Florida Provisional Clinical Social Worker (PCLW)

Florida Provisional Clinical Social Worker (PCLW) Licensing Process

Florida offers a provisional clinical social worker license (PCLW) for those who are well on their way to meeting the requirements to become a licensed clinical social worker but still have some work left to do. If you obtain this license, you can practice as a clinical social worker under the direct supervision of another clinical social worker. You must have at least one face-to-face meeting with your supervision every month to maintain your license. Also, this is not meant to be permanent. Instead, it lasts for 24 months, and you cannot renew it after it expires. Instead, you will need to take the next steps to become a licensed clinical social worker so you can work without supervision.

Education Requirements

You need to earn a master’s degree in social work to become a clinical social worker. However, you can apply for a provisional license if you’re currently in a program but have yet to meet all the education requirements. Then, you can earn money and gain experience while finishing the master’s degree program.

If you have yet to enroll in a program, though, that’s the first place to start. You’ll need to choose one that’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Select an accredited social work degree program in Florida, and then you can enroll to get the education necessary for your career path.

Experience Requirements

You have to complete two years of post-master’s degree experience under the supervision of a clinical social worker. This includes at least:

• 100 hours of supervision in a minimum of 100 weeks
• 1,500 hours of in-person psychotherapy with clients
• One hour of supervision every two weeks

Your supervisor will need to fill out the Verification of Clinical Experience for you to meet this requirement. After finishing the form, your supervisor can email it to info@floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov.

Examination Requirements

You can take the national exam before or after obtaining your provisional license. If you’re ready to sit for the exam now, you can register via the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The clinical exam fee is $260 and must be paid at the time of registration.

Licensure Process

You will need to contact the Board Office to receive an application for a provisional license. Email MQA.491@flhealth.gov to request a license. Once you receive it, fill it out and submit it with the $100 fee.