30 Miss. Code. R. 1902-2.4

Current through December 10, 2024
Rule 30-1902-2.4 - EXAMINATIONS
A. Applications for Exams

The ASWB requires verification by the Board of Examiners for applicants to sit for the ASWB exam for each licensure level. Therefore, applicants must receive written approval from the Board to sit for the ASWB examination. The approval to sit for the ASWB examination expires one (1) year from the date of the Board's approval.

1.Student Applications:

Baccalaureate social work majors, who have been certified as having already attained senior standing, in colleges or universities accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and/or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in accordance to the standards of the particular college or university, may apply to take the licensure exam. Certification must be provided by the social work program director on forms provided by the Board on the Board's website. Verification of the social work degree is required before the license can be issued.

Graduate MSW students, who have been certified as being in the final year of the program, in colleges or universities accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and certified by the director of the social work program, may apply to take the licensure exam. Certification must be provided on forms provided by the Board. Verification of the social work degree is required before the license can be issued.

Students in social work doctoral programs in colleges or universities accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) may take the exam in the final year of school, if not already licensed with the LMSW. Verification of the social work degree is required before the license can be issued.

2.Applications from Degreed Persons:

Persons holding a degree in social work from institutions as specified in MS Code annotated, l972, Sections 73-54-1 et. seq. may apply to take the basic exam at any time following graduation. The Verification of Degree form must be submitted with the application for license.

B. Application Process

The candidate may download a copy of the ASWB Candidate Handbook for the ASWB website at www.aswb.org (as this will not be sent by the Board). All necessary information about application for the examination is contained in the Handbook, along with a 1-800 number for information and registration.

C. Cost of Exams

Cost is determined by the ASWB and the testing service. The Candidate Handbook will contain all information about costs. Testing costs are paid directly to the ASWB at the time of registration.

D. Frequency of Examinations

The Board will accept the exam score from its designee, the Association of Social Work Boards and its subcontractors, which schedule the exam weekly.

Licensed Social Worker (Basic) and Licensed Master Social Worker (Masters): Applicants for LSW and LMSW licenses may take the exam every ninety (90) calendar days.

Licensed Certified Social Worker (Clinical): Effective 7/1/2020, LCSW applicants must take the Clinical Exam. Applicants for LCSW status may take the exam every ninety (90) calendar days. However, the applicant may continue to practice under the LMSW license provided all requirements for renewal have been met.

Note: Applicants who are unable to attain a passing score within one (1) year of the initial application date must reapply for licensure with all applicable fees. After four (4) failed exam attempts, the candidate may appeal to the Board to be able to continue to take the exam and the Board may recommend remedial techniques to assist with continuing competency.

E. Examination Levels
1. LSW applicants are examined at the BACHELORS level. This examination has been developed for use as a licensure requirement by member boards that issue to BSWs, upon entry to practice, licenses for basic generalist practice of Baccalaureate Social Work.
2. LMSW applicants are examined at the MASTERS level. This examination has been developed for use as a licensure requirement by member boards that issue to MSWs, upon entry to practice, licenses for Master's Social Work practice. The practice of Master's Social Work includes the application of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills.
3. LCSW applicants are examined at the CLINICAL level. As of 7/1/2020 only the CLINICAL exam will be accepted for "licensed certified social worker" LCSW status in Mississippi. The practice of Clinical Social Work requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills including macrolevel practice.
F. Scores
1. Official notice of examination scores will be provided to the Board by the ASWB. Applicants will be notified if they passed or failed at the exam site.
2. An applicant must pass the exam at each of the three levels of licensure - LSW, LMSW, LCSW.
3. The Board reserves the right to accept the decision of the testing service regarding the validity of any test score or scores.

Note: Licensees are encouraged to check the status of their application to ensure applications are being processed accordingly.

30 Miss. Code. R. 1902-2.4

Miss. Code Ann. §§ 73-53-11(1)(c), (g), (k) and (l) and 73-53-15(4).
Amended 2/10/2020
Amended 11/17/2022