South Dakota Social Worker (SW)

South Dakota Social Worker (SW) Licensure Process

An SW provides unsupervised non-clinical social work. They offer the same services as an SWA, without a supervisor overseeing their work.

Education Requirements

A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is required if you want an SW license in South Dakota. The BSW program must be approved by the CSWE. Here you can find all schools offering social work degree programs in South Dakota.

Background Check

South Dakota requires a background check for all social work license applicants. There is a state and FBI fingerprint-based check, along with:

• Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect check
• Sex Offender Registry check
• National Crime Information Center (NCIC) sex offender registry check

For more information on the offenses that may prevent you from being granted licensure, view the Board’s website.

Examination Requirements

You’re required to pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam, which comes with a $230 registration fee. The Board will send a letter to you once you’ve been approved to take the exam. They will receive your scores from the ASWB two weeks after your test date.

Applying for Licensure as a Social Worker

You have to send all application documents to:

Request that the BSW program send your official transcripts in also. In your application packet, be sure to include the following:

• Application notarized and signed
• Application for Licensure Cover Letter
• $130 application fee
• Three professional references from different agencies

Board meets every 90 days, so Once the Board has your completed application packet, they will notify you of your eligibility to take the ASWB Bachelor exam. The next step is to register and pay the $230 fee to take the exam. Schedule a date for the test, and once you’ve completed the exam, you will be given a copy of your scores. Another copy is sent directly to the Board from the ASWB, and when they have confirmed your passing score, they will issue an SW license.

If you don’t pass your first time around, just notify the Board, and you’ll be allowed to retest after 90 days and pay another registration fee. Take advantage of the practice test online, which is available on the ASWB website once you register.