Social Work Licensure and Certification in Nebraska
Anyone seeking professional licensure is encouraged to review social work licensure requirements applicable for the state in which they intend to practice. In most states, licensure requirements will include graduating from an accredited social work degree program, passing an examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), and successfully completing a supervised practice experience (practicum hours may count as supervised practice hours).
A degree from the Grace Abbott School of Social Work qualifies our graduates to seek professional credentials upon graduation. The GASSW offers free preparation seminars each spring and fall to assist students with the licensure and credentialing process in Nebraska. View information regarding mental health and social work practice in Nebraska. Our program's accreditation is reaffirmed by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) on a seven-year cycle. The BSSW program has been continuously accredited since 1975 and is currently accredited through 2029. The MSW program has been continuously accredited since 1940 and is currently accredited through 2029. Types of credentials issued by the State of Nebraska are as follows. For information on exemptions, see regulation 172 NAC 94.
| LIMHP | Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) includes diagnosis and treatment of major mental illness/disorders, without supervision or consultation. |
| LCSW | Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) holds both an LMHP and CMSW license. |
| LMHP | Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP) does NOT include diagnosing major mental illness or disorder except in consultation with a LIMHP, qualified physician, or licensed clinical psychologist. |
| PLMHP | Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) - requires 3,000 hours of supervised experience in mental health practice in Nebraska. |
| CMSW | Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) requires successful completion of the ASWB exam. |
| PCMSW | Provisional Certification as a Master Social Worker (PCMSW) - requires 3,000 hours of supervised experience in social work in Nebraska. |
| CSW | Certified Social Worker (CSW) requires a bachelor's or master's degree in social work.* |
* Social work is the professional application of social work values, knowledge, principles, and methods in all areas of social work practice. Certified Social Workers (CSWs) cannot practice privately, independently, or autonomously and cannot provide mental health services. Adding a certification to your license allows you to use a different title - it does not offer a different scope of practice/activity. (source: dhhs.ne.gov)
Military Spouses
If you have an active credential in another state, and you are a military spouse, you may be eligible for a temporary credential pending completion of the permanent credential requirements. A temporary credential, specifically for military spouses, is available under Nebraska Revised Statute 38-129.01, and is issued for a period not to exceed one year. To apply for a temporary certificate, you must be a resident of the Nebraska.
To learn more about temporary credentialing for military spouses, click here.