Wisconsin Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW)

Wisconsin Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW) Licensure Process

Education Requirements

You can qualify to become a Certified Independent Social Worker or CISW if you have a master’s degree in social work from an accredited institution by the CSWE or if you have a DSW. Here you can find all schools offering social work degree programs in Wisconsin.

People who hold a CISW credential can practice specific specialty, non-clinical social work without supervision. They can also practice clinical social work with supervision.

Work Experience Requirement

Unlike the previous credentials, becoming a CISW means you need a certain amount of supervised experience working as a CAPSW. You need to complete two years of work experience, or the equivalent of 3,000 hours.

A CISW or an LCSW should regularly supervise your work for at least an hour weekly.

Application Requirements

If you have the education and work experience required for CISW, you can submit the social worker application form.

Aside from the usual background and personal information, you will need to identify who supervised your work while gaining the experience requirement. You also need to provide your school permission to verify your educational attainment. That is done by completing the Certificate of Professional Education, which is sent directly to the DSPS board.

The application fee for CISW is $90 if you already have credentials in the state and have completed the law exam within the previous five years. You can pay an additional $10 to gain a temporary license. That allows you to practice for a limited amount of time as you work on the other requirements.

Examination Requirements

All social worker applicants are required to pass the state law exam. It is an online, open-book test covering the legal and ethical expectations of social workers in Wisconsin. The passing rate for the law exam is 85%.

You also need to take the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam. It covers social work methodologies and theories. The fee for the exam is $260.

After passing the exams and completing your application with the DSPS board, you are given the CISW credential, allowing you to start practicing.