Indiana Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)

Indiana LBSW Licensure Process

The LBSW is the first level of licensure for social workers in Indiana. With this license you can perform generalist duties such as administration, planning, and research.

Education Requirements

A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE accredited school or program is required to apply for an LBSW license.

Find all schools offering social work degree programs in Indiana.

Application Process

Your Application for Licensure must be completed and sent to the Board for approval. Your school will need to send your official transcript to the Board also. The application fee is $50, and an additional $25 will grant you a temporary permit to practice for one year as you study to pass the exam.

Background Check

Once you receive notification that the Board is reviewing your application, you can fill out the Criminal Background Check form. You are responsible for paying to have your fingerprints taken and sent to the Board. The amounts will vary depending on the location you visit to have the process completed, so do some research before settling on a facility.

Examination Requirements

After the Board approves your application for licensure, your next step is to register for and pay the $230 fee to take the Association of Social Work Boards (AWSB) Bachelor’s exam. When you pass the 170 multiple-choice question exam, you are eligible for your full LBSW license. The ASWB will inform the Board of your score, and you will receive an email notifying you that your license has been granted. You can download and print your license card via the link provided in the email.

If you are working with a temporary permit and do not pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam, you cannot continue working as an LBSW. These permits are only good for one year and are non-renewable.