How to Get Your Social Work License in Wyoming
Wyoming represents America’s second least populous state and provides a straightforward path to obtaining your social work license. This vast, open state gives social workers a chance to help communities while enjoying its peaceful atmosphere.
Social workers in Wyoming can pursue two types of licenses: Certified Social Worker (CSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The process starts with earning a degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. The requirements also include completing 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work [link_1]. At least 1,200 of these hours must involve direct client interaction. After meeting both education and experience requirements, you should submit your application to the Wyoming Board of Social Work. This guide takes you through each step to help you start your professional career in social work.
Education Requirements
Getting your social work license in Wyoming requires a clear understanding of the educational requirements. Your path depends on the type of license you want to pursue.
A Certified Social Worker (CSW) needs a bachelor’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. This qualification lets you practice social work theory under supervision from a qualified clinical social worker.
Students who want independent practice or clinical work need the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. This path requires a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. Your advanced degree gives you specialized clinical training that prepares you to conduct therapeutic interventions and practice independently.
The University of Wyoming’s Division of Social Work offers the state’s only traditional BSW program. Students can access this CSWE-accredited program at the Laramie and Casper campuses. The BSW program combines 450 supervised practicum hours with strong local agency partnerships that provide field placements.
BSW students at the University of Wyoming must meet these admission requirements:
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Personal statement
- Three references
The MSW degree offers multiple paths. The University of Wyoming’s MSW program needs:
- Application fee payment
- Completed online graduate application
- Three letters of recommendation
- Background check
MSW studies offer two main tracks:
- Standard Program – Students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields complete this three-year program
- Advanced Standing Program – BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs finish this two-year program
Advanced Standing programs have specific requirements:
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last 5-7 years
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher
- Grade of B or better in all undergraduate social work courses
Limited in-state options lead many Wyoming residents to choose online or regional MSW programs. Students should select out-of-state programs with clinical licensure tracks that match Wyoming’s requirements. Programs with practicum placements in rural settings are a great way to get experience especially when you plan to practice in Wyoming.
Social work programs teach foundation courses in human behavior, social policy, research methods, diversity, and social justice. Students then move to advanced practice courses that cover assessment, intervention, and case management.
Your completed education makes you eligible to apply for the appropriate license and start the examination and supervised experience parts of licensure. The Wyoming Board of Social Work recognizes that education, practical experience, and examination success are the foundations of the licensure process.
Note that CSWE accreditation remains essential to qualify for licensure in Wyoming. Check the CSWE directory to verify program accreditation before enrollment to ensure your education meets Wyoming’s licensure requirements.
Exam Requirements
Getting your social work license in Wyoming requires passing an exam after completing your education. This exam checks if you know and understand social work practices that meet national standards.
The Wyoming Board of Social Work asks for specific ASWB exams based on the license you want:
- For Certified Social Worker (CSW): You must pass the ASWB Bachelor’s Level Examination
- For Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): You must pass the ASWB Clinical Level Examination
Some sources disagree about whether LCSW candidates can take the Advanced Generalist exam instead. The Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board clearly states that you need the Clinical Level exam.
You’ll need to submit your license application and get approval from the Wyoming Board before you can register for the exam. The Board will send you details about exam registration after approving your application.
Here’s how to register:
- Contact the ASWB to pay the registration fee and become eligible to test
- Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE’s website, selecting a test center and date convenient for you
The exam fees differ by license level:
- Bachelor’s Level Exam (for CSW): $230
- Clinical Level Exam (for LCSW): $260
Make sure to budget for these non-refundable fees as part of your license costs.
You get three chances to pass your required exam. If you don’t pass after three tries, you can ask the Board for one more attempt by submitting a remediation plan.
Good preparation helps you succeed. The ASWB offers an Exam Guidebook with details about the test experience, how they create exams, and question types. Most people study for several months. Taking time to prepare helps reduce stress and avoid test day problems.
You can get special accommodations if you have a disability, health condition, or if English isn’t your first language. Just request these arrangements when you register.
LCSW candidates must complete their clinical experience hours before taking the Clinical exam. This means getting all 3,000 supervised hours over at least eighteen months.
After passing your exam, you can move on to the final steps of getting your license. Good preparation will help you pass this big milestone on your way to becoming a licensed social worker in Wyoming.
Supervised Experience
Getting your social work license in Wyoming requires supervised experience, which is a vital component, especially when you have plans to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The Certified Social Workers (CSW) path doesn’t need supervised experience. You just need three references who have observed your social work abilities for at least six months.
The Wyoming Board of Social Work has specific requirements for LCSW candidates. You need to complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical training/work experience under a Designated Qualified Clinical Supervisor (DQCS). Your experience must include at least 1,200 hours of direct client contact where you provide clinical social work services.
Your remaining 1,800 hours should focus on indirect work that supports client services, including:
- Charting and documentation
- Case preparation
- Meetings and consultations
- Training activities
- Other clinical social work duties
The Board requires all supervised experience to start after you complete your graduate degree. You must complete these hours within a specific timeframe – no less than 18 months and no more than 36 months. In spite of that, you can request extensions from the Board under special circumstances.
The requirements also include a minimum of 100 hours of clinical supervision with your DQCS. This supervision happens in individual or triadic settings. The Board might approve some electronic supervision at their discretion.
You’ll need to create and file a supervision agreement with your DQCS before starting your supervised experience. During this period, you’ll work under a Provisional Licensed Clinical Social Worker status. This provisional license lasts three years and can be extended if you complete either the required experience hours or pass the examination.
Your supervisor will submit a supervision report to the Board after you complete your supervised experience. These documents, along with your education credentials and examination results, are the foundations of your LCSW application in Wyoming.
Wyoming’s structured supervision requirements will give you both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. These elements help ensure competent, ethical practice in a variety of settings across the state.
Application Process
Your journey to get a social work license in Wyoming starts when you submit your application to the Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board. This process needs careful attention to detail and proper documentation.
The official Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board website has all application forms for social worker license requirements. You need to pick the right application packet based on your goal – CSW or LCSW licensure, and whether you’re applying by examination or reciprocity. A special provisional licensure packet exists for candidates completing LCSW requirements.
Here are the key steps in the application process:
- Complete and submit your application with original signature
- Pay the required application fee ($300 for CSW, $350 total for LCSW)
- Provide proof of lawful presence in the United States
- Submit fingerprint cards for background check
- Request official transcripts be sent directly to the Board
- Provide three professional references
- Include a copy of your professional disclosure statement
- Request verification from other states where you’ve held licensure (if applicable)
The Board takes 2-3 weeks to process your application after receiving all materials, and background check results take another 3-5 weeks. The Board only communicates with the applicant about application status during this time.
New applicants should submit their application before taking the examination. After your application gets approved, you’ll get instructions to register with the ASWB for your exam. Note that beyond the Wyoming Board’s application fees, you’ll need to pay ASWB examination fees ($230 for CSW exams, $260 for LCSW exams).
Wyoming offers provisional licensing to new graduates so they can start practicing before meeting all requirements, but they must wait for eligibility notification. A provisional license requires supervision until full licensure is granted.
You get three chances to pass the required examination. In spite of that, the Board might allow one more attempt if they approve your remediation plan.
Licensed professionals must renew every two years.
Continuing Education
Wyoming social workers need to complete ongoing professional development through continuing education (CE) to keep their licenses active. Both Certified Social Workers (CSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) must meet specific CE requirements.
Social workers in Wyoming need 45 hours of approved continuing education every two years. Your license renewal happens on your birthday, and the two-year CE cycle lines up with this date. The Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board provides clear guidelines about acceptable CE credits.
The 45-hour requirement includes these specialized areas:
- You need 3 hours focused on professional ethics
- You must complete 3 hours in suicide assessment or intervention
Wyoming offers great flexibility in how you can complete these educational activities. You can take all 45 required hours through distance learning options like online courses or home study programs. This helps practitioners who work in remote areas of the state.
The state accepts continuing education from any provider that the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) approves. Many national education providers have this accreditation, which gives social workers plenty of options to meet their requirements.
The Board requires that acceptable courses “must have significant intellectual or practical content, and the primary objective shall be to increase the participant’s competence within each licensed or certified discipline”. Business-related training like BLS, workplace drug policies, or HIPAA compliance doesn’t count toward the 45 required CEUs for first-time applicants.
Provisional Clinical Social Worker (PCSW) licenses work differently. These licenses stay valid for three years without CE requirements. Standard CE rules apply once you advance to full licensure status.
Social workers must show proof of completed CE activities with their renewal applications. You should keep detailed records of all professional development activities throughout your licensing period to make renewal smooth and hassle-free.
Additional Information
Understanding procedural details will accelerate your Wyoming social work license application process. The Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board processes applications within 2-3 weeks after submission of all materials. Background check results take an additional 3-5 weeks. The Board communicates directly with applicants about their application status during this time.
State law requires all applicants to submit fingerprints every four years. You need to prove your lawful presence by submitting a copy of your social security card, passport, or legal birth certificate.
Wyoming offers licensure by reciprocity to professionals licensed in other states. This approach compares state requirements instead of individual qualifications. Your ASWB exam scores remain valid in any jurisdiction that uses that particular licensing exam.
Licensed counselors have additional options through the Counseling Compact, where Wyoming’s membership allows eligible professionals to provide services in other member states.
Licensed professionals must display their professional disclosure statement and license visibly wherever they provide services. Each client should receive this disclosure statement before or during their first session.
The Board welcomes questions about obtaining your social work license in Wyoming.