JUMP-START YOUR CAREER

The PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselors no longer accepts paper applications. Please go to their website to apply. Go to the Licensing Services on the left column to Register and begin the process.

The application no longer requires two recommendations from professional social workers. A Criminal Background Check is now required as part of the application for PA licensure. Also, there is a new requirement indicating that each applicant must complete the Self-Query form from the National Database of Clinicians within 6 months of the application. Details are contained in the application on the website.

The online application process includes the verification of social work education form, which students can download and give to the SP2 Registrar to sign and submit directly to the Board. This allows students to register and sit for the exam before graduation. Students do not submit their transcript until after graduation. The SP2 Registrar will reach out about this process and form at the start of the spring semester for expected graduates.

State Boards must have official, final transcripts on file. Even if students pass the exam before graduation, they must send their official transcript to the State Board after graduation once degrees have been conferred. SP2 does not send the transcript on students’ behalf; students are responsible for ordering transcripts from the University Registrar. To ensure that a transcript is sent properly, students should check their unofficial transcripts in Path@Penn to ensure:

1. that the degree has been conferred; and
2. that all information is correct

Additionally, the SP2 Registrar will reach out directly with a degree conferral confirmation. Questions about the information displayed on a transcript should be addressed to the SP2 Registrar.

Please note that criminal history checks must be no older than 90 days from the date of Application for Licensure by examination.

If you are interested in the licensure requirements of other states, please utilize this Professional Licensure Disclosure list. Under “Degree Name,” select “Master of Social Work.” From there you can navigate to the state of interest and find their respective licensure board and website.

SP2 offers an online LSW Prep Course that prepares graduating MSW students for the LSW exam. Students can access the courses through OpenSP2, which offers a variety of continuing education opportunities for our current students and alumni.

SP2 offers complimentary access to the SP2 LSW Prep Course to current graduating MSW students. Contact the MSW Administrative Director, Mai Le at mtle@upenn.edu for more information.

The MSW Program offers a licensure information session for students in their final semester. Please find the materials from the most recent session below.

Additional Resources

• Advanced clinical instructors, advanced macro instructors, and field liaisons are familiar with the LSW exam and will spend practice class time on the LSW exam.
• Students interested in exploring funding for exam preparation are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Affairs.
• Study Materials, Exam Registration, & Practice Test: https://www.aswb.org
• The ASWB Examination Guidebook: https://www.aswb.org/exam/getting-ready-for-the-exam/aswb-examination-guidebook/
• Information Sessions Available through the NASW-PA: https://www.nasw-pa.org/
• LSW Pre-Course through Bryn Mawr College: https://www.brynmawr.edu/swprodev/lsw-lcsw-exam-preparation. A recent survey of past participants of the prep course revealed a 90% exam pass rate after taking this course.