Social Work Students
Social Work students can choose from two different pathways to obtain a social work license. Choose the Standard License pathway to obtain your social work license by examination. Choose the Provisional License pathway to obtain your social work license through additional supervised practice.
Before applying for a license, please review all the information for both standard and provisional license requirements.
Apply for a Standard License
Students currently enrolled in a social work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) can 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
Review standard license and application requirements:
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.
Apply for a Provisional License
Students currently enrolled in a social work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) can apply for a provisional license once their degree is conferred.
Review provisional license and application requirements:
Resources for Students
