Licensing Facts
Step 1. Learn and Understand the License Requirements
All applicants interested in obtaining their license need to first know and understand the requirements that the Social Work Licensure Act sets for each level of license.
Step 2. Apply for Your Limited License
Once you determine that you have met the educational requirement for licensure, you can apply for your Limited License. In order to accrue hours toward the experience requirements for a full license, individuals must hold a limited license.
All licenses in Michigan are regulated and issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Check out their website and apply for your license here.
Limited Licenses are issued for one year and may be renewed a maximum of 6 times.
Step 3. Complete the Required Experience, Supervision, and Exam
Once you have obtained your Limited License, you need to start accruing the experience and supervision that is required for the full license. Limited Licensees are required to obtain 4,000 hours of experience and 100 hours of supervision under a Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW). Limited Licensees are able to accrue experience at a maximum of 40 hours per week and a minimum of 16 hours per week. At 40 hours per week (full-time status), Limited Licensees will reach the required 4,000 hours in 2 years. New graduates must now complete all hours prior to being eligible to sit for the exam required for their level of licensure. Information on the how to register for the exam will be sent by the Bureau of Health Professions to Limited Licensees shortly after they apply and receive their Limited License.
Step 4. Apply for Your Full License
Once an Limited Licensee obtains the 4,000 hours of work experience, 100 hours of supervision, and successfully passes the required exam, they can apply for their full license.
Your supervisor will need to complete and send in the supervision verification form and the applicant will need to be re-fingerprinted.
All licenses in Michigan are regulated and issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Check out their website and apply for your license here.
Full Licenses are issued for three years. In order to renew your license, individuals must complete 45 hours of Continuing Education (CE) during their three-year license cycle.