APSW - Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker

Social workers serve their communities through client assessment, treatment plans, securing necessary resources, and client advocacy. They work in policy and social program development, research, administration, and independent mental health therapy roles.

The Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW) credential is available in Wisconsin from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The exam if offered through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

Licensure as an Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW) requires a Master’s or higher degree in social work and passage of the ASWB Master’s level national exam. Students may begin the application process for their APSW licensure up to six months before graduation.

Costs

• Initial credential fee: $60

• ASWB Exam fee: $230

The following steps are required to apply for APSW certification:

• Complete the Social Worker Application and any other applicable forms and/or documents.

• Complete and submit the Fax Payment Form and your completed Social Worker Application by fax to (608) 251-3036. 

• Pass the Wisconsin State Law Jurisprudence “Open Book” Exam, an open book examination relating to the practice of social workers.  You do not need to retake if you have taken the Social Work jurisprudence examination within the last five (5) years. 

• Pass the Master’s Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) National Exam.

• Complete the applicant portion of the Social Worker Certificate of Professional Education form.

Renewal is due on February 28th of every odd year. Continuing education requirements are not required for the first license renewal. 30 continuing education (CE) hours are due every biennial year, with four of those credits being in the area of ethics and professional boundaries.

The renewal fee is $60 and $85 with a late fee.

The ASWB offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Candidate Handbook

• Online Practice Test (Cost: $85)

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers the following certifications:

• Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW)

• Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)

• Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW)

• Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW)

• Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)

• Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)

• Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC)

• Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G)

• Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC)

• Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology (ASW-G)