Social Work Licensure in Michigan

In April 2004, the State of Michigan passed Public Act 61 requiring social workers practicing in the State of Michigan to be licensed. In order to practice as a social worker in Michigan, one must meet specific criteria and earn a bachelor's or master's social worker degree. Once you have earned a degree and are ready to apply what you have learned in professional practice as a social worker, you will want to obtain a social work license. To do this, you are encouraged to visit the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Health Professionals website. You will find information about licensure, forms (such as applications), and frequently asked questions.

The State of Michigan Board of Social Work Examiners created a presentation entitled, Social Work Licensure Law to answer some commonly asked questions.

The Master's and Bachelor's social worker license application describes in detail what documentation you will need to provide to the Bureau of Health Professions.

Social Work Licensure Examination Preparation Course

In order to become fully licensed, individuals holding a degree in social work from an accredited university must take and pass a social work license exam. Your degree (bachelor or master) and your supervised practice experience determine which exam you will need to take to become eligible for licensure. The organization responsible for creating and maintaining the social work examinations adopted for use in the State of Michigan is the Association of Social Work Boards or ASWB. To learn details about the examinations and examination sites, please visit www.aswb.org

This licensure preparation program and materials associated with it were not included in the Association of Social Work Boards’ Approved Continuing Education (ACE) review and are not approved by ASWB for continuing education nor endorsed by ASWB in any manner.

Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Requirements

The Board of Social Work - General Rules have not been revised since the licensure process was first implemented in 2005. Early in 2016, public testimony was given on proposed rule changes, leading to alterations and additions to some of the rules that govern all licensed social workers in Michigan. These new changes will impact all social workers, starting with those that renewed or gained a license in 2016. View the licensure revision here.

To view a summary of these changes, visit https://www.socialworkcec.com/what-every-social-worker-should-know/. Questions about licensure can be directed to: State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Health Professions (517) 335-0918 or visit the LARA web site.

Michigan State University School of Social Work, an accredited social work education program, is authorized by the Michigan Licensure Law Administrative Rule 338.2965 to award Michigan social work continuing education contact hours. We are also an approved Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative Provider (provider #0001) for all programs through August 2022, renewed annually.

Michigan State University School of Social Work is a participating member of the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. The Michigan Board of Social Work Examiners charged the Continuing Education Collaborative with the responsibility to ensure the quality of all continuing education programs sponsored for Michigan's social workers and to conduct activities that will help them meet their defined education needs. Click here to learn more about the Collaborative.

Michigan State University is committed to providing continuing education for social workers in Michigan. Please email swkce@msu.edu with your suggestions.