (CBC) may also be eligible to apply for a temporary license upon completion of degree requirements.

Resources for Students

• Application Action Steps: An at-a-glance overview of the application process and required steps.
• Top Ten Application Tips for Students: Tips for navigating the application process for graduating students.
• Top Ten Temporary License Tips for Students: Tips for applying for a temporary license as a graduating student.
• License Application Process for Social Work Students Video: Short video produced by BOSW outlining the process to apply for a social work license as a graduating student. 
• ASWB Exam Candidates Video: Short video produced by ASWB outlining the steps for taking the ASWB exam.