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What License Should I Apply for?

In Oregon, the practice of licensed social work is protected under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 675.523. This statute requires anyone interested in becoming a licensed social worker to apply for a license or certificate. Oregon statutes and rules do not allow licensure through reciprocity. 

Please review the types of licenses below, then use the Oregon BLSW Apply for a License page to begin the application page.


Clinical Licenses: 

What does a clinical license allow me to do in Oregon?

A clinical social work license in Oregon, may allow you to provide clinical social work services that use advanced training and skills to asses, diagnose, and treat mental, emotion, or behavioral health conditions (including but not limited to those listed in the DSM-5). 

This type of work may include:

  • Diagnose mental health conditions
  • Treat mental and emotional health conditions
  • Assess, diagnose, and plan treatment for clients
  • Provide counseling or psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families and groups
  • Use proven therapy methods to improve mental health

Who is this license for?
Anyone who already has an LCSW license in another state or jurisdiction.
Application Fee
$460.00
License Requirements
1) Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, 2) ASWB Clinical Exam Scores, 3) Pass Oregon laws and rules exam, 4) Meet the required post-MSW hours: 3,500 total work hours, 2,000 out of 3,500 being direct client hours, 100 total supervision​ hours, 50 out of 100 individual supervision hours, and a minimum of 24 months of supervised clinical experience. ​

Who is this license for?
Anyone who has their master of social work (MSW) degree and does not yet have the post-MSW hours needed for the LCSW license. Or anyone that already holds a CSWA or equivalent license in another state or jurisdiction.
Application Fee
$260.00
License Requirements
1) Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, 2) Take and pass the Oregon laws and rules exam​


Non-Clinical Licenses:

What does non-clinical license allow me to do in Oregon? 

A non-clinical social work license in Oregon, may allow you to support individuals, families, and communities without providing therapy or diagnosing mental health conditions. 

This type of work may include: 

  • Helping people and communities without providing therapy or making diagnoses
  • Focusing on meeting basic needs and connecting people to services
  • Case management and coordinating services
  • Sharing information, referrals and general support
  • Supporting people through advocacy and community programs

Who is this license for?
Anyone with a master of social work (MSW) degree or anyone who holds an LMSW or equivalent in another state or jurisdiction.
Application Fee
$200.00
License Requirements
1) Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, 2) ASWB Masters Exam scores, 3) Take and pass the Oregon laws and rules exam. ​

Who is this license for?
Anyone who has a bachelor's of social work (BSW) degree or anyone that holds an RBSW or equivalent license in another state or jurisdiction.
Application Fee
$150.00
License Requirements
1) Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) degree, 2) ASWB Bachelors Exam scores, 3) Take and pass the Oregon laws and rules exam. ​​




What if I haven't taken or passed the ASWB exam required for the license I apply for? 

Oregon laws and rules require a passing ASWB exam score for the RBSW, LMSW and LCSW licenses. If you have not taken and passed the ASWB exam you need for your chosen license application, then you can choose one of two options: 

  1. Apply for your Oregon license and provide all other application items. 
    1. Once your application is approved, then we can provide you with permission to take the ASWB exam that you need for your license. 
  2. If you are licensed in another state or jurisdiction, you can request them to help you get approval to take the ASWB exam that you need for an Oregon license. 
    1. Once you take and pass the exam in another state or jurisdiction, you can have ASWB transfer your passing scores to us.