How to Get Your Social Work License in Vermont
A social work license in Vermont demands significant educational dedication. Entry-level credentials take at least six years, while advanced licensure needs up to eight years. The path includes specific educational qualifications, supervised work experience, and regular professional development.
Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) manages social work licensing requirements. Your career goals determine which path you’ll take. The original requirement starts with completing a master’s or doctoral degree from a CSWE-accredited institution. Advanced licensure candidates must accumulate 3,000 hours of experience. This includes 2,000 hours dedicated to providing psychotherapy. The costs add up too. Non-licensed registration begins at $75, license applications cost $100, and license renewals run $240 every two years.
This guide takes you through every aspect of getting your Vermont social work license. You’ll learn about education prerequisites, exam requirements, and much more.
Education Requirements
Social work professionals in Vermont must complete graduate-level education from accredited institutions to qualify for licensure. The state bases specific academic requirements on your chosen licensure path.
You’ll need a master’s or doctoral degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited social work program as the foundation for both Vermont licenses. The CSWE doesn’t accredit doctoral programs, so a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) is your best educational path.
Starting with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program makes sense if you want to practice in Vermont. The state has three accredited BSW programs. These programs need:
- High school diploma or GED
- Basic courses in English composition, college algebra, laboratory science, and social sciences
- A personal statement about why you want to pursue social work
- Reference letters
- A background check before field placement
BSW programs have a 400-hour field education component that CSWE requires. This hands-on training prepares you for professional practice during your undergraduate studies.
Getting your bachelor’s degree means you can move on to a CSWE-accredited MSW program. Vermont has one program that requires at least 900 hours of field education. Many universities offer online MSW programs that meet Vermont’s standards. You can finish your degree in 9-27 months based on the program and whether you qualify for advanced standing with a BSW.
Vermont’s two main social work licenses have different education requirements:
- Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)
- An MSW or DSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Passing scores on required exams within five years before applying
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
- An MSW or DSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Passing scores on required exams within five years before applying
- 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice
A PhD or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) shows your steadfast dedication to the field but can’t replace a CSWE-accredited master’s degree for Vermont’s licensure. All the same, these degrees can boost your career opportunities and expertise after getting licensed.
Check with the Office of Professional Regulation or NASW-VT to make sure your educational program meets Vermont’s current requirements. Requirements can change, so staying up-to-date with the latest standards is crucial for your professional growth.
Exam Requirements
Getting your Vermont social work license requires you to pass standardized exams. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) handles these exams, which differ based on the credential level you want.
You need to complete two exams to get your Vermont license:
- ASWB Examination: Your license type determines which ASWB exam you’ll take:
- LMSW candidates must pass the Master’s-level ASWB exam
- LICSW candidates must pass the Clinical-level ASWB exam
- Vermont Jurisprudence Examination: Every applicant needs to pass this exam to show they understand Vermont’s social work laws and rules
The exam process follows specific steps. You must submit your application to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) first. The OPR needs to approve your application before you can register for the ASWB exam. They’ll let ASWB know when you’re ready to take the test.
You can take the ASWB exam up to six months before finishing your supervised practice hours. This helps LICSW candidates who are still working on their required 3,000 supervised hours. Your LICSW application stays active during this time if the OPR has approved your education transcripts.
Here’s how to register for the ASWB exam:
- Reach out to ASWB after you get OPR approval
- Pay the exam fee
- Pick your exam date and location at Pearson VUE testing centers
Current ASWB exam fees:
- Associate, Bachelors, or Masters Exams: $230
- Advanced Generalist or Clinical Exams: $260
The ASWB exam has 170 questions, but only 150 count toward your score. The other 20 are test questions for future exams. You’ll need to answer 93-107 questions correctly (about 65-70%) to pass. You’ll know your results right after the test.
If you don’t pass your first try, you’ll need to apply again and pay another exam fee. Vermont’s rules determine how long you must wait between attempts. About 70-85% of people pass on their first try, and 88% eventually succeed.
Students who need testing accommodations should contact the Vermont social work board early. You’ll need a qualified professional to document your needs. Start this process well before you want to take the exam.
The OPR will issue your license after you pass both the ASWB exam and Vermont’s Jurisprudence Exam. They usually review complete applications within three to five business days. Remember to include your exam results with other materials like professional references, education verification, supervision reports, and the $100 application fee.
The Vermont OPR website and National Association of Social Workers – Vermont Chapter (NASW-VT) have the latest information about exam requirements and study resources.
Supervised Experience
Supervised experience plays a vital role in Vermont’s clinical social work licensure process. You’ll need to meet specific practice requirements under qualified supervision after getting your master’s degree. This experience qualifies you for the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) credential.
The Vermont Jurisprudence Exam must be completed before you start your supervised hours. Save these results because you’ll need them for your application. The Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) requires you to register as a non-licensed and non-certified psychotherapist and pay a $75 registration fee. Your practice hours might not count if you don’t register before starting.
The supervised experience requirements include:
- Completing 3,000 total hours of supervised practice
- At least 2,000 hours must involve providing psychotherapy services
- Hours must be accumulated over a minimum of 2 years and no more than 5 years
- You need 1 hour of face-to-face supervision for every 30 hours worked
- At least half of your supervision hours must be in individual settings rather than group supervision
Your supervisor must be approved by the OPR. You can find these professionals through the Licensee Lookup tool. Vermont statutes state that your supervisor must be one of the following:
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
- Licensed Psychologist
- Licensed physician or osteopathic physician who completed a psychiatry residency
- Person licensed or certified in another state or Canada in one of these professions or their equivalent
Part-time workers must complete at least 16 hours weekly to count toward supervised experience. HIPAA-compliant electronic systems can be used for supervision, though face-to-face meetings remain the preferred method.
Your supervisor needs to complete a Report of Supervision form when you finish your supervised hours. This form goes with your LICSW application. Vermont might accept supervised hours from another state if you can prove your supervisor’s credentials.
Licensed Master’s Social Workers (LMSW) must register with the OPR before starting supervised practice toward LICSW licensure. Those without LMSW licensure need to be on the roster of nonlicensed, noncertified psychotherapists.
The Vermont OPR will process your LICSW application once your supervised experience is complete and verified.
Application Process
The Vermont social work license application process brings all your preparation work together in a formal submission to the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). You can submit your application package after meeting the education and supervision requirements.
You’ll need to decide if you’re an examination candidate or seeking licensure by endorsement from another state. Both paths require you to submit:
- Completed application form (pages 1, 2, and 3)
- Non-refundable application fee of $100
Examination candidates also need to provide:
- Verification of Social Work Education form
- Report of Supervision documenting required hours
- Examination scores submitted directly from ASWB
Endorsement applicants must include Verification of Licensure/Certification from states where they’re licensed.
Vermont’s online application system through the OPR website has simplified processes. You can apply, renew, and update applications electronically. New applicants should create an account on the OPR website. Those already licensed for other credentials have an account and can use the “Recover User ID/Password” feature if needed.
Send your completed application package to:
Office of Professional Regulation Social Workers 89 Main Street, 3rd Floor Montpelier, VT 05620-3402
Here are some key points to remember during the application process:
- Roster Registration Requirement: You must register on the roster of non-licensed non-certified psychotherapists before starting supervised practice in Vermont. Your supervision hours won’t count if you weren’t on the roster during your supervised practice period.
- License Timeline: Vermont’s social work licenses renew every 24 months and expire January 31 of even-numbered years. Your first license might be valid for less than 24 months, depending on when it’s issued.
- Application Status: You can check your application progress by logging into your eLicense account and selecting “Application Status” from the online services menu.
- Processing Time: The review takes three to five business days once OPR receives all required materials.
The OPR will issue your license after approval, making you an official Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Master’s Social Worker in Vermont.
Continuing Education
Your Vermont social work license needs regular continuing education (CE) credits throughout your career. The requirements vary based on your license type and when you need to renew.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSWs) need to complete 20 hours of approved continuing education every two years. You can fulfill up to 5 hours through informal educational activities. The other 15 hours must come from formal coursework. Licensed Master’s Social Workers (LMSWs) need 10 hours of approved continuing education every two years. All these hours must come from formal educational activities.
Your license type doesn’t matter – all social workers must meet these specific topic requirements:
- Ethics training must cover at least 1.5 hours. This includes boundaries, confidentiality, and dual relationships
- Starting with the January 2026 renewal cycle, you must complete 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice, or related areas (‘Cultural Competency’)
The 2024 renewal cycle requires formal coursework that you can complete online. The sessions must be interactive and synchronous. This lets you ask questions and get answers from the presenter through up-to-the-minute interaction. Self-study or pre-recorded content works for up to 5 hours of your requirements during this renewal cycle only.
Vermont recognizes continuing education from providers approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). NASW, ASWB, and other ASWB-approved providers offer qualifying courses.
You can get pre-approval for courses by paying a $25 fee to the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). This optional step is a great way to get confirmation that your CEs will count before spending money on courses or travel.
Keep documentation of all completed CE activities for at least four years. Social work licenses expire on January 31 of even-numbered years.
The OPR offers help if you can’t complete your CE requirements on time. They have a 90-day “makeup” plan/agreement option. New licensees who got their license after February 1, 2022, and before January 2024, must renew for January 2024. These professionals don’t need CEs for their first renewal period.
You can upload CE certificates about six weeks before the renewal date. The system sends renewal reminders three months ahead.
Additional Information
Social workers with active licenses from other states can get licensed in Vermont through endorsement provisions. Professionals need to show they’ve practiced at least 1,200 hours annually for five years or more. The state requires verification of your out-of-state license using Vermont’s official form.
The “Find a Professional” tool on the OPR website’s top navigation bar lets you check your license status anytime. Just enter your name, and the system shows all your licenses with their “Active” status confirmation.
Email serves as the only communication channel for the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, so keeping your contact details updated is vital. Licensed mental health professionals should note a new requirement starting July 1, 2023. They must complete one hour of continuing education about systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice before the January 2026 renewal cycle.
The licensing process comes with several fees beyond basic application costs:
- License verification: Varies by state
- Pre-approval for continuing education courses: $25
- Provider application for CE course approval: $100
- Biannual license renewal: $240
Vermont social workers can expect these salary ranges:
- Social and Community Service Managers: $63,290
- Healthcare Social Workers: $56,570
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $45,260
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: $51,750
- Other Social Work specialties: $67,470
Missing your continuing education credits? The OPR offers a 90-day makeup plan option – just reach out to them quickly. Quality standards remain high as the OPR randomly audits 10% of all renewals.
NASW Vermont helps with exam preparation through Social Work Exam Services, offering a $25 discount to NASW members. These resources, combined with the Association of Social Work Boards materials, give candidates a great way to prepare for licensure requirements.