Wisconsin Certified Social Worker (CSW) Guide - 2024

Wisconsin Certified Social Worker (CSW) Licensure Process

The prerequisite to becoming a CSW is a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW), or higher, or completing the SWTC.

Here you can find all schools offering social work degree programs in Wisconsin.

Application Requirement

The application for CSW starts with completing the social worker application form. Next is to provide all relevant documents to the board. The requirements include:

• Certificate of professional education to verify your degree
• Application fee of $165

For applicants who have a BSW, MSW, or DSW, you can add $10 to obtain a temporary permit allowing you to practice for up to nine months while the application is pending.

Exam Requirements

Once you complete the application, you will get a number. That allows you to take the online law exam. All social work applicants in the state need to pass this. The exam is about the rules and statutes covering social work practice in Wisconsin.

Another requirement is to take and pass the Association of Social Work Boards bachelor exam. The ASWB consists of regulatory boards and colleges across the country. Its purpose is the regulation of social work. Part of that is maintaining all licensing examinations for the practice of ethical and safe social work.

You cannot take the ASWB exam without prior approval from the DSPS board. The board will notify you after assessing your application.

If everything is in order and you pass both exams, the DSPS will issue your credential. You can start practicing as a CSW in the state.