Steps for Residency (Initial) Certification as a School Social Worker

Current MSW Students

(UW Seattle or UW Tacoma)

To receive certification as a school social worker in the state of Washington, you must provide the required documentation and submit all necessary forms and fees to the appropriate agency.

You may begin the certification process while you are an MSW student by submitting the File Initiation Form and fee to the School of Social Work Continuing Education office. Check with your practicum coordinator regarding appropriate placement as you plan your second year practicum. Recommendations for approval for certification will not be made until you have provided all required forms and documentation. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide all required information and to ensure that their file is complete.

A checklist of forms and materials to be used in the application process (click here for the list), as well as additional information on each requirement, is provided below. Please read carefully before proceeding.

Requirements for Residency (Initial) State of Washington School Social Worker Certification

1. Official transcript indicating award of MSW degree.
2. Documentation indicating successful completion of a graduate levelcourse on school social work.
   
   SW 588, “Social Work Practice in the Schools” is the recommended course for MSW students who want certification. Your official transcript indicating successful completion of the course serves as documentation that you have met this requirement.
3. Documentation of successful completion of practicum experience that meets criteria established by the WAC which is 180-78A-319.
   
   For students who entered the MSW program prior to Autumn Quarter 2005 , either the foundation or advanced practicum in an approved school social work setting satisfied the practicum requirements for school social work certification.
   
   For students who enter the MSW program Autumn Quarter 2005 or after, only the advanced practicum requirement in an approved school social work practicum site will meet the practicum requirements for certification.
   
   To arrange an appropriate practicum placement, you must work with practicum faculty. In addition to the standard practicum contract you are also required to complete a “Practicum Contract Addendum and Practicum Evaluation Addendum for MSW Students Pursuing School Social Work Certification.” Click here for Practicum Forms.

The School of Social Work CE Office will contact your practicum office to verify successful completion of the required number of hours, once you submit your official transcript.


4. Successful completion of the school social work exam. The exam is offered through Educational Testing Service-Praxis Exams. Under Tests, click on Praxis.  In the middle of the page under State Testing Requirements, select Washington. Read through Q/A's for test information.  To locate the test list, click on the link Praxis Test Lists and Fees within the answer to the sixth question, "How much does it cost to take a Praxis test?" From the alphabetical list, choose the test titled "School Social Worker: Content Knowledge", course #20211.
   
5. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are required.
   This process is done through the Washington State Patrol and the FBI. Because of new live scan technology implemented in the Fall of 2006, the process now takes less than one week. The CE Office is now able to verify clearance by checking the WSP database on the Web.  No documentation is needed from the student.
6. For information on the background check and fingerprinting: http://www.k12.wa.us/ProfPractices/fingerprint
7. Appropriate forms and fees . In addition to the documentation listed above, you must also submit:

   School of Social Work File Initiation Form and Fee ($75). This enables us to establish and maintain your file, provide file and record reviews and then forward a final recommendation to OSPI for certification. (Submitted to School of Social Work Continuing Education Office) Click here for the File Initiation Form.
   
   Fee for Residency (Initial) Certification to Educational Service District ($35). (Sent directly to Educational Services School District) Click here for the Fee for Residency Form.
   
   Application for Washington State Educational Staff Associate Certification, Form 4301 (Submitted to School of Social Work Continuing Education Office with your other materials) Click here for Form 4301. Go to bottom of page under "Educational Staff Associate—School Psychologist/School Counselor/School Social Worker."
   
   Background Questionnaire-Character and Fitness Supplement Form 4020B (Submitted to School of Social Work Continuing Education Office with your other materials) Click here for Form 4020B. See top of page under “General.”