Social Worker - Independent

​​​​Additional Resources

Other Forms

Statutes and Administrative Code

Continuing Education Information

Exam Information

Offenses that May Result in Refusal, Bar, or Termination of Licensure

Related Links

Social Worker Section

Orders and Disciplinary Actions

Conviction Self Report

Professional Assistance Procedure

Monitoring

File a Complaint

Wisconsin Emergency Assistance Volunteer Registry (WEAVR)

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Now Live: Easier Online License Applications and ​Renewals!

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​LicensE is your online, self-guided occupational license application platform. 

Please review the helpful links below:

  • Find step-by-step instruction for license renewal here.
  • Find a list of license renewals available via LicensE in the chart on the LicensE Customer Information page.
  • Find all licenses available via LicensE, plus user guides and other resources, on the LicensE Customer Information page.
  • Anyone applying for an initial license for any of the credentials listed can apply at license.wi.gov.

Our LicensE Application Status Lookup tool makes it easier for employees, and helps academic advisors support students during the license application process. To access the Application Status Lookup tool, you will need the applicant's 10-digit PAR number. An applicant may provide the number to anyone who could support their application. Find more information in our news release about this tool. ​​

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License Information

Per Wis. Stat. § 440.08 (2), the required renewal date for the Independent Social Worker credential is 02/28/ each odd-numbered year.  Should you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to this date, you are still required to renew your license by the statutorily defined date.

Requirements

  • Complete 2 years of supervised practice.
    • Upon completion of education and after receiving certification as an APSW,  engage in at least 3000 hours of supervised social work practice approved by the Social Worker Section of full-time supervised social work practice approved by the Social Worker Section.
  • An applicant for permanent licensure may apply for a temporary license at the same time.
    • The temporary license may be issued to an individual who pays the required fee and meets all the qualifications for the permanent license except for passing the required national examination.
    • The temporary license expires upon notification of successful completion of the national examination or expiration of the 9-month period, whichever is earlier. 
  • Contact ASWB to register for the national exam. (Applicants have the option of taking the national exam prior to graduation.) The exam for this level is called the ASWB Advanced Generalist examination (formerly Advanced level Exam).

Pre-Credential Education

Applicants for licensure must have received a master's degree in social work from a program accredited by, or a pre-accreditation program of, the Council on Social Work Education or a doctoral degree in social work.


Application for Licensure

FormDescription
1992Credentialing Information for Independent​​ Social Worker Applicants​  (Reciprocity Information​)
​4211​Information for Social Work Application Completion
​3217​Application for Fee Reduction (Optional - If applying for a fee reduction, this form must accompany the LicensE application for the credential.)
1978​Certificate of Professional Education (This form must be sent to DSPS directly from your school.)
​2992​Supervisor's Affidavit of Independent Social Worker Supervised Pre-Certification Practice (for Independent Social Worker applicants only)
2829

Malpractice Suits or Claims Form (if ​applicable)
​3085​Application for Predetermination (Optional-Submit ONLY if you have been convicted of any felony, misdemeanor, or other violations of federal or state law in this state or any other and you desire a review of your conviction record before applying for a credential.)​​
2252​Convictions and Pending Charges (if applicable)
​3219
​Information for Independent​ Social Worker Late Renewal Applicants [For credentials expired five (5) years or more.]  

Renewal Information

Requirements

  • FEE (See Renewal Dates and Fees)
  • SIG (Signature regarding the completion of Continuing Education, included in online renewal. See Continuing Education Information for details.)
  • If your legal status as a qualified alien or nonimmigrant lawfully present in the United States has changed since the issuance of your credential or your last renewal, please contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at (608) 266-2112 or dsps@wisconsin.gov.

Renewal Methods

FormDescription
RDAFRenewal Dates and Fees
​2254
​Convictions and Pending Charges (if applicable for renewal) 
R210Active Duty/Discharge Renewal Extension

Wisconsin Act 210 (effective June 1, 2012)

This Act extends the license of a service member if the license expires while they are on active duty from 90 days to 180 days from the date of discharge. The same applies to a spouse of a service member if the spouse does not practice under their license while the service member is on active duty and does not practice because the service member is on active duty.

This Act repeals a provision of prior law that required a service member to meet all of the requirements for license extension or renewal, except for continuing education requirements, in order to have the license extended.

Service members and spouses may request extensions of licenses beyond 180 days from discharge and may request a waiver or extension of time to complete continuing education requirements due to hardship.  Please view Active Duty/Discharge Renewal Extension Form #R210.​