Chapter 4757-19 | Licensing and Registration of Social Workers

Rule 4757-19-01 | Requirements for licensure as a social worker.

• Effective: March 21, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

The requirements for licensure as a social worker are generally set forth in division (A) of section 4757.28 of the Revised Code. With regard to such applicants, the board hereby prescribes:

(A) That the applicant shall apply for a license in accordance with the provisions of rule 4757-1-04 of the Administrative Code; and,

(B) The applicant shall submit the following;

(1) An applicant for licensure shall submit a completed official application form made under oath and all requested information; and

(2) The applicant's education shall be documented by official college transcripts from the college or university. Educational requirements must be met by completion of educational programs at accredited colleges or universities; and

(3) Submit with the application the required fee per paragraph (D) of rule 4757-1-05 of the Administrative Code; and

(4) Documentation necessary for examination approval as required by rule 4757-19-04 of the Administrative Code; and

(5) Applicants shall have passed the required examination within seven years of application date, unless they are currently licensed in an equivalent capacity in another state and passed the prescribed examination as part of the licensure requirements in that state; and

(6) Applications will be reviewed by the board after all the required information is received. Applicants will be notified by mail or email of the action taken on the application.

(7) Applicants who are denied admission to the examination will be afforded an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(C) The applicant shall have a bachelor's degree in social work or a master's degree in social work, or a doctoral degree in social work from an appropriately accredited educational institution; which shows evidence of meeting the following coursework requirements, unless the degree is accredited by CSWE, in which case it is recognized as a qualifying degree in social work:

(1) Coursework in the area of human development and behavior which includes: the social, psychological, and physiological growth of an individual, and the effects of growth of a personality in the social environment.

(2) Social work practice courses taught by an individual with an advanced degree in social work. Coursework shall include methods of social intervention: casework, groupwork, community organization and practice, social research and administration: in addition, three semester hours of coursework or its equivalent in the area of social work research shall be required.

(3) Coursework in social welfare and policy area. Social welfare and policy includes the history of social welfare; policy development and analysis

(4) Coursework in social work theory which includes the study of the principles, which demonstrate various types of bio-psycho-social interventions.

(5) A supervised practicum and/or field experience that meets CSWE requirements, with a primary focus on social intervention coordinated by a an individual with an advanced degree in social work. At its discretion the committee may waive certain field experience hours or approve alternative means of completing the requirements, provided the social work program can attest to the competence of the applicant following completion of the field experience.

(6) The program shall reflect continuous effort to enrich the educational experience by incorporating content on social work professional and legal ethics, and racial ethnic and cultural diversity as well as women's issues into the curriculum.

(D) Per division (A) of section 4757.28 of the Revised Code, a social worker license shall clearly indicate each academic degree earned by the person to whom it is issued. Social worker wall certificates shall be prepared using the following acronyms for the degrees noted and only those earned as of the date of issuance. Licensees or registrants may not use a doctorate designation in their professional capacity unless it is related to the field of mental health and is from an appropriately accredited educational institution. Related degree licensees shall be so noted on their wall certificates as "Licensed Social Worker - Related Degree."

(1) Bachelor of arts - major social work or a related degree shall be "BA" or "BASW."

(2) Bachelor of social work - major social work shall be "BSW."

(3) Bachelor of science in social work - major social work shall be "BSSW."

(4) Bachelor of science - major social work or a related degree shall be "BS."

(5) Master of social work - major social work shall be "MSW."

(6) Master of arts - major social service administration shall be "MASSA."

(7) Master of science - in social administration major in social work shall be "MSSA."

(8) Master of arts - major social work related degree shall be "MA" or "MASW."

(9) Master of science - major social work related degree shall be "MS."

(10) Doctorate of social work - major in social work shall be "DSW."

(11) Doctor of Philosophy - major in social work shall be "PhD."

(12) Doctorate of related area of mental health - related area of mental health majors shall be "PhD-Other."

Last updated March 21, 2022 at 8:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4757.10, 4757.28
Amplifies: 4757.28
Five Year Review Date: 2/27/2023
Prior Effective Dates: 11/4/2006, 9/1/2011, 3/5/2018

Rule 4757-19-02 | Requirements for licensure as an independent social worker.

• Effective: December 26, 2023
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

The requirements for licensure as a licensed independent social worker are generally set forth in division (A) of section 4757.27 of the Revised Code. With regard to such applicants, the social work professional standards committee hereby prescribes:

(A) That the applicant shall apply for a license in accordance with the provisions of rule 4757-01-04 of the Administrative Code.

(B) The applicant shall include with the application the required fee per paragraph (D) of rule 4757-1-05 of the Administrative Code.

(C) That a license shall be issued to an applicant who meets the provisions of rule 4757-19-07 of the Administrative Code.

(D) Unless the applicant qualifies under rule 4757-19-07 of the Administrative Code, that the applicant have:

(1) A master's degree in social work and,

(2) Two years of supervised social work experience: defined as follows:

(a) "Two years employment experience" means at least two complete years supervised experience which includes three thousand hours of work for a fee, salary or other consideration, during which time the applicant was engaged in the practice of social work and held licensure as a social worker; except that no applicant may be credited with more than fifteen hundred hours of experience during any twelve-month period.

(b) Any supervised experience obtained after October 10, 1986, in the state of Ohio shall be supervised by an independent social worker.

(c) The dates that the supervised experience was obtained, not the date of application, will determine the type of acceptable experience required for an applicant to be licensed as a licensed independent social worker.

(3) That the applicant pass the examination meeting the requirements established by the social work professional standards committee to determine the applicant's ability to be an independent social worker. Applicants shall be pre-approved to take the examination per rule 4757-19-04 of the Administrative Code.

(4) Applicants shall have passed the required examination within seven years of application date, unless they are currently licensed to practice social work in Ohio and have previously passed the examination for independent licensure, or are currently licensed in an equivalent capacity in another state and passed the prescribed examination as part of the licensure requirements in that state.

(E) Per division (A) of section 4757.27 of the Revised Code, an independent social worker license shall clearly indicate each academic degree earned by the person to whom it is issued. Independent social worker wall certificates shall be prepared using the following acronyms for the degrees noted and only those earned as of the date of issuance. All bachelor's, master's and doctorate's shall be listed. Licensees or registrants may not use a doctorate designation in their professional capacity unless it is related to the field of mental health and is from a recognized accredited educational institution.

(1) Bachelor of arts - major social work or a related degree shall be "BA."

(2) Bachelor of social work - major social work shall be "BSW."

(3) Bachelor of science in social work - major social work shall be "BSSW."

(4) Bachelor of science - major social work or a related degree shall be "BS."

(5) Master of social work - major social work shall be "MSW."

(6) Master of arts - major social service administration shall be "MASSA."

(7) Master of science - in social administration major in social work shall be "MSSA."

(8) Master of arts - major social work related degree shall be "MA."

(9) Master of science - major social work related degree shall be "MS."

(10) Doctorate of social work - major in social work shall be "DSW."

(11) Doctor of philosophy - major in social work shall be "PhD."

(12) Doctorate of related area of mental health - related area of mental health majors shall be "PhD-Other."

Last updated December 27, 2023 at 8:21 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4757.10, 4757.27
Amplifies: 4757.27
Five Year Review Date: 12/26/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 7/3/1997, 11/3/2014

Rule 4757-19-03 | Requirements for a certificate of registration as a social work assistant.

• Effective: March 21, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

The requirements for a certificate of registration as a social work assistant are generally set forth in section 4757.29 of the Revised Code.

(A) The applicant shall complete an application as prescribed in rule 4757-1-04 of the Administrative Code and at the time of application shall have received at least an associate degree in social service technology from an accredited academic institution where these standards are met:

(B) A "social service technology degree" is an associate degree from a two-year program where the following minimum curriculum standards are met:

(1) Forty-five quarter hours, or thirty semester hours, of core social service/social work skills, theory, and systems courses including a social service practicum; and,

(2) Twenty-one quarter hours or fourteen semester hours, of related courses such as psychology, sociology, statistics, economics, or other courses, relevant to the social work assistant scope of practice, as approved by social worker professional standards committee; and,

(3) The applicant shall have received a passing grade in all coursework for the committee to accept it towards meeting the requirements.

(C) Applicants with degrees higher than associates degrees from accredited academic institutions shall provide the committee with evidence that their coursework meets the requirements of this rule.

(D) The application shall be accompanied by the required fee per paragraph (D) of rule 4757-1-05 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated April 15, 2024 at 1:39 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4757.29
Amplifies: 4757.29
Five Year Review Date: 3/19/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 9/20/2002

Rule 4757-19-04 | Social worker examination policy.

• Effective: July 1, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Applicants shall have applied for the applicable license per rules 4757-1-04 and 4757-19-01 or 4757-19-02 of the Administrative Code and shall be approved prior to sitting for the examinations. When an applicant is approved they shall receive an approval letter or electronic mail from the board. This correspondence shall be presented to the testing administrator for admission to the examination. The letter shall be in effect for up to twelve months. If the examination is not taken within the time frame applicants shall request in writing another admission letter.

(1) Applicants who have a bachelor, master or doctoral degree from an accredited educational institution may provide a student copy of their transcript(s) via mail, email or facsimile in order for the board to make an examination approval or disapproval decision.

(2) Applicants in the last term prior to receiving their bachelor, master or doctoral degree in social work from an accredited educational institution may provide correspondence from a professor, the social work department or registrar that states the student is on track to graduate at the end of that term in order for the board to make an examination approval or disapproval decision.

(B) Applicants who fail the examination shall be required to follow the re-take policy of the examination owner or administrator.

(C) Applicants who are denied admission to the examination shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 2, 2024 at 10:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4757.10, 4757.27, 4757.28
Amplifies: 4757.27, 4757.28
Five Year Review Date: 7/1/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 3/21/2022

Rule 4757-19-05 | Social worker trainee applications.

• Effective: March 21, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Registration of training supervision shall be only for master's level students from council on social work education "CSWE" accredited programs who are not licensed as social workers. The purpose of social worker trainee status is to aid non-licensed master's level social work students to acquire field placement at an agency. Per section 4757.10 of the Revised Code, students are not required to have social worker trainee status to complete their field placement requirements, including the provision of supervised psychosocial interventions, but may be required to obtain registration as a social worker trainee by the supervising agency as a condition of acceptance for field placement. A student may also voluntarily choose to obtain registration. Applicants shall:

(A) Meet the board's requirements for criminal convictions as established under section 9.79 of the Revised Code.

(B) Complete the board's online application.

(C) Complete a criminal records check per paragraph (E) of rule 4757-1-04 of the Administrative Code.

(D) Provide proof of enrollment in a master's level field education course (practicum/internship/field work). A copy of the university's online enrollment document shall be acceptable; or a letter, email or facsimile from the professor, social work office or registrar stating the applicant is enrolled.

(E) Provide proof of enrollment as specified in paragraph (D) of this rule for their existing registration to be extended through the next quarter or semester of their field education course.

(F) Have the same scope of practice as a licensed social worker in rule 4757-21-02 of the Administrative Code.

(G) Be supervised at a field placement by a licensed social worker with a master's degree in social work, a licensed independent social worker or a licensed independent social worker with a supervision designation. Only a licensed independent social worker with a supervision designation may provide the supervision to a social worker trainee who is engaged in the practice of social psychotherapy, which includes the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.

(H) Social worker trainee status is not a substitute for licensure and is only valid at the school approved field placement site(s) where the student is completing his or her field placement through the dates listed on the board's online license verification system.

(I) Trainee status shall be active only within the dates displayed on the online license verification system.

(J) Trainee status may be extended for up to no more than six months following the trainee's date of graduation.

Last updated March 21, 2022 at 8:37 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4757.10, 4757.27, 4757.28
Amplifies: 4757.27, 4757.28
Five Year Review Date: 3/21/2027

Rule 4757-19-06 | Requirements for social work applicants wishing to obtain a temporary social work license.

• Effective: March 21, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Applicants who wish to obtain a temporary license shall submit a completed licensure application, as provided by the board.

(B) The temporary application shall be submitted with the required fee per paragraph (D) of rule 4757-1-05 of the Administrative Code.

(C) The applications shall be reviewed by the board, to determine whether the applicant appears to have the appropriate degrees and/or experience to meet the requirements for the actual license they seek.

(D) If the board determines the applicant appears to meet the requirements for the license, for which they are applying, a temporary license will be issued to applicant. This temporary license will allow the applicant to work legally in Ohio during the period which it is in effect.

(E) The applicant shall have passed the examination for the license which they seek prior to the issuance of the temporary license.

(F) A temporary license may be issued by the board for a period not to exceed ninety days to an otherwise qualified applicant for licensure as a social worker who has completed the educational requirements for licensure but is awaiting the actual awarding of the degree. A temporary license may be renewed one time for a period not to exceed ninety days. To qualify for the temporary license the applicant shall submit with the application a letter from the academic institution which will be awarding the qualifying degree indicating:

(1) That they have met all the academic requirements for the degree, and

(2) When the degree will be/was conferred.

(G) A temporary license is valid from the date of issuance until the earliest of one of the following:

(1) The date the applicant's license is issued under section 4757.27 or 4757.28 of the Revised Code;

(2) Ninety days after the temporary license has been issued;

(3) The date the applicant withdraws their application for licensure;

Last updated March 21, 2022 at 8:37 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4757.10, 4757.27, 4757.28
Amplifies: 4757.27, 4757.28
Five Year Review Date: 7/3/2023
Prior Effective Dates: 10/17/1988 (Emer.), 9/20/2007

Rule 4757-19-07 | Endorsement of a social work license.

• Effective: December 26, 2023
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) An applicant requesting licensure as a social worker or independent social worker via reciprocity shall submit to the Board all of the following:

(1) A completed licensure application for the level of licensure for which the applicant is seeking licensure;

(2) The required fee established by the board under paragraph (B) of rule 4757-1-05 of the Administrative Code;

(3) Upon request of the board, if such information cannot be obtained by the board via an online license verification, an official statement, which indicates applicant is currently licensed, certified, registered, or otherwise authorized to practice as a social worker or independent social worker in another jurisdiction;

(4) Upon request of the board, if such information cannot be obtained by the board via an online license verification, an official statement from any and all jurisdictions where the applicant is currently or has been previously licensed, certified, registered, or otherwise authorized to practice as a social worker indicating whether the applicant is in good standing and whether disciplinary action has been taken or is pending against the applicant;

(5) Documentation the applicant has passed the examination required for the board for the level of licensure for which the applicant is applying;

(6) Criminal background checks indicating the applicant has committed no disqualifying offenses.

(7) Any additional documentation requested by the board that would assist the board in making a determination based on paragraphs (B)(1) to (B)(6) of this rule.

(B) The social worker professional standards committee may consider the following factors to determine whether to grant the applicant a license via reciprocity:

(1) If the application is for a licensed independent social worker license, whether the applicant possesses a master's degree in social work awarded by an appropriately accredited institution;

(2) Whether the applicant has passed a social worker or independent social worker national licensure exam or other exam acceptable to the board for the level of licensure for which the applicant is applying;

(3) Whether the applicant's license is currently in good standing in another jurisdiction and whether applicant has been disciplined in another jurisdiction;

(4) The number of years the applicant has practiced as a social worker or independent social worker in another jurisdiction.

Last updated December 27, 2023 at 8:21 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4757.18
Amplifies: 4757.18
Five Year Review Date: 12/26/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 7/3/1997, 1/10/2008

Rule 4757-19-08 | Approval of applications for social worker licenses and registration.

• Effective: December 26, 2023
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Applications for social worker licenses and registration shall be approved per sections 4757.04, 4757.10, 4757.16, 4757.27, 4757.28 and/or 4757.29 of the Revised Code and this rule. The staff of the board shall review all applications and process as follows:

(A) Applications that meet the basic requirements as detailed in this rule shall be approved upon receipt of all applicable parts.

(1) Applications for independent social worker license that meet the basic requirements for licensure in section 4757.27 of the Revised Code and rule 4757-19-02 of the Administrative Code shall be approved if the following conditions are met:

(a) Process application for independent social worker received with no questions requiring review by the board such as felony convictions, loss of license in another state, etc.; and

(b) Transcript from an accredited educational institution of a master's in social work; and

(c) Proof of completion of at least two years of post-master's degree social work experience that prepares the applicant for independent practice supervised by an independent social worker with training supervision designation; and

(d) Proof of passing an examination administered by the board for the purpose of determining ability to practice as an independent social worker.

(2) Applications for social worker license that meet the basic requirements for licensure in section 4757.28 of the Revised Code and rules 4757-1-04 and 4757-19-01 of the Administrative Code shall be approved if the following conditions are met:

(a) Applications for social worker received with no questions requiring review by the board such as felony convictions, loss of license in another state, etc.; and

(b) Transcript from an accredited educational institution of a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in social work; and

(c) Proof of passing an examination administered by the board for the purpose of determining ability to practice as a social worker.

(3) Applications for socialwork assistant registration that meet the requirements for registration in section 4757.29 of the Revised Code and rules 4757-1-04 and 4757-19-03 of the Administrative Code shall be approved if the following conditions are met:

(a) Applications for social work assistant received with no questions requiring review by the board such as felony convictions, loss of license in another state, etc; and

(b) Transcript from an accredited educational institution of an associate degree in social service technology or a bachelor's degree that is equivalent to an associate degree in social service technology or a related bachelor's or higher degree that clearly meets the requirements of rule 4757-19-03 of the Administrative Code.

(4) Applications for social worker trainee registration that meet the basic requirements for registration in rules 4757-1-04 and 4757-19-05 of the Administrative Code shall be approved if the following conditions are met:

(a) Applications for social worker trainee received with no questions requiring review by the board such as felony convictions, loss of license in another state, etc. and

(b) Transcript or enrollment document showing field education coursework completed in a CSWE-accredited master's-level program in social work.

(5) Applications that meet the requirements of rule 4757-19-07 of the Administrative Code.

(B) Complete applications that meet the following conditions shall be held for the social worker professional standards committee review at the next regularly scheduled meeting, if received at least ten days prior to the meeting.

(1) All applications that have answered questions requiring review by the board such as felony convictions, loss of license in another state, etc.

(2) All applications with degrees from non-accredited universities.

(3) All applications which staff is not comfortable approving without the social worker professional standards committee's review.

Last updated December 27, 2023 at 8:22 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4757.10
Amplifies: 4757.04, 4757.10, 4757.16, 4757.27, 4757.28, 4757.29
Five Year Review Date: 12/26/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 11/3/2014