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Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Iowa Board of Social Work - Licensure

As of July 1, 2023,  Professional Licensing and other health and occupational licenses will become part of the Iowa Department of Inspections,  Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) as a new organizational structure for state government goes into effect. Government departments and agencies that provide related services or have similar business functions are aligning to better serve Iowans.  You can expect the same quality services you get now from HHS to continue as usual. 

Application Guidelines

Click here to Access Online Services or to Apply Online

Social Work Licensure in Iowa 

Documents may be submitted electronically to the Board Office. The Board's fax number is 515-281-7969. Emailed documents should go to plpublic@idph.iowa.gov.

Examination Information

Examination Information PDF

Supervision Forms 

Supervision Guidance

Supervision prior to July 20, 2022

Supervision Plan

Supervision Report

Supervision starting after July 20, 2022

Supervision Plan

Supervision Report

Continuing Education Guidelines

Licensees are responsible for meeting all continuing education requirements and should review the Rules carefully and frequently. Scroll through the Rules for detailed information about Continuing Education definitions, requirements, standards, criteria and other important specific to this profession.

Continuing Education Extension or Exemption for Disability or Illness

A licensee who had a physical or mental disability or illness during the licensee period may apply for an exemption. An exemption provides for an extension of time or exemption from some or all of the continuing education requirements. An applicant shall submit a completed application form approved by the board for an exemption.

The application requires the signatiure of a licensed health care professional who can attest to the existence of a disability or illness during the license period. If the application is from a license who is the primary caregiver for a relative who is ill or disabled and needs care from that primary caregiver, the physician shall verify the licensee's status as the primary caregiver. A licensee who applies for an exemption shall be notified of the decision regarding the application. A licensee who obtains approval shall retain a copy of the exemption to be presented to the board upon request.

Renewal

You can renew your license up to 60 days before your current license expires.

Renewal notifications will be emailed to your email address on file with the board at 60, 50, 40 and 30 days prior to the license expiration date. Renew your license early to avoid a late fee or lapse in licensure. All continuing education requirements must be completed pior to license renewal. 

Related Links

Exam Information
Web: www.aswb.org

National Association of Social Workers
Web: www.naswdc.org

Code of Ethics

Model Regulatory Standards for Technology and Social Work Practice

NASW Iowa Chapter

1620 Pleasant Street #250
Des Moines, IA 50314
Web: https://naswia.socialworkers.org
Phone: 515 277-1117

 

 

Iowa HHS Bureau of Professional Licensure

Riverpoint Office Complex
400 SW 8th Street Suite D
Des Moines, Iowa 50309


Phone: (515) 281-0254
Fax: (515) 281-7969

Online Licensure Services: https://ibplicense.iowa.gov

Email: PLPublic@idph.iowa.gov

Office Hours:
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays