Social Worker

​​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)

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

LicensE, our new, online, self-guided occupational license application platform is now live! The list of licenses available via LicensE is available HERE​. Anyone applying for an initial license for any of the credentials listed can apply at license.wi.gov.​

Who can use LicensE? Applicants for initial health care licenses are our primary LicensE users, but we know many other organizations and institutions will need to submit documents through the platform. Anyone who is not an applicant or a DSPS employee is considered a LicensE third-party user. Third-parties include educational institutions, employers, testing centers, and any other individual or entity who needs to supply documentation on behalf of an applicant. Please see our Additional​ Resources for third-party user guides, demo videos, and more.

LicensE is for new, initial applications only. To renew your license, click HERE. You should not use LicensE to renew your license at this time. If you already have a pending application, you should not apply again in LicensE. Note that applicants who apply multiple times will be charged for each ​application.

​​License Information

Per Wis. Stat. § 440.08 (2), the required renewal date for the Social Worker credential is 02/28/odd years.  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.

An applicant for permanent credential may apply for a temporary credential at the same time. (Note: Temporary credentials are not available for applicants applying via reciprocity).

  • The temporary credential may be issued to an individual who pays the required fee and meets all the qualifications for the permanent credential except for passing the required national examination.
  • The temporary credential expires upon notification of successful completion of the national examination or expiration of the 9-month period, whichever is earlier.
  • A temporary credential may be renewed one time for an additional 9-month period.

Contact ASWB to register for the national exam at www.aswb.org/exam-candidates/exam-registration/. (Applicants have the option of taking the national exam prior to graduation.)  The examination for this level is called the ASWB Bachelors examination (formerly Basic Level exam).  Board reviews application and determines eligibility to sit for the national exam.

Pre-Credential Education

Received a bachelor's or master's degree in social work from a program accredited by, or pre-accreditation program of, the Council on Social Work Education or a doctoral degree in social work. (If you do not meet these requirements, see information pertaining to Social Worker Training Certificate.)


Application for Licensure

FormDescription
1992Credentialing Information for Certified Social Worker Applicants​​
​4211​Information for Social Work Application Completion
​3217​Application for Fee Reduction (If applying for a fee reduction, this form must accompany the application for the credential.)
1978Certificate of Professional Education This form must be sent to DSPS directly from your school.
2829Malpractice 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
3071​Fax Payment Form
3219 ​Information for ​Social Worker Late Renewal Applicants (For credentials expired five (5) years or more)​

Application for Substance Abuse Specialty

FormDescription
2711Credentialing Information for Substance Abuse Specialty Authorization
2712​Affidavit Regarding Supervised Experience for Substance Abuse Specialty Authorization
2713Substance Abuse Specialty Authorization Education and Training Form (Social Work and Independent Social Work)
2714Substance Abuse Specialty Authorization Education and Training Form (Advanced Practice Social Work)
​

Renewal Information

Requirements

  • FEE (See Renewal Dates and Fees)
  • SIG (Signature regarding the completion of Continuing Education, included in on-line renewal and paper form 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
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.