Louisiana does not have automatic reciprocity agreements for social work licensure with other states. However, the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners (LABSWE) may grant licensure through licensure by endorsement for social workers who are already licensed in another jurisdiction.
Licensure by endorsement allows the Board to evaluate an applicant’s existing license and professional qualifications to determine whether they meet Louisiana’s requirements for the equivalent credential. Under Louisiana administrative rules, the Board may issue a license to an out-of-state social worker if the licensing standards of the original jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to Louisiana’s requirements for that level of licensure. See La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. XXV.
To apply for licensure by endorsement, applicants typically submit an application through the LABSWE licensing system and provide documentation verifying their credentials. Materials commonly required include:
Licensure by endorsement is not automatic. LABSWE reviews each application individually to determine whether the applicant’s education, examination, and supervised experience requirements are comparable to Louisiana’s standards for the credential being requested. If the Board determines that an applicant’s prior qualifications do not fully meet Louisiana’s requirements, additional steps—such as documentation, examination verification, or supervised experience—may be required before a license can be issued.
Applicants should review the most current endorsement instructions and application materials available on the LABSWE application information page before beginning the process.
