11. Does Arkansas have reciprocity agreements with other states?
Arkansas does not have any formal reciprocity agreements with other states. The law allows for licensure without examination if, at the time of application, the applicant is currently licensed in another state, territory or district with standards not lower than those in Arkansas.

12. What are the fees for licensure?

13. When will my license expire?
A social work license is effective when issued and shall expire on the last day of the month exactly two years from the date of issuance.

14. How do I renew my license?
You will be mailed a notice of license renewal approximately two months prior to the expiration date of your license. The notice will include an application, a continuing education summary sheet and instructions for renewing your license. To avoid a lapse in your licensure, the completed application, the summary sheet and the $80 renewal fee must be returned to the Board prior to your expiration date.

15. What happens if I have not accrued 48 hours of social work continuing education during the two-year licensure period?
You cannot renew your license unless you had extenuating circumstances that prevented you from completing the continuing education requirement. If you had extenuating circumstances that prevented you from completing the requirement, you may request special consideration.
Proof of extenuating circumstances must be submitted
with the request for special consideration.

16. What kinds of circumstances are
considered extenuating circumstances?
Circumstances that prevent you from working or performing normal day-to-day activities are considered extenuating circumstances. An extended illness is one example of an extenuating circumstance.

17. What can be counted as social work continuing education?
Any formalized activity directed at developing and enhancing an individual's knowledge base and service delivery skills in the applicable areas of social planning, administration, education, research or direct service with individuals, couples, families and groups can be counted as social work continuing education.

Q. Are social workers required to complete continuing education in professional ethics to be eligible for license renewal?

A. Yes Social workers are required to complete three (3) hours of continuing education in professional ethics every two years to be eligible for license renewal.

Q. How many hours of continuing education will be approved for independent home studies/Internet courses?

A. A maximum of twenty (20) clock hours will be approved during each two-year licensure period.

18. If I have more hours than I need to renew my license, may I use them during the next licensure period?
No. You are required to accrue (48) hours of social work continuing education every two years.

19. What can I do if my license expires?
A license that has expired less than six months may be renewed by submitting the renewal application, an $80 renewal fee, an $80 late penalty and proof that you completed 48 hours of social work continuing education due the two-year licensure period.

20. If I do not meet the requirements for license renewal, what can I do to be licensed?
Social workers who allow their licenses to expire are treated as new applicants. They are subject to all the current requirements.