How To Apply

You Must Be Approved To Sit For The Exam

Before the applicant may sit for the exam, the applicant must first meet the requirements for licensure in Georgia.  

To establish that licensure requirements are met, the applicant must submit a complete application with all required supporting documents. The Board(s) will review these materials.  Per the Board’s law, only the Board has the authority to provide the final recommendation on any application submitted for licensure. 

When the Board is satisfied the individual meets all requirements, the Board will send notification of this approval to the applicant via email. This email will describe the next steps the applicant must take to register for the examination.

After you Apply – What to Expect

  • Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
    • If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20-day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
    • Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, including submission of all required documents and fees.
    • Complete applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff. Complete applications will be presented and reviewed by the Board at the next available scheduled Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
  • Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
    • Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
    • Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
  • Check Application Status >>

Disability Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.  

Applicants may request an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the designated vendor (ASWB).  Once ASWB has processed its portion of the request, the ADA application will be sent to the Board for final review and approval. 

Veteran’s Preference Points

Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. Download program information>>

  • If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference Points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>

Fees

Initial licensure application

$100

Renewal

$100

Late renewal

$150

Reinstatement (if inactive for more than five years)

$350

Request inactive status

No fee

Reactivation of an Inactive status license (if inactive for less than five years)

$150

Decorative wall certificate

$50

Verification of license

$35

Duplicate license card

$25

Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022

  • Online processing fee: $10.00

CSW Licensure by Examination

If you have never been licensed before and have never taken and passed the required CSW national licensure examination, and you meet all the requirements for licensure.

CSW Licensure by Exam Waiver

If you have been or are currently licensed and have already taken and passed the required CSW national licensure examination and meet all the requirements for licensure.

Reinstatement

If you have previously held this license and it has lapsed, expired, or is revoked, you may submit an Application for Reinstatement of the license.

Inactive Status

If you hold a current, unencumbered license and do not intend to practice in Georgia and therefore do not intend to use the title Clinical Social Worker, you may request that the license be placed in “Inactive” status.

Reactivation Of An Inactive Status License

A person who has requested their professional license be placed in inactive status may apply to reactivate their license within five (5) years or less from the date active status was converted to inactive status

Renewal Checklist

Clinical Social Work licenses expire every two years on September 30th of even numbered years.

How to File

To process your renewal, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>

After completing the online renewal application, unless selected for the CE Audit, CHECK your license expiration date online to ensure the renewal was completed. If you were selected for a CE Audit, please make sure to follow the instructions to submit all required audit documentation. 

Contact

Group 20

Related Resources

Contact Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists