Graduating from your MSW in CA and wondering how to get your license?
We read the BBS regulations so you don't have to
What to do once you graduate from your MSW in CA
Apply for your ASW number ASAP
Even a few days makes a big difference (weeks or months) in when you will get your ASW number, so follow these steps to ensure timeliness.
1. If you have not graduated yet, request your transcript early, which is required for your ASW application. Request that your transcript be put on hold until your degree is conferred, and the BBS will match to your application later.
- 2. If your school did not cover all the required topics (check your syllabus to make sure you have taken a class in each of these categories), take extra courses. If you are out of state, you must complete the CA Law & Ethics course (12 hours) which can be done via NASW.
- 3. Get your fingerprints done. Complete a Request for Live Scan Service form OR if you are out of state, two completed fingerprint “hard cards” with the $49 fingerprint card processing fee (check or money order payable to the Behavioral Sciences Fund)
4. Prepare the rest of your BBS application and submit it on the day your degree is conferred or ASAP after.
5. Live near Sacramento? Hand deliver it to the BBS office: 1625 N Market Blvd S-200, Sacramento, CA 95834 to get ahead of the mail delays. Or mail it in.
If you submit your application within 90 days of graduating, you can start counting your hours towards your 3,000 hour goal even before you get your ASW number. (You must do a live scan fingerprint when you are first employed there and before you gain those hours).
Look for a Job
When looking for a role, it is best to find a job that provides LCSW supervision, as you'll need 1,700 hours of experience supervised by an LCSW. Check Google jobs or Indeed for roles that hire ASWs and MSWs, search the NASW JobLink portal, look for Facebook groups that might be posting social work jobs, and ask your professors if they know any of their colleagues hiring. Pay range for Associate Social Workers is about $20 on the low range to $45 on the high end.
Prep Your Supervision Forms
You must have a Supervision Agreement signed between you and your supervisor. If your supervisor does not work for your employer, your employer and your supervisor must also sign an agreement.
Understand Your Experience Requirements
You have 2-6 years to complete your 3,000 hour requirements. You can read the requirements in plain English on our: requirements page.
Log Your Hours
You must log all the hours that you work and which categories they fall under. There are a lot of BBS rules around what counts. License Journey is a free and mobile-friendly way to track your hours. We stay up-to-date with the BBS and make sure all of your hours are compliant.