Idaho Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LMSW) Guide - 2024

Idaho LBSW Licensure Process

This license is for those who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). It is the first level of licensure for social workers in Idaho, and they can begin the licensure process six months before their expected BSW graduation date.

Education Requirements

A BSW given by a CSWE-accredited school or program is required before applying for an LBSW license. Once you receive your license, you can assist clients with areas outside of clinical counseling.

Find all schools offering social work degree programs in Idaho, here.

Experience Requirements

Because this is the first level of licensure, the experience needed for this credential is the education requirement. After receiving your license, you can practice independently if you develop a plan of supervision with a qualified LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW. When the Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners (IBSWE) approves the plan, you have two years to accrue 3,000 hours of supervised experience before being granted authorization to practice independently. LBSWs who practice independently are known as Licensed Social Worker-Independent (LSWI).

Application Process

Getting the licensing process started in Idaho begins with completing the Application for Social Work License form. Submit the application fee of $70 and documentation to verify your identity. Driver’s licenses or birth certificates are the accepted forms of identification. There is also a professional reference form you need to send in and if you’ve already graduated, submit a request to your school to transmit your official transcript to the Board. If you are applying before your graduation date, the CSWE-accredited school must send the documentation that verifies your expected graduation date, using the appropriate form included with the application.

Examination Requirements

Once you complete your LBSW licensure application, it is then reviewed by Idaho’s licensing Board. If they find you eligible to take the exam, the Board will notify the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) of your status. You are then permitted to take the 170 multiple-choice question test after paying an exam fee of $230 for the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam. The Board will receive your scores from the ASWB within the following two weeks.

Background Check

Before being placed in the field, the applicant must complete a current criminal background and fingerprint check. A current criminal background check is when the fingerprint report must have been done within the 12 months before the applicant begins their field practice. The background check results cannot indicate the student is a risk to or may harm potential clients. While a criminal history does not instantly disqualify an applicant, they may be limited to where they can gain practice experience.

The applicant is responsible for scheduling and obtaining the background check before working out in the field. Most background checks are performed through CastleBranch, where applicants will be sent instructions for setting up an account. Anyone with a criminal conviction can submit a Disclosure Statement for Inquiry on Impact of Criminal Conviction form. The Board will formulate an opinion on whether the conviction disqualifies the applicant from obtaining a license. There is also a Disclosure Statement Regarding Criminal Conviction form to make the Board aware of all criminal convictions. Failing to accurately report a conviction may result in denial of licensure.