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North Dakota Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

AKA: North Dakota LMSW License

North Dakota Social Worker License - 2024 Guide
Social Worker License

by Social Worker License Staff

Updated: April 24th, 2023

North Dakota Licensing Body

North Dakota Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Licensure Process

LMSWs provide general services and supervised clinical services. Their duties include:

  • Administering group therapy for rehabilitation programs
  • Providing career support for those at-risk
  • Case management
  • Social advocacy

Education Requirements

A Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-approved school or a Canadian college or university approved by the CASWE is required to become an LMSW. The areas of study are similar to an LBSW with  these additional courses:

  • Advanced generalist theory
  • Specialty social work areas

Find all schools offering social work degree programs in North Dakota.

Background Check

All applicants must pass a criminal background check and agree to a Child Abuse Information Index Check. Fingerprint cards will be mailed to you by the Board along with a Criminal History Record Check Request form and Child Abuse and Neglect Background Inquiry. You are required to complete all the information and send it back to the Board.

You must pay all of the fees associated with the background check. If the information sent to the Board is unclear, you will have to resend it. After six weeks, the Board will have the results and inform you of your licensure status. If there are no issues, you’ll receive your license a week after the Board has the results. If something in your background is flagged, the Board will review the information and decide whether or not you will be granted licensure.

Applying for Licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker

Send your application for licensure to the Board via their online portal or by mail with the $25 application fee included. You’ll need three recommendations from professional references and your official transcript to send in as well. For those who have yet to graduate, a faculty member needs to submit a verification form that shows you’re on track to graduate on time.

Mail documents to:

North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners

P.O. Box 914

Bismarck, ND 58502-0914

You’ll need one reference from each of the following:

  • Field placement supervisor
  • Licensed social worker or license-eligible social worker
  • Social work department faculty advisor

After the board reviews your application, they will let you know if you qualify to take the exam. Once your background information is received, and your passing score sent to the Board, they will grant your LMSW license. There is a $75 fee associated with licensure for anyone who does not hold an LSW license. If you have the LSW, you won’t need to pay the fee, and your license will be mailed. You are then permitted to practice general social work as an independent practitioner and can begin accruing supervised clinical hours to attain an LCSW.

Examination Requirements

The Board will notify you when you are ready to take the ASWB Master’s exam. Pay the exam fee of $230 and register for the test. You can practice for the exam online to brush up on your knowledge. Your scores will be sent to the Board by the ASWB within a two-week period.