New Mexico Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) Guide - 2024

New Mexico Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) Licensure Process

Are you already dreaming about your career in social work? If so, you might want to take the fastest path to a license, meaning you’ll want to work toward becoming a licensed baccalaureate social worker. This is the only social worker license that doesn’t require a master’s degree so that you can reach your goals much faster. Once you do, you can provide general social work services in a non-clinical setting. For example, you’ll be ready to serve as a client advocate or lend a hand with policy analysis.

Education Requirements

You can begin the process by getting your bachelor’s degree in social work. Choosing a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is vital, or the board might not accept your degree. Also, make sure your degree program includes the New Mexico cultural component, or you’ll have to take it separately.

New Mexico has four CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree programs in social work, consisting of in-person and online options. Thus, you can choose the program that fits your schedule. Here you can find all schools offering social work degree programs in New Mexico.

Experience Requirements

You don’t need any previous work experience to become an LBSW. In fact, many people start here to gain experience before working toward another license. However, the job is so fulfilling that lots of people stay right here after starting their careers.

Examination Requirements

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) administers the licensing exams. You’ll need to register for the bachelor’s exam online and pay the $230 fee.

You will also need to take the jurisprudence examination when applying. The exam is set up as part of your application, so you’ll complete it when submitting the rest of your documents. It’s an open book exam, and you only need a 70 percent or higher to pass.

Applying for Licensure as a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker

You can apply online via the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD) portal. After creating an account, you’ll need to navigate to “Boards and Commissions Division” and click “Apply for a License”.

Then select “Board of Social Work Examiners” and choose the “Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker” application. The portal will take you through the process of uploading documents, completing your application, and taking the jurisprudence exam. You’re required to submit the $75 fee with your completed application.