LAC 46:XXV.307. Administration of Examination

A. Examination 1. The social work examination shall be administered at least once per calendar year at a time and place designated by the board. 2. The Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners recognizes the examinations of the Association of Social Work Boards as the national examination for social workers. 3. Examination Pass Point. The board shall administer and grade a written examination or employ a national recognized testing firm to do the same. Whichever method is used, the board will consistently strive to improve reciprocity with other states having licensure comparable to Louisiana. A pass score of 70 will be used to grade the examination for the licensed clinical social worker and the licensed master social worker. B. Retake of Examination 1. Applicants must complete a retake application and submit the retake fee to the board office. 2. Applicants for the LCSW license must submit an employment verification form for each place of employment after receipt of the MSW degree. 3. The board shall observe the retake policy of the testing service. C. Examination Review Policy. The board may allow candidates to review failing examinations, at applicant's expense, in accordance with the rules of the Association of Social Work Boards. D. Preparatory Course 1. The board shall not endorse nor in any way participate in the operation or planning of any preparatory or cram course allegedly preparing applicants for the social work examination. 2. No former member of the Board of Examiners may take part in the development, sponsorship or administration of any preparatory or cram course offered to candidates for the social work examination for two years after said board member's term of office has expired. E. Early Testing. The board may allow candidates to test early in accordance with the policy set forth by the Association of Social Work Boards. 1. Students in their final semester of a graduate social work program as defined by R.S. 37:2703.10. may request on a form prescribed by the board and signed by the program dean, director, or another designee, approval to sit for the examination recognized by the board for obtaining the LMSW credential. All requirements of the application, other than the official master’s transcript, must be complete for exam approval to be considered by the board. The applicant shall make a request to the university to submit the transcript showing the conferred Master of Social Work degree directly to the board office within 15 days of its availability. 2. LMSWs in their final six months of supervision in accordance with §503 may request on a form prescribed by the board and signed by their board approved clinical supervisor, approval to sit for the examination recognized by the board for obtaining the LCSW credential. Applicants must have at least 75 hours of supervision and must complete all requirements of the LCSW application, other than the final supervision forms, for exam approval to be considered by the board.