Certification & Licensure

Position Statement on Certification Standards for School Social Workers

by the New York State School Social Workers’ Association

Click Here for Statement

How can I become a school social worker in New York?

An individual practicing licensed master social work in a public school or pre-school must be certified by the Office of Teaching (OT) in the Department. OT will issue a provisional school social worker certificate to an individual who has an acceptable MSW degree. The provisional certificate is valid for five years by which time the certificate holder must be licensed as an LMSW or LCSW to receive the permanent school social worker certificate.

An individual holding a permanent school social work certificate must maintain the LMSW or LCSW registration in order to practice school social work. An individual with a provisional or permanent school social work credential may only practice licensed master social work outside the school if licensed and registered as an LMSW or practice licensed clinical social work outside the school if licensed and registered as an LCSW.”

Click Here for full text. Source: NYSED FAQ #18.

See Other NYSED Social Work FAQs

Certification Requirements

The certification process is controlled by the New York State Education Department (NYSED)

When visiting the New York State Department of Education website, school social workers’ information can be found under the Pupil Personnel Services designation. After 2 years of service you will be eligible to apply for a permanent certificate. Additional requirements include completion of a 3 hour Child Protective course, a 3 hour School Safety Course and a 6 hour Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) course. Please use the links below for additional information and requirements.

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Licensure

New York State offers 3 forms of social work licensure:

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Practice Alerts and Guidelines from NYSED Office of the Professions for Social Workers

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Questions?

Certification: Contact NYSED Here

Licensure: Email: opunit5@nysed.gov Please provide your name, the last 4 digits of your social security number, date of birth, and the name of the profession in any correspondence.

NYSSSWA Welcomes New School Social Workers

The New York State School Social Workers’ Association (NYSSSWA) is the only professional association dedicated solely to the visibility and viability of School Social Workers in New York State. Support your profession and join today!

Learn More About The Benefits Included in a Membership!