Vermont Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Vermont Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Licensure Process

A Licensed Master Social Work license allows you to apply the specialized knowledge you’ve acquired to enhance or restore psychosocial and biopsychosocial functions for those in need. If you’re on the path to the next level of licensure, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), you can work under an LICSWs supervision to offer a wider scope of services. As an LMSW your work includes:

• Case management
• Research, advocacy, education
• Develop, implement, and administrate programs and policies
• Referrals
• Supportive Counseling

Education Requirements

You must earn a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from a Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) will also qualify you for licensure. Here you can find all schools offering social work degree programs in Vermont.

Background Check

A criminal background check is performed for all licensed professionals in Vermont, including social work applicants. To begin the process, you must upload and submit a release form to the OPR. An authorization form will be sent to you already signed by the OPR, and you will have to fill in the rest of the information to take with you when you get fingerprinted.

The Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) will receive the authorization form and fingerprints once the check is performed. The process can take 4-6 weeks before the OPR receives your results. When the OPR finally gets the information, they will process your application. For more information, view the background check information online.

Examination Requirements

Vermont requires applicants to pass the Social Worker Jurisprudence Examination. The test has 20 questions that ensure you understand the social work rules and regulations in the state. You must get at least 14 of the questions correct to pass. You can correct any incorrect answers and resubmit the test if you fail to reach a passing score of 70%.

On the national level, you have to get the OPR’s permission to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s exam. This test consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored. The exam fee is $230, and after completing the test, your scores are submitted to the OPR. You have five years to take the test after receiving approval.

Applying for Licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker

Once you’ve completed the above steps, submit an application for licensure online. Register for an account, and when you’re logged in, you will see the link to Apply for Individual License. Answer all the questions, pay the $100 application fee, and wait 3-5 business days for the information to be processed.

Contact the MSW or DSW program you attended and ask them to send the OPR your official transcripts. Once you pass the ASWB Master’s exam and Vermont Jurisprudence exam and the OPR has your scores, you will be granted an LMSW license. You can then begin practicing unsupervised non-clinical social work. Any clinical work performed has to be under the supervision of a qualified LICSW.