​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​Now Live: Easier Online License Applications and Renewals!

LicensE, our new, online, self-guided occupational license application platform is now live! The list of licenses available via LicensE plus user guides and other resources are available on the LicensE Customer Information page. Anyone applying for an initial license for any of the credentials listed can apply at license.wi.gov.

LicensE is also available for some license renewals. The list of license renewals available via LicensE is in the chart on the LicensE Customer Information​ page.​

We are introducing a new LicensE Application Status Lookup ​tool. This tool will make it easier for employers to track the application status of current and future employees, and it will help academic advisors support students during the license application process. To access the Application Status Lookup tool, individuals will need an applicant's 10-digit PAR number. An applicant may provide the number to anyone who could support their application. For more information, see our press release.​

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).
• ASWB Examination Candidate Handbook 
• ASWB advanced level examination.   If you hold a certificate from the ACSW you will need to request ACSW to submit written verification of your certification directly to the Social Worker Section. If so, you may not be required to take the ASWB 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

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

• Online Log In: LicensE (For assistance see LicensE​ Customer Information or contact renewal staff at DSPSRenewal@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-2112.) 
  

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.​