OAR 877-015-0108: Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for initial certificate of registration or license, an applicant must meet the requirements in sections (1) through (6) of this rule: (1) The applicant must submit a complete and accurate application on a form provided by the board. (2)(a) The applicant must hold the degree described in sub-section (b) of this section from a college or university accredited by or considered in candidacy status by a credentialing body recognized by the board. The Council on Social Work Education and the Canadian Association for Social Work Education are recognized by the Board. The Board accepts determinations of equivalency of foreign degrees by the Council on Social Work Education’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service. Submission of proof of foreign degree equivalency and cost of the foreign degree equivalency determination are the responsibility of the applicant. (b) The degree required for initial: (A) registration as a baccalaureate social worker is a baccalaureate degree in social work; and (B) licensure as a master’s social worker is a master’s degree in social work. (3) The applicant must be fit to practice social work in Oregon. The board uses the following standard and procedure to make a fitness determination: (a) To be fit to practice social work in Oregon, the applicant must have demonstrated and must currently have good moral character as defined by the Board in rule and a personal history of conduct that is consistent with the standards contained in Division 30 of this chapter of rules. (b) In the event the applicant’s history includes conduct that may call into question the applicant’s fitness, the board will consider, if made available by the applicant, the amount of time elapsed since the conduct and the applicant’s relevant conduct since the questioned conduct, including remedial or compensatory actions taken by the applicant, if appropriate. (4) The applicant must be fit to practice social work in Oregon. In making this fitness determination, the board will consider whether the applicant is subject of an investigation or disciplinary action by a licensing board and the reasons for the action. (5) The applicant must pass the following examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards: (a) For registration as a baccalaureate social worker, the bachelor’s level examination. (b) For licensure as a master’s social worker, the master’s level examination. (6) The applicant must achieve a score of 90 percent on the examination on the Oregon BLSW statutes and rules prepared by the board on: (a) The contents of ORS 675.510 to 675.600 and OAR chapter 877, which are the Oregon BLSW statutes and administrative rules governing regulated social work. (b) Oregon Revised Statutes relating to mental health practice that may be relevant to regulated social work.