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Understanding the Steps to Apply to Take the MASTER’S License Exam in PennsylvaniaNOTE: This handout was prepared for the student/applicant seeking PA State Board licensure. If outside of PA, please refer to your state social work regulatory board for guidelines.TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE MASTER’S LICENSING EXAM, THE APPLICANT MUST BE IN THEIR FINAL SEMESTER OF A MASTER’S OR DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAM, OR HOLD A MASTER’S OR DOCTORAL DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK.Step One: Register with the PA State BoardRegister (online) with the PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors PA Licensing System (PALS). The PA State Board must first pre-approve all applicants to take the Master’s exam. PALS: pals.Recommendation: Print the Application Checklist that is available in PALS system. If you are a current master’s student and applying for the LSW License, you should select ASWB Master’s Examination type. The application checklist contains all required steps.Step Two: PA State Board ApplicationThe Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examinations are administered in five categories—Associate, Bachelors, Masters,Advanced Generalist, and Clinical. Each is designed to measure entry-level competence at aspecific level of education and experience. MSS/MSW applicants seeking LSW license apply for the Master’s Level Exam. Complete all application requirements (refer to the application checklist).NOTE: Once you have provided your information for the Criminal History Check and the Databank Report (Self Query), you should have the option to submit your application and pay the fee. You can continue to upload required documents after your application is submitted. If applying in your final semester of your Master’s program, print the “Verification of Education” form (The Verification of Education form becomes available after you apply). Complete the form exactly as instructed and send it to your College Registrar Office.NOTE: Bryn Mawr students can mail, e-mail (registrar@brynmawr.edu), or hand deliver the form to the College Registrar’s Office, Guild Hall, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. The Registrar will mail the form, confirming your student standing, directly to the licensing board.NOTE: Post-Masters Applicants may skip the verification form but must have an official graduate school transcript sent to the Board.WAIT FOR APPROVAL - Once the State Board has approved your application, they will send you an approval letter along with information about how to register for the exam with the ASWB. Recommendation: All applicants should either download and/or print the ASWB Candidate Handbook. Three: Register for the Exam - ASWBFollow instructions for how to register for the exam that were provided in your approval letter. Registration for the exam can be done either online or by paper. WAIT FOR AUTHORIZATION - ASWB will send the applicant an Authorization to Test via email within two business days to the email address you provided. Retain your Authorization to Test for future reference. If you do not receive your Authorization to Test, please notify ASWB.Step Four: Schedule your exam – Pearson VUEYou must wait for the official ASWB Authorization to Test to arrive BEFORE scheduling your exam. Pearson VUE is the authorized test centers. Exams are scheduled through Pearson VUE. You must have an appointment to take the exam. There are no fixed administration dates. Special testing accommodations must be arranged in advance of the exam.WAIT FOR CONFIRMATION of your testing appointment. Should receive notice within 24 hours.PEARSON VUE: Five: Prepare for exam dayKnow where your test center is located. You will NOT be seated if you arrive late for your appointment. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to allow yourself plenty of time to check in and become familiar with the surroundings.Know what to bring and what NOT to bring. 2 forms are ID are required. what to expect at the test center. Luck!DON’T FORGET Once you complete your degree, it is your responsibility to request that the College Registrar submit an official transcript to the PA State Board. Refer to your PALS account for appropriate form. Your license will not be finalized until the official final transcript is received by the Board. The Board will mail your license to you once all requirements are met. NOTE: If you hold certifications or other licenses (e.g. teaching) in PA or other states, you will be required to verify that you are in good standing in those disciplines before PA will approve your application.Check out additional information and resources available through Career Services and Center for Professional Development STATE BOARD CONTACT INFORMATION:The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists and Professional CounselorsP.O. Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649 Phone: 717-783-1389 Email: st-socialwork@ASWB CONTACT INFORMATION:Association of Social Work Boards400 Southridge Parkway, Suite BCulpeper, VA 22701Candidate Services: 888-579-3926PEARSON VUE: ................
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