What You Need to Know to Renew Your License in 2020 Social Work Licensure can be complicated. As part of your membership benefits, the team at NASW-NJ works to assemble information you need to navigate the state’s licensing and renewal process. We have built a strong relationship with the NJ Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE/Licensing Board) by attending their monthly meetings and communicating with BSWE staff frequently. In this way we stay abreast of all deadlines and changes you may face—and we communicate this information to you through our weekly newsletters, FOCUS and one-on-one consultations with our staff. As many of you know, all NJ Social Work Licenses and Certifications are due for renewal this summer. Here’s what you need to know about licensing renewal:
The Facts • Your license/certificate must be renewed by August 31, 2020. There is a 1-month grace period (September) during which you can renew and pay a late fee. 22 March 2020 | www.naswnj.org
• After October 1st you cannot work as a social worker in New Jersey unless you have renewed your license. • If you have changed your mailing address in the last two years, be sure to update it online so the Licensing Board has your correct address: www. njconsumeraffairs.gov/sw/Pages/ ChangeAddress.aspx
Renewal Notice You will receive renewal information for your Social Work License (LSW or LCSW) or Certification (CSW) in the mail early this summer. The notice will be sent from the Office of the Attorney General, Division of Consumer Affairs (not the Board of Social Work Examiners). Renewal is available online only. Your renewal notice will provide you with instructions on how to renew your license or certification.
Renewing Your License How Many CE Credits Do I Need to Renew My License/Certification? Continuing Education (CE) Credits are required for each biennial (two-year) licensing cycle. To renew your license (LSW or LCSW) or certification (CSW), you will need to have completed the required number of CE credits outlined below during the current biennial period, which is September 1, 2018 - August 31, 2020.
If you are an LCSW An LCSW shall complete a minimum of 40 credits of continuing education, of which at least 20 credits shall be in courses or programs directly related to clinical practice, 5 credits must be related to ethics, 3 credits must be related to social and cultural competency, and 1 credit hour related to prescription opioid addiction. If the LCSW earns more than 40 credits during a biennial period, the LCSW may carry a maximum of eight surplus credits into a succeeding biennial period.
