Social Work Licensing: Then and Now

This paper provides foundational knowledge on social work licensure and the process of becoming licensed for (under)graduate social work students and recent graduates who are considering or planning for licensure. Discussion includes a brief history of the profession’s development and licensing endeavors; addresses environmental context of professional practice regulation with information on conceptual and practice differences for registration, title protection, certification, and licensure; provides basic information on social work practice regulation and licensure, including license exemptions and violations; examines other considerations for obtaining a license, including issues pertaining to licensing disparities and exam controversies; and offers concluding suggestions on planning for licensure.