Information for Subsequent (2nd or 3rd) Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) Registration Applicants

Sep 21, 2026

Information for subsequent (2nd or 3rd) Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) registration applicants from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The document explains restrictions on private practice, the mandatory need to pass the LCSW California Law and Ethics Exam, steps for reporting legal name changes, and application requirements tied to the timing of submission. It also outlines scenario-based instructions for re-registration depending on ASW number status, plus background questions and expedited processing criteria.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Private Practice Restriction

LCSW California Law and Ethics Exam Requirement

Name Changes

Application Requirements

Scenario A: Cancelled ASW Number (Approved Supervised Experience)

Scenario B: Current ASW Number (Expiring or Expired No More Than 30 Days)

Scenario C: ASW Number Cancelled or Expired Over 30 Days (Unapproved Supervised Experience)

Background Questions

Expedited Processing

Frequently Asked Questions

Board of Behavioral Sciences 1625 North Market Blvd. , Suite S200, Sacramento, CA 95834 Telephone: (916) 574-7830 TTY: (800) 326-2297 [www.bbs.ca.gov](www.bbs.ca.gov) Information for Subsequent (2nd or 3rd) Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) Registration Applicants 1. Private Practice Restriction: ASWs issued a subsequent registration are prohibited from working in a private practice pursuant to Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 4996.28(b) . There are no exceptions. 2. You MUST PASS the LCSW California Law and Ethics Exam BEFORE the Board can Issue Your Subsequent Registration: There are no exceptions to this requirement , which is mandated by BPC section 4992.09. Exam applications are available on the Board’s website. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam in 90 days. 3. Name Changes: If you have changed your legal name and have not yet notified the Board, submit a Notification of Name Change form with your application along with the required documentation. 4. Application Requirements: Applicants must meet all requirements for ASW registration that are in effect at the time the subsequent registration application is submitted. Use the scenarios below as a guide to determine the steps needed to complete your application. For questions please contact the Board at (916) [574-7830 or BBS.ASW@dca.ca.gov](574-7830 or BBS.ASW@dca.ca.gov). Scenario A: Applicant’s ASW number has been cancelled, and the Board has already approved the applicant’s supervised experience. The following are required: • Subsequent ASW Registration • 2x2 passport size photo Number Application • $75.00 Application Fee Scenario B: Applicant has a current and valid ASW number that is due to expire or has been expired no longer than 30 days. The following are required: • Subsequent ASW Registration • 2x2 passport size photo Number Application • $75.00 Application Fee Scenario C: Applicant’s ASW number has been cancelled or expired for over 30 days, and the applicant’s supervised experience has not yet been approved by the Board. The following are required: • Subsequent ASW Registration • 2x2 passport size photo Number Application • $75.00 Application Fee • Official Transcripts • Live Scan Fingerprints Revised 01/2017 5. Background Questions: If you answered YES to application questions A, B, C or D, complete the Background Statement, available on the Board’s website. Please be aware that your processing time will be delayed and will also be dependent on your providing all information required by the Board. 6. Expedited Processing: The Board is required to expedite the licensure process for the following applicants who meet specified criteria: • Honorably Discharged Veteran-Download the request form from the Board’s website and include it ON TOP OF your application. • Spouse or Partner of Person on Active Military Duty-Download the request form from the Board’s website and include it ON TOP OF your application. Frequently Asked Questions ASW Subsequent Registration Applicants 1. If I apply for a second number, will I lose all of my hours because they were gained under my first number? Not necessarily, but all hours of experience must be gained within the most recent six (6) years from the time the Board receives your Application for Licensure and Examination. Hours older than six (6) years at the time you apply will not count. For example: The Board receives Susan’s Application for Licensure and Examination, postmarked on 4/27/2016 . All of the hours she gained (under all ASW numbers) between 4/27/2010 and 4/27/2016 will be acceptable. 2. Can I work in a private practice setting under my second (or third, etc.) ASW registration number? No. An applicant issued a subsequent ASW number is prohibited from working in a private practice setting. All other work settings are permissible. 3. My supervised experience hours have been approved. Do I need to hold a current ASW number to continue testing?

FAQs

Can I work in a private practice under my second (or third, etc.) ASW registration number?

No. An applicant issued a subsequent ASW number is prohibited from working in a private practice setting; other work settings are allowed.

What happens to my supervised hours if I apply for a second number?

Not necessarily that you lose them all, but all experience hours must be gained within the most recent six (6) years from when the Board receives the application. Hours older than six (6) years will not count.

Do I need to hold a current ASW number to continue testing after my supervised experience hours are approved?

If your hours are approved, the Board no longer requires you to retain an ASW registration if you work in an “exempt” setting (a school, a government agency, or a nonprofit and charitable institution). You must keep an active and current registration when gaining more supervised hours or working in a non-exempt setting.

Sep 21, 2026

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