ND Board of Social Work Examiners
ND Board of Social Work Examiners
To initiate the LCSW (Reciprocity) licensure process, you will need to submit the following forms and documents to the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (NDBSWE):
Once NDBSWE receives your completed application and $150 application fee, you will receive a "background check" packet which will include the documents needed to complete a statewide and nationwide Criminal History Record Check & Child Abuse and Neglect Background Inquiry. Please send the completed forms to NDBSWE. More information can be found here.
Social Work Experience: Please submit a detailed letter and/or resume explaining your past and present work experience in social work. Explain how many hours you earned in clinical supervision and how many hours you have doing clinical social work. Be specific about the amount and type of diagnosing you have done. Diagnosing is a critical part of the LCSW practice. The documentation may include an explanation about clinical supervision completed for another state board.
Applicant Affidavit: The board requires documentation and affirmation that the applicant's supervised clinical practice and social work practice meets or exceeds the minimum supervisory requirements of N.D.C.C. 43-41-04. You must complete the LCSW Reciprocity Applicant Affidavit form.
License Verification – You must request the licensing board of the jurisdiction where you have held or currently hold a license to complete the license verification form. NDBSWE will also accept a letter sent directly from the other state board(s) verifying your license.
Reference forms are not required when applying by reciprocity.
Board Review - Once all items are received, your application will be reviewed by a Board member before being issued. The Board member determines if your qualifications meet the Board's requirements. If the Board member concludes that you are not eligible for a license by reciprocity, you may be licensed based on your experience in clinical social work practice, and you may need to submit the additional documentation.
Application Status: It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep updated on their application status and to ensure all required items are submitted to NDBSWE. You may view your Application Status to keep updated on your license application. If you have any questions about your application, please email the Board office.