Social Work

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the "P" and "R" privileges?

   Clients of certified social workers are entitled to reimbursement of fees for professional services under one of two classifications set forth in Insurance Law. The "P" privilege requires three years of supervised psychotherapy services following receipt of the MSW; an insurance company is required to provide reimbursement for services only at the request of the insured group. The "R" privilege requires six years of supervised psychotherapy services; an insurance carrier is required to provide reimbursement for services whenever a health insurance contract includes psychotherapy benefits.

2. How can I obtain an application for certification as a School Social Worker?

   This is considered one of the pupil personnel services administered by the Department's Office of Teaching. Please phone (518) 474-3901, or write that office at New York State Education Department, Office of Teaching, Albany, NY 12234, or e-mail: tcert@mail.nysed.gov

3. The education requirement for a social work license refers to programs that are "equivalent" to a Masters in Social Work (M.S.W.) degree. What programs are considered equivalent?

   The only programs considered equivalent to the M.S.W. are accredited doctoral programs in social work where the student earns the doctoral degree without conferral of the masters degree, but, along the way, has completed course work and supervised practice experience substantially equivalent to that required by M.S.W. programs. Graduate programs in psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or other related fields are not considered "equivalent" since they are not profession-specific to social work nor are they accredited by a social work accrediting organization.

4. Will distance learning M.S.W. programs meet the education requirement for social work licensure?

   Not at the present time. Currently, programs in social work that rely solely on distance learning are not recognized for accreditation by either the Department or the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). While it is expected that distance learning programs eventually will be recognized, standards must first be developed to ensure quality and integration of knowledge and skills in the learning process that prepares one for a professional career in social work.

5. Which licensing examination for social work should I take: the "Intermediate," the "Advanced," or the "Clinical"?

   New York State requires the "Intermediate" examination, but also accepts either the "Advanced" or the "Clinical" examinations. Since the "Advanced" and "Clinical" exams are based on a minimum of two years practice experience (the former is based on "generalist" practice, the latter on "clinical" practice), they may exceed the competency of recent M.S.W. graduates. The "intermediate" exam is based on generalist practice and reflects the knowledge expected of recent M.S.W. graduates. However, since some individuals enter social work later in life having worked in a related field, such persons may possess sufficient knowledge to successfully complete the more difficult exams. The advantage of taking a higher level exam is in the event such person seeks a higher level license in another state, he or she might not have to pass another exam at that level.

6. Are C.S.W.s required to take the two-hour course in identifying and reporting child abuse?

   No, the law does not include Certified Social Workers in the list of licensed professions required to take the course. However, while the one-time only course is not required for initial licensure or reregistration of C.S.W.'s, it is required for employment in specific settings, such as schools and day care centers. Therefore, you may be required to take the course by your employer, not because of your license.