The Board of Behavioral Sciences requires a master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work. Several universities in the University of California and California State University systems, as well as private universities and colleges, offer master's degrees in social work. Two years of coursework are typically required to complete a master's degree in this field. In addition to the classes required for graduation, some schools require additional coursework for students seeking to be licensed in social work. For example, San Jose State requires students to take classes in alcoholism before applying for a social work license. Other schools include all required classes in their existing requirements for the master's degree.
After graduating with a master's degree in social work but before qualifying to take the licensing exam, applicants must complete seven hours of training in child abuse assessment and reporting, 10 hours in human sexuality, 15 hours in substance abuse and dependency, 15 hours in spousal abuse assessment and reporting and 10 hours in aging and long-term care. Some universities offer workshops and seminars that satisfy these training requirements.
Applicants must complete 104 weeks of supervision and 3,200 hours of supervised work experience. During practicum, prospective social workers volunteer or become employed under a licensed social worker. For the supervised work experience, they see patients and clients and are subject to observation and evaluation by their supervisors. During supervision time, candidates meet with their supervisors to reflect on their work and areas for improvement.
After candidates complete all educational requirements, they must apply for approval from the Board of Behavioral Sciences to take the standard written exam. Once they pass the standard written exam, they must take and pass the written clinical vignette exam within one year. Candidates who do not pass either exam have one year to retake it. Candidates who do not retake and pass both exams within one year must apply with the Board of Behavioral Sciences to become eligible again to take the exams.