Tennessee Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW)

Tennessee Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) Licensure Process

LAPSWs have the ability to provide non-clinical services in a private setting, or they can join an organization. They can also engage in clinical services while being supervised by an LCSW. Their roles include:

• Administration of programs and activities
• Develop and implement policies
• Case management and counseling
• Research, education, and community organizing

Education Requirements

Once you earn an MSW or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited university or program, you can apply for licensure as an LAPSW. Here you can find all schools offering social work degree programs in Tennessee.

Experience Requirements

One of the requirements to obtain an LAPSW license is you must already have an LMSW. You are then qualified to begin accumulating the 3,000 hours of non-clinical work experience necessary for licensure. One hundred hours must be face-to-face supervision conducted by an LAPSW or LCSW. Forty of the supervised hours can be completed in a group setting, while the remaining 60 have to be done in a one-on-one setting. To qualify for supervisory duties, the LAPSW or LCSW has to complete supervision training and have held a license for a minimum of three years.

Background Check

Register for the background check on IdentoGo to have your fingerprints digitally scanned for comparison to the TBI and FBI databases. You can also call (855) 226-2937 and schedule an appointment to have your prints scanned. You are responsible for the $35.15 processing fee. View the criminal background check instructions if you are unable to have your prints scanned and prefer to use a fingerprint card.

Examination Requirements

You must pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam after receiving permission from the Board to sit down for the test. The fee to register for the exam is $260, and it consists of 170 multiple-choice questions. Once your test is scored, the results are sent directly to the Board.

Applying for Licensure as a Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker

You must gain the necessary supervised experience, and before you can begin accruing hours, you have to send in an LAPSW Supervision Plan for the Board’s approval. Once it’s accepted, you can begin accumulating hours toward LAPSW licensure.

Submit an application packet after you earn the 3,000 supervised non-clinical experience hours. Include the following:

• Copy of LMSW renewal card
• Verification of Supervision
• Professional reference
• Clinical hours/Supervision Log
• Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire
• Declaration of Citizenship form
• $235 application fee

The Board will grant you permission to register for the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam, and when they receive your passing score, you’ll be issued an LAPSW license.