Licensure

Georgia Licensure Statement

In Georgia, a social worker can apply for licensure as a Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). A copy of the rules Chapter 135, Requirements for Licensure (Chapter 135.5-.03 of the Rules - LMSW and Chapter 135.5-.04 of the Rules - LCSW) will assist you in determining the right license for your situation. You can obtain a copy for a nominal fee by calling or writing to the Composite Board or free of charge by going online to their web site.

Contact information for the Licensing Board

The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists is a ten-member board consisting of three professional counselors, three social workers, three marriage and family therapists, and one consumer, whose voice is integral to the board's decisions. To learn more about the click on the links below.

Board FAQ  
http://sos.ga.gov/page/georgia-board-professional-counselors-social-workers-and-marriage-therapists-faq.

General Website:
https://sos.ga.gov/board-professional-counselors-social-workers-and-marriage-family-therapists

Board Meeting Schedule: 
Upcoming Events | Georgia Secretary of State (ga.gov)

The three members from each profession constitute a separate standards committee for their respective specialty. The Governor appoints the members based on their qualifications and experience in the field. Currently serving the Social Work Standards Committee are:

Current Social Work Members on the Licensing Board

■ Endsley Real, CSW
■ Deborah Sills, CSW
■ Sandra Mullings, CSW

Composite Board General Contact
Address: Georgia Professional Licensing Boards 
Composite Board - Social Work
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217-3858
Phone Number: (404) 424-9966

Licensure Rules/Law

New Georgia Licensure Continuing Education Requirements:

  • 5 ethics hours (ethics hours must be obtained in person or Synchronous format)
  • 15 core hours
  • 15 related or core hours
  • Total = 35 hours per 2-year licensure cycle          

General Georgia Social Work Licensure Rule Links

GA - GAC - Department 135. RULES OF GEORGIA COMPOSITE BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS

Master of Social Work Guide:
How to Guide: Master Social Worker | Georgia Secretary of State (ga.gov)

Clinical Social Work Guide:
How to Guide: Clinical Social Worker | Georgia Secretary of State (ga.gov)

Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW): 135-5-.03 of the Rules:
http://rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/135-5-.03 of the Rules:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): 135-5-.04 of the Rules:
http://rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/135-5-.04

Continuing Education Information is addressed in Chapter 135-9-.01 of the Rules:
http://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/135-9

Diagnosing:
https://rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/135-12-.02

Testing & Assessments:
https://rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/135-12-.01

Tele-Mental Health Information (adopted September 2015; effective October 7, 2015) information is addressed in Chapter 135-11-.01:
http://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/135-11

ASWB Social Work Licensure Exam Registration & Website 

Note: Georgia candidates for licensure must have approval from the GA Composite Board before registering with ASWB to take either the Masters or Clinical level exam.  Begin the licensure process by submitting the required forms and fee to Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapist.

Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Website:
http://www.aswb.org