Licensed Clinical Social Worker

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Licensed Clinical Social Worker

License by Examination

This application is for those who have completed two years and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience, the national examination, all education requirements, and do not qualify for the MOBILE Endorsement licensure pathway.

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Requirements
General Licensing Requirements

To be licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Florida you must have the documents listed below. Endorsement applicants only need items 5 through 9. Registered Interns applying for full licensure need items 4 and 6-9.

1. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: A master’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited school of social work showing graduate level coursework. Ensure your program is accredited by visiting https://cswe.org.

NOTE: Electronic Transcripts may be sent through a secure parchment service directly to MQA.491@flhealth.gov. Please check with your university to see if this service is available.

Mailed transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope from the university or they will not be considered official. A degree conferred date must be listed on the transcript. This is the only document that CANNOT be uploaded in your online account. Official transcripts may be mailed to:

Florida Department of Health
Board of CSW, MFT, and MHC
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin C-08
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258

COURSEWORK:

Completed 24 semester hours or 32 quarter hours in theory of human behavior and practice methods as courses in clinically oriented services, including a minimum of one course in psychopathology. Courses not considered to be clinically oriented are: policy, administration, organization and communities. Complete the Education Worksheet for clinical social work to determine if you have satisfied the coursework requirements for licensure.

FOREIGN EDUCATION:

If you received your social work degree from a program outside the U.S. or Canada, documentation must be received that the program was determined to be equivalent to programs approved by the Council on Social Work Education by the International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service provided by the Office of Social Work Accreditation (OSWA), and a course by course evaluation must be completed by a Board approved evaluator. To contact the OSWA, please visit https://cswe.org or call (703) 683-8080. For a list of approved Foreign Education Evaluators, please click here.

2. PRACTICUM: A supervised field placement that was part of the applicant’s master’s program, during which the applicant provided clinical services directly to clients. An official of the school (Dean, Department Chair) that awarded your graduate degree must provide a letter on university letterhead verifying that the supervised practicum, internship, or field experience was completed, during which the applicant provided clinical services directly to clients. Please review the specific requirements on the Education Worksheet for clinical social work.

3. ADVANCED STANDING LETTER: If you are an advanced standing student, you may need to request an advanced standing letter from the school of social work listing the courses completed at the bachelor’s level that were not required at the master’s level. Review the Education Worksheet for clinical social work to determine if the coursework requirements for licensure have been satisfied. The letter must include the course title and number of credit hours completed.

4. SUPERVISED EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of post-master’s supervised experience under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. These hours must be documented on the Verification of Clinical Experience Form or they will not count towards licensure. The supervision experience must have consisted of:

  • At least 100 hours of supervision in no less than 100 weeks;
  • 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy with clients; and,
  • 1 hour of supervision every two weeks

NOTE: Please see Rule 64B4-2.002, F.A.C. for information regarding group supervision and supervision by electronic methods.

5. LICENSE VERIFICATION: This form is required for applicants who hold or have ever held a license in another state, U.S. territory, or foreign country. Please have the office that issued the license or certification complete the Florida Certification/License Verification Form. A license verification is required for all endorsement applicants. The document must show your license type, date issued, current status and discipline history.

6. EXAM: Passed the national clinical level examination developed by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). For information about the exam required, click here.

Note: Beginning January 1, 2023, exam approvals will only be issued to those who have completed a minimum of 18 months of post-master’s clinical experience.

7. LAWS & RULES COURSE: Completed an 8-hour Florida laws and rules course from a board approved provider listed on CE Broker.

8. HIV/AIDS COURSE: Completed a 3-hour HIV/AIDS course listed on CE Broker or complete the HIV/AIDs Affidavit.

9. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURSE: Completed a 2-hour domestic violence course from a board approved provider listed on CE Broker within six months of licensure. The certificate of completion is retained with your records. Do not submit to the Board Office with your application.

Applicants with Health History

If a “Yes” response was provided to any of the questions in this section, provide the following documents directly to the board office:

A letter from a licensed health care practitioner, who is qualified by skill and training to address the condition identified, which explains the impact the condition may have on the ability to practice the profession with reasonable skill and safety. The letter must specify that the applicant is safe to practice the profession without restrictions or specifically indicate the restrictions that are necessary. Documentation provided must be dated within one year of the application date.

A written self-explanation, identifying the medical condition(s) or occurrence(s); and current status.

Applicants with Discipline History

Applicants with prior disciplinary actions are required to submit the following:

Board Actions – Certified copies of document(s) relative to any disciplinary action taken against any license. The documents must come from the agency that took the disciplinary action and must be certified by that agency.

Self-Explanation – A detailed description of the circumstances surrounding your disciplinary action and a thorough description of the rehabilitative changes in your lifestyle since the time of the disciplinary action which would enable you to avoid future occurrences. It would be helpful to include factors in your life, which you feel may have contributed to your disciplinary action, what you have learned about yourself since that time, and the changes you have made that support your rehabilitation.

Applicants with Criminal History

Applicants with prior criminal convictions are required to submit the following:

Final Dispositions/Arrest Records – Final disposition records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Completion of Probation/Parole/Sanctions – Probation and financial sanction records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. Parole records for offenses can be obtained from the Department of Corrections or at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Self Explanation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit a letter in their own words describing the circumstances of the offense. Include in your letter the date of the original offense, the charge, and the jurisdiction where it occurred.

To review the conviction record guidelines adopted by the Board, click here.

Health Care Fraud; Disqualifications for License, Certification, or Registration

Effective July 1, 2012, Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides that health care boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant:

  1. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
    1. For the felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
    2. For the felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
    3. For the felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than five years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
  2. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances) or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid issues), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application;
  3. Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent five years;
  4. Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state or Federal Government, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent five years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application;
  5. Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities. The section above does not apply to candidates or applicants for initial licensure or certification who were enrolled in an educational or training program on or before July 1, 2009, which was recognized by a board or, if there is no board, recognized by the department, and who applied for licensure after July 1, 2012
General Provisional License Requirements

This license is available only to applicants for licensure by exam or endorsement who have already met the minimum requirement of two years of post-master’s supervised experience but do not meet Florida’s licensure requirements. It allows you to practice under supervision while you meet any additional licensure requirements such as masters level coursework (CSW applicants must have completed 15 semester or 22 quarter hours of clinical coursework), continuing education coursework, or passing the national exam. Provisional licensees are required to meet face-to-face with their supervisor at least one hour per month. A supervisor for a provisional licensee is defined as a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Mental Health Counselor. This license is valid for 24 months and cannot be renewed.

Provisional licensure applications are available upon request and will not be provided until an application by endorsement/exam has been received by the Board Office. This application has a non-refundable fee of $100.

To request an application, please contact the Board Office.

To be provisionally licensed (a license to practice under supervision while you meet additional FL licensure requirements such as master’s coursework, CE coursework or passing the national exam – license is valid for 24 months – cannot be renewed) as a CSW/MFT/MHC you must have:

  • First applied for licensure by exam/endorsement as a CSW/MFT/MHC in Florida.
  • Been approved by the board for the provisional license.
Process
Licensing Process
  • Within 30 days of submitting your application and fee for licensure, you will receive a written review of your application and supporting documents from the Board Office staff. This review will be sent to your email, if listed on the application, or to your mailing address on record. If your application is missing items, you will receive a deficiency letter. If your application was submitted with all requirements and you meet the qualifications, you will receive an approval letter.
  • Your application will not be processed until we have received a complete application and fee. All fields on the application including Social Security Number, Date of Birth, E-Mail Address, Practice Location and Mailing Address should be completed prior to submitting your application.
  • Upon submitting your application, you will be issued a file number to help track and reference your documents through the process.  This number will not be the same as your license number and should not be used as such.
  • Please understand that Chapter 456.013(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that an incomplete application shall expire one year after initial filing with the department.

For the most expedited process, submit your application in 3 simple steps:

1. PREPARE YOUR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:

  • Official transcript from your master’s or doctoral degree program (Exam Applicants ONLY)
  • Practicum letter stating you provided clinical services directly to clients (Exam Applicants ONLY)
  • If Applicable- Advanced Standing letter (Exam Applicants ONLY)
  • Verification of Clinical Experience Form (Exam Applicants ONLY)
  • License Verification or Florida Certification/License Verification Form
  • Official score report of passing the clinical level of the ASWB exam.
  • Certificate of completion of an 8-hour laws and rules course completed through a board approved provider listed on CE Broker.
  • Certificate of completion of a 3-hour HIV/AIDS course listed on CE Broker or complete the HIV/AIDs Affidavit.
  • Certificate of completion of a 2-hour domestic violence course from a board approved provider listed on CE Broker within six months of licensure. The certificate of completion is retained with your records. Do not submit to the Board Office with your application.

2. APPLY AND PAY THE REQUIRED FEE:

Visit https://floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov/licensing/ and choose your profession. Then click “Apply Online” or print the PDF version of the application.  Applications are not processed until the required payment has been received.

a. SUBMIT YOUR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

There are several ways to submit supporting documents.

Please allow 7-10 business days to process any supporting documents.

Documents to Send Directly to the Board OfficeDocuments to Upload
Official TranscriptLicense VerificationExam ScoreVerification of Clinical Experience FormPracticum LetterAdvance Standing Letter8-hour laws and rules3-hour HIV/AIDS2-hour domestic violence course

3. RECEIVE DEFICIENCY LETTER OR APPROVAL LETTER

  • Deficiency Letter – Applicants will receive an application review in the form of a deficiency letter outlining the missing items required. They should submit these missing items as soon as possible. An incomplete application shall expire after 1 year. Incomplete applications will delay the licensure process.
  • Approval Letter – Applicants will receive an application review in the form of a letter of approval including license number and additional information regarding their social work license. To expedite your application, make sure to submit a complete application.

You can now follow the progress of your application through our website at: https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal. If you did not apply for licensure through this screen, please click on “Click HERE for New User Registration” and create an account. You must have a valid email address to create your account. 

Once you are logged in, you will be prompted to link your application to your account in four easy steps. Once you have successfully linked your application, you will be directed to the Quick Start Menu. Under the “Additional Activities” section, select “Application Status” to review any open deficiencies, upload documents or print out instructional documents.

General Provisional Process
  • You must first apply for full licensure by exam/endorsement.
  • You must be approved by the Board to apply for the provisional license.
  • Contact the board office for the provisional application.
Fees
Application Fee$100.00 (non-refundable)
Initial Licensure Fee$75.00
Unlicensed Activity Fee$5.00
Total$180.00

Provisional Licensure Fee: $100.00

Please Note: The fee for a provisional license is separate from your licensure fee and must be submitted at the time of application.

For Clinical Social Work: Upon Board approval, the clinical level exam fee is paid directly to the ASWB

Make checks or money orders payable to the “Department of Health.”

If you are mailing just a payment, please include your name, profession, and file number. All payments must be mailed to:

Department of Health
Board of Mental Health Professions
P.O. Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330

Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

Florida Statutes

Chapter 491: 491, Clinical, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services
Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120: Administrative Procedure Act
Chapter 39: Proceedings Related to Children
Chapter 90: Evidence Code
Chapter 394: Mental Health
Chapter 397: Substance Abuse Services
Chapter 415: Adult Protective Services

Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)

Rules: Chapter 64B4, F.A.C.: Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling

License by MOBILE Endorsement

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Mobile Endorsement.

Requirements

To be licensed as a clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or mental health counselor in Florida through the MOBILE Endorsement pathway you must meet the following requirements in section 456.0145, Florida Statutes:

  1. Must hold an active, unencumbered license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States in a profession with a similar scope of practice, determined by the board or the department, as applicable.
  2. Must have obtained a passing score on a national licensure examination for the profession.
  1. Must have actively practiced the profession for at least three years during the four-year period immediately preceding the date of submission of this application.
  2. Must not have ever been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant successfully appealed to have the report removed.
  3. Must not be the subject of a disciplinary proceeding in a jurisdiction in which he or she holds a license or by the United States Department of Defense for reason related to the practice of the profession for which the applicant is applying.
  4. Must not have had disciplinary action taken in the five years immediately preceding the date of submission of the application.

Pursuant to section 456.0145(2)(c), Florida Statutes, an applicant is ineligible for endorsement if they:

  • Have a complaint, an allegation, or an investigation pending before a licensing entity in another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or territory of the United States;
  • Have been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, any felony or misdemeanor related to the practice of a health care profession;
  • Have had a health care provider license revoked or suspended by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States, or have voluntarily surrendered any such license in lieu of having disciplinary action taken against the license; or
  • Have been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant has successfully appealed to have his or her name removed from the data bank.
Process

Applicants must complete the following steps:

  1. Contact the state board(s) in which a license has been held to request License Verification(s) be sent to Florida. If the state has an online verification including disciplinary actions, we will accept the online verification.
  2. Transfer National Examination scores directly from the exam provider or another state licensing agency.
  3. Apply online at flhealthsource.gov, pay applicable fees, and upload any supplemental documentation.
  4. If applicants have any affirmative answers in the Criminal, Health, or Disciplinary sections of the application, submission of the personal statement and supporting documentation can be uploaded with the online application.
  5. Please allow up to 30 business days for initial review of new applications. All applications and document submissions are reviewed in the order they are received. After your application is reviewed, any deficiencies will be communicated to you in writing by our Board staff. To expedite processing, please submit all required supporting documentation with your application and the requisite fees. If you are having documentation submitted by another entity on your behalf, please verify the Board office’s mailing address to ensure delivery.
  6. When all requirements are met the license will be issued to qualified applicants within 7 days pursuant to Section 456.0145(2)(e), Florida Statutes.

There are several ways to submit supporting documents:

Documents to Gather for the Application Process:
License Verification(s).National exam scorePersonal statement and supporting documents if any affirmative answers were provided in the Criminal, Health, or Disciplinary sections of the application

Upon submitting your application, you will be issued a file number to help track and reference your documents through the process. This number will not be the same as your license number and should not be used as such.

You can follow the progress of your application through your online account at:
https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal

Please note that pursuant to Chapter 456.013(1)(a), Florida Statutes, an incomplete application shall expire one year after initial filing with the department.

Fees
Application Fee$100.00 (non-refundable)
Initial Licensure Fee$75.00
Unlicensed Activity Fee$5.00
Total$180.00

Make checks or money orders payable to the “Department of Health.”

If you are mailing just a payment, please include your name, profession, and file number. All payments must be mailed to:
Department of Health
Board of Mental Health Professions
P.O. Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330

Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

Florida Statutes

Chapter 491: 491, Clinical, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services
Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120: Administrative Procedure Act
Chapter 39: Proceedings Related to Children
Chapter 90: Evidence Code
Chapter 394: Mental Health
Chapter 397: Substance Abuse Services
Chapter 415: Adult Protective Services

Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)

Rules: Chapter 64B4, F.A.C.: Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling

Provisional License

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Provisional License.

Requirements
General Provisional License Requirements

This license is available only to applicants for licensure by exam or endorsement who have already met the minimum requirement of two years of post-master’s supervised experience but do not meet Florida’s licensure requirements. It allows you to practice under supervision while you meet any additional licensure requirements such as masters level coursework (CSW applicants must have completed 15 semester or 22 quarter hours of clinical coursework), continuing education coursework, or passing the national exam. Provisional licensees are required to meet face-to-face with their supervisor at least one hour per month. A supervisor for a provisional licensee is defined as a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Mental Health Counselor. This license is valid for 24 months and cannot be renewed.

Provisional licensure applications are available upon request and will not be provided until an application by endorsement/exam has been received by the Board Office. This application has a non-refundable fee of $100.

To request an application, please contact the Board Office.

To be provisionally licensed (a license to practice under supervision while you meet additional FL licensure requirements such as master’s coursework, CE coursework or passing the national exam – license is valid for 24 months – cannot be renewed) as a CSW/MFT/MHC you must have:

  • First applied for licensure by exam/endorsement as a CSW/MFT/MHC in Florida.
  • Been approved by the board for the provisional license.
Applicants with Health History

If a “Yes” response was provided to any of the questions in this section, provide the following documents directly to the board office:

A letter from a licensed health care practitioner, who is qualified by skill and training to address the condition identified, which explains the impact the condition may have on the ability to practice the profession with reasonable skill and safety. The letter must specify that the applicant is safe to practice the profession without restrictions or specifically indicate the restrictions that are necessary. Documentation provided must be dated within one year of the application date.

A written self-explanation, identifying the medical condition(s) or occurrence(s); and current status.

Applicants with Discipline History

Applicants with prior disciplinary actions are required to submit the following:

Board Actions – Certified copies of document(s) relative to any disciplinary action taken against any license. The documents must come from the agency that took the disciplinary action and must be certified by that agency.

Self-Explanation – A detailed description of the circumstances surrounding your disciplinary action and a thorough description of the rehabilitative changes in your lifestyle since the time of the disciplinary action which would enable you to avoid future occurrences. It would be helpful to include factors in your life, which you feel may have contributed to your disciplinary action, what you have learned about yourself since that time, and the changes you have made that support your rehabilitation.

Applicants with Criminal History

Applicants with prior criminal convictions are required to submit the following:

Final Dispositions/Arrest Records – Final disposition records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Completion of Probation/Parole/Sanctions – Probation and financial sanction records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. Parole records for offenses can be obtained from the Department of Corrections or at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Self Explanation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit a letter in their own words describing the circumstances of the offense. Include in your letter the date of the original offense, the charge, and the jurisdiction where it occurred.

To review the conviction record guidelines adopted by the Board, click here.

Health Care Fraud; Disqualifications for License, Certification, or Registration

Effective July 1, 2012, Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides that health care boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant:

  1. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
    1. For the felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
    2. For the felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
    3. For the felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than five years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
  2. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances) or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid issues), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application;
  3. Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent five years;
  4. Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state or Federal Government, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent five years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application;
  5. Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities. The section above does not apply to candidates or applicants for initial licensure or certification who were enrolled in an educational or training program on or before July 1, 2009, which was recognized by a board or, if there is no board, recognized by the department, and who applied for licensure after July 1, 2012
Process
  • You must first apply for full licensure by exam/endorsement.
  • You must be approved by the Board to apply for the provisional license.
  • Contact the board office for the provisional application.
Fees

Provisional licensure applications are available upon request and will not be provided until an application by endorsement/exam has been received by the Board Office. This application has a non-refundable fee of $100.

To request an application, please contact the Board Office.

Make checks or money orders payable to the “Department of Health.”

Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

Florida Statutes

Chapter 491: 491, Clinical, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services
Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120: Administrative Procedure Act
Chapter 39: Proceedings Related to Children
Chapter 90: Evidence Code
Chapter 394: Mental Health
Chapter 397: Substance Abuse Services
Chapter 415: Adult Protective Services

Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)

Rules: Chapter 64B4, F.A.C.: Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling

Limited Licensure

This license is for those who have held an unencumbered clinical license in any jurisdiction in the United States for at least 10 years who is retired or close to retiring and would only like to serve indigent and critical need populations in Florida.

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Limited Licensure.

Requirements
Limited License Requirements

To obtain Limited Licensure in Florida you must:

  • Be retired or intend to retire from the practice of clinical social work, marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling
  • Have been actively licensed in another state for at least 10 years in the same profession as you are applying for a limited license in Florida
  • Only practice in the employ of public agencies or institutions or nonprofit agencies or institutions which meet the requirements of s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and which provide professional liability coverage for acts or omissions of the limited licensee. A limited licensee may provide services only to the indigent, underserved, or critical need populations within the state. The standard for determining indigency shall be that recognized by the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines produced by the United States Department of Health and Human Services
Applicants with Health History

If a “Yes” response was provided to any of the questions in this section, provide the following documents directly to the board office:

A letter from a licensed health care practitioner, who is qualified by skill and training to address the condition identified, which explains the impact the condition may have on the ability to practice the profession with reasonable skill and safety. The letter must specify that the applicant is safe to practice the profession without restrictions or specifically indicate the restrictions that are necessary. Documentation provided must be dated within one year of the application date.

A written self-explanation, identifying the medical condition(s) or occurrence(s); and current status.

Applicants with Discipline History

Applicants with prior disciplinary actions are required to submit the following:

Board Actions – Certified copies of document(s) relative to any disciplinary action taken against any license. The documents must come from the agency that took the disciplinary action and must be certified by that agency.

Self-Explanation – A detailed description of the circumstances surrounding your disciplinary action and a thorough description of the rehabilitative changes in your lifestyle since the time of the disciplinary action which would enable you to avoid future occurrences. It would be helpful to include factors in your life, which you feel may have contributed to your disciplinary action, what you have learned about yourself since that time, and the changes you have made that support your rehabilitation.

Applicants with Criminal History

Applicants with prior criminal convictions are required to submit the following:

Final Dispositions/Arrest Records – Final disposition records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Completion of Probation/Parole/Sanctions – Probation and financial sanction records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. Parole records for offenses can be obtained from the Department of Corrections or at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Self Explanation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit a letter in their own words describing the circumstances of the offense. Include in your letter the date of the original offense, the charge, and the jurisdiction where it occurred.

To review the conviction record guidelines adopted by the Board, click here.

Health Care Fraud; Disqualifications for License, Certification, or Registration

Effective July 1, 2012, Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides that health care boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant:

  1. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
    1. For the felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
    2. For the felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
    3. For the felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than five years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
  2. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances) or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid issues), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application;
  3. Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent five years;
  4. Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state or Federal Government, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent five years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application;
  5. Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities. The section above does not apply to candidates or applicants for initial licensure or certification who were enrolled in an educational or training program on or before July 1, 2009, which was recognized by a board or, if there is no board, recognized by the department, and who applied for licensure after July 1, 2012
Process

The following applies to retired clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors who wish to volunteer their profession’s services in areas of critical need.

  1. An applicant must attest that they have practiced the profession for which they are applying for a minimum of 10 years
  2. An applicant must attest they are retired or intend to retire
  3. An applicant may attest they will receive no monetary compensation

The following documents are required prior to licensure

  1. A completed Affidavit for Limited License Applicant
  2. A completed Limited License Fee Waiver Form (if you will not be compensated monetarily for your services)
Fees

Fee is $25 if licensee will be monetarily compensated for their services.

There is no fee if licensee will not be monetarily compensated for their services.

Make checks or money orders payable to the “Department of Health.”

If you are mailing just a payment, please include your name, profession, and file number. All payments must be mailed to:

Department of Health
Board of Mental Health Professions
P.O. Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330

Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

Florida Statutes

Chapter 491: 491, Clinical, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services
Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120: Administrative Procedure Act
Chapter 39: Proceedings Related to Children
Chapter 90: Evidence Code
Chapter 394: Mental Health
Chapter 397: Substance Abuse Services
Chapter 415: Adult Protective Services

Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)

Rules: Chapter 64B4, F.A.C.: Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling

Dual Licensure

This application is for those who currently hold an unencumbered license as a Florida Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, Psychologist, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse specializing in psychiatric mental health for at least three years who is looking to obtain licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Dual Licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Requirements
General Dual Licensure Requirements

To be dually licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Florida you must:

  • Be actively licensed in Florida for a minimum of three years as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Psychologist or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)(certified under Section 464.012 Florida Statute, as a specialist in psychiatric mental health by the Board of Nursing)
  • Pass the national examination developed by the Examination Advisory Committee of the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) and Professional Examination Services
Applicants with Health History

If a “Yes” response was provided to any of the questions in this section, provide the following documents directly to the board office:

A letter from a licensed health care practitioner, who is qualified by skill and training to address the condition identified, which explains the impact the condition may have on the ability to practice the profession with reasonable skill and safety. The letter must specify that the applicant is safe to practice the profession without restrictions or specifically indicate the restrictions that are necessary. Documentation provided must be dated within one year of the application date.

A written self-explanation, identifying the medical condition(s) or occurrence(s); and current status.

Applicants with Discipline History

Applicants with prior disciplinary actions are required to submit the following:

Board Actions – Certified copies of document(s) relative to any disciplinary action taken against any license. The documents must come from the agency that took the disciplinary action and must be certified by that agency.

Self-Explanation – A detailed description of the circumstances surrounding your disciplinary action and a thorough description of the rehabilitative changes in your lifestyle since the time of the disciplinary action which would enable you to avoid future occurrences. It would be helpful to include factors in your life, which you feel may have contributed to your disciplinary action, what you have learned about yourself since that time, and the changes you have made that support your rehabilitation.

Applicants with Criminal History

Applicants with prior criminal convictions are required to submit the following:

Final Dispositions/Arrest Records – Final disposition records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Completion of Probation/Parole/Sanctions – Probation and financial sanction records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. Parole records for offenses can be obtained from the Department of Corrections or at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Self Explanation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit a letter in their own words describing the circumstances of the offense. Include in your letter the date of the original offense, the charge, and the jurisdiction where it occurred.

To review the conviction record guidelines adopted by the Board, click here.

Health Care Fraud; Disqualifications for License, Certification, or Registration

Effective July 1, 2012, Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides that health care boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant:

  1. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
    1. For the felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
    2. For the felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
    3. For the felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than five years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
  2. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances) or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid issues), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application;
  3. Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent five years;
  4. Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state or Federal Government, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent five years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application;
  5. Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities. The section above does not apply to candidates or applicants for initial licensure or certification who were enrolled in an educational or training program on or before July 1, 2009, which was recognized by a board or, if there is no board, recognized by the department, and who applied for licensure after July 1, 2012
Process

The following applies to Florida licensed clinical social workers, mental health counselors, psychologists and advanced registered nurse practitioners who have been determined by the Board of Nursing as a specialist in psychiatric mental health who have been licensed as such for a minimum of 3 years.

  1. The applicant must pass the national exam through the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Board (AMFTRB)
Fees
Application Fee$100.00 (non-refundable)
Initial Licensure Fee$80.00
Total$180.00

Make checks or money orders payable to the “Department of Health.”

If you are mailing just a payment, please include your name, profession, and file number. All payments must be mailed to:

Department of Health
Board of Mental Health Professions
P.O. Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330

Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

Florida Statutes

Chapter 491: 491, Clinical, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services
Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120: Administrative Procedure Act
Chapter 39: Proceedings Related to Children
Chapter 90: Evidence Code
Chapter 394: Mental Health
Chapter 397: Substance Abuse Services
Chapter 415: Adult Protective Services

Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)

Rules: Chapter 64B4, F.A.C.: Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling

Processing Times

Florida law provides that an initial application must be reviewed within 30 days. Below is the average number of days at which we are currently processing.

Apply Online / Return to Login

To apply online visit MQA Services Portal to create an account or return to your account by clicking the button below.

Renew your License

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Renewal Requirements, Process, Fees and Continuing Education (CE) for a Clinical Social Worker.

Requirements
Renewal Requirements

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2027

To ensure you receive your renewal notification from the department, your current mailing address must be on file. Failure to renew an active or inactive license by the expiration date will result in the license being placed in delinquent status. Failure by a delinquent licensee to renew before the expiration of the current licensure cycle renders the license null and void without any further action by the board or the department.

A licensee who remains on inactive status for more than two consecutive biennial licensure cycles and who wishes to reactivate the license may be required to demonstrate competency to resume active practice by completing additional reactivation requirements.

Licensees requesting to reactivate their license from inactive or retired status are required to pay additional fees and comply with specific continuing education requirements. Please contact the board office at MQA.491@flhealth.gov to request your reactivation requirements.

If you are reactivating your license, please refer to the Laws & Rules governing your practice for additional requirements.

The department will renew your license upon receipt of:

  • Completed renewal application
  • Required fees
Options for Non-Renewal of your license

Options:

  1. Retire – Pay a one-time $55 fee. The license remains in a dormant state and can be reactivated by the licensee if needed.
  2. Voluntarily Relinquish – Submit a formal request in writing to the Board. Relinquishment of the license, the license number is discontinued and cannot be reactivated.
  3. Delinquent & Null/Void – Take no action. The license will go delinquent after the expiration date and Null/Void 2 years after the expiration date. Once Null/Void, the license cannot be reactivated.
Process
Renewal Process

At least 90 days before your license expires, the department will mail you a renewal notification postcard to your last known mailing address of record. You will have until midnight on the day your license expires to renew. Failure to renew an active or inactive license by the expiration date will result in the license being placed in delinquent status. Failure by a delinquent licensee to become active or inactive before the expiration of the current licensure cycle renders the license null and void without any further action by the board or the department.

Renewal Instructions:

  1. Go to www.flhealthsource.gov and click the “Renew A License” button.
  2. Enter your Personal Identifying Information (PII), then click the Login button.
  3. Confirm or update your MQA Services Account email address, then click the “Continue” button.
  4. You are now in the Dashboard. During renewals, a “Renew My License” option will populate no later than 90 days prior to your license expiration date. (Note: If you do not see the “Renew My License” option, please check back at a later time.)

*** If the “PII Failed” screen displays, click the “Other Login Option” button and enter your existing User ID and password to access your account.***

Additional Information:
You may renew online if you have a credit or debit card to complete the transaction. Please note that you can now renew online, print a copy of your application summary and mail it with your cashier’s check or money order to:
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
P.O. Box 6320
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6320

Information for requesting a Name Change

Name changes require legal documentation showing the name change. Please submit a request including your full name as it appears on your license, profession, license number, your new name, your date of birth, the last four digits of your social security number, and your signature. Attach supporting documents, which must be one of the following:

  • a copy of a state issued marriage license that includes the original signature and seal from the clerk of the court
  • a divorce decree showing the name change
  • a court order showing the name change (Adoption, legal name change, federal identity change)

Any one of these will be accepted unless the department has a question about the authenticity of the document. A social security card is not considered legal documentation.

Please Note: The last four digits of the SSN are requested as required by DOH Policy Number DOHP 385-LS05-12 Name Changes for Existing Licensees, which was established for security purposes due to past instances of fraudulent activity.

Fees

Certified check or money order should be made payable to the Florida Department of Health.

If renewing BEFORE your license expires, your fees will be:

Active to Active$120.00
Inactive to Inactive$55.00
Active to Inactive$55.00
Inactive to Active$170.00
Active to Retired$55.00
Inactive to Retired$55.00

If renewing AFTER your license expires, your fees will be:

Active to Active$225.00
Inactive to Inactive$160.00
Active to Inactive$265.00
Inactive to Active$380.00
Active to Retired$265.00
Inactive to Retired$265.00

If renewing 120 day Notified Delinquent, your fees will be:

Active to Active$355.00
Inactive to Inactive$215.00
Active to Inactive$215.00
Inactive to Active$405.00
Active to Retired$290.00
Inactive to Retired$215.00

Licenses become Null & Void1 on April 1, 2027.

By submitting the appropriate renewal fees to the department, a licensee acknowledges compliance with all requirements for renewal, including continuing education.

A licensee who remains on inactive status for more than two consecutive biennial licensure cycles and who wishes to reactivate the license may be required to demonstrate competency to resume active practice by completing additional reactivation requirements.

 1Null & Void -The licensed practitioner failed to renew their licensure status for two renewal cycles, resulting in their license expiring.

Continuing Education

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

To locate board approved CE Courses for this profession, please click here

REQUIRED SUBJECT AREAREQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURSIMPORTANT INFORMATION
General Hours25
Medical Errors2Must be taken from a Board approved Medical Errors provider. Approved courses are listed in CEBroker.
Ethics and Boundaries
or
Telehealth
3Courses must be taken in alternating biennial renewal periods.
Laws and Rules3These hours are required every third biennium and are included in the 25 general hours.
Domestic Violence2These hours are required every third biennium and are included in the 25 general hours.
Qualified Supervisor Training4These hours are required every third biennium for Qualified Supervisors only and are included in the 25 general hours.
Total30

First Biennium Renewal: Practitioners initially licensed and renewing a license for the first time are exempt from completing continuing education

Board Rule Approved Providers

  • National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC);
  • American Association of Sex Educators Counselors and Therapists (AASECT);
  • American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH);
  • National Association of Social Work (NASW);
  • American Psychological Association (APA);
  • Clinical Social Work Federation (CSWF);
  • Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB);
  • American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP);
  • American Psychiatric Association;
  • International Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Counselors (AMFC);
  • American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB);
  • American Counseling Association (ACA);
  • American Mental Health Counseling Association (AMHCA);
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT); and
  • Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB)

Other Methods of Obtaining Continuing Education per Biennium

  • 3 hours general credits for attending a Board meeting
  • Up to 10 hours for being a presenter or moderator
  • Up to 5 hours for being an instructor of a graduate level course

Helpful Information

  • There are no limit on the number of hours earned through home study courses
  • Sex Therapy or Hypnosis training covers all 25 general credits
  • A qualified supervisor deemed qualified date is the date in which the Board approved the Qualified Supervisor application.
  • A biennium is the two year period from April 1st of every odd year to March 31st of every odd year.
Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

Florida Statutes

Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 491: 491, Clinical, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services

Florida Administrative Codes

Rules: Chapter 64B4: Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling
Rules: Chapter 64B: Division of Medical Quality Assurance, Florida Administrative Code

Renew Online

To renew online visit the MQA Services Portal by clicking the button below.

Continuing Education

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

To locate board approved CE Courses for this profession, please click here

REQUIRED SUBJECT AREAREQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURSIMPORTANT INFORMATION
General Hours25
Medical Errors2Must be taken from a Board approved Medical Errors provider. Approved courses are listed in CEBroker.
Ethics and Boundaries
or
Telehealth
3Courses must be taken in alternating biennial renewal periods.
Laws and Rules3These hours are required every third biennium and are included in the 25 general hours.
Domestic Violence2These hours are required every third biennium and are included in the 25 general hours.
Qualified Supervisor Training4These hours are required every third biennium for Qualified Supervisors only and are included in the 25 general hours.
Total30

First Biennium Renewal: Practitioners initially licensed and renewing a license for the first time are exempt from completing continuing education

Board Rule Approved Providers

  • National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC);
  • American Association of Sex Educators Counselors and Therapists (AASECT);
  • American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH);
  • National Association of Social Work (NASW);
  • American Psychological Association (APA);
  • Clinical Social Work Federation (CSWF);
  • Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB);
  • American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP);
  • American Psychiatric Association;
  • International Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Counselors (AMFC);
  • American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB);
  • American Counseling Association (ACA);
  • American Mental Health Counseling Association (AMHCA);
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT); and
  • Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB)

Other Methods of Obtaining Continuing Education per Biennium

  • 3 hours general credits for attending a Board meeting
  • Up to 10 hours for being a presenter or moderator
  • Up to 5 hours for being an instructor of a graduate level course

Helpful Information

  • There are no limit on the number of hours earned through home study courses
  • Sex Therapy or Hypnosis training covers all 25 general credits
  • A qualified supervisor deemed qualified date is the date in which the Board approved the Qualified Supervisor application.
  • A biennium is the two year period from April 1st of every odd year to March 31st of every odd year.

Exam Schedule

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK AND MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY applicants must request exam approval prior to contacting their test provider – if the letter you received from us when you became a registered intern or applied for licensure gave you that approval; you do not need to call our office.  To request exam approval, email MQA.491@flhealth.gov.

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CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK – Beginning January 1, 2023, applicants shall be deemed eligible to take the examination after the completion of all graduate-level coursework and 18 months of documented experience in clinical settings. These 18 months do not include the applicant’s practicum or other experience received in the applicant’s graduate program. Applicants must request exam approval prior to contacting their test provider. To request exam approval, email MQA.491@flhealth.gov.

Please send the registration fee of $260 DIRECTLY TO Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Board-approved candidates may register on the ASWB website at www.aswb.org for the clinical level of the ASWB National Social Work Exam. Registration forms can also be printed under “Register for the Exam” and faxed or mailed to ASWB if paying with a money order. The exam is offered Monday through Saturday by individual appointment computer-based format worldwide. To locate a test center, candidates would go to ASWB’s website and select “On Exam Day” under the “Exam” tab. They can then choose “Find an Exam Site Near You”.  ASWB’s website includes an outline of the clinical-level exam content, an exam site list, and a candidate handbook.

Special accommodations information can be found under nonstandard testing arrangements.  Select the “Exam” tab to learn more and download the form to request for nonstandard Testing arrangements. These requests must be made through ASWB. Candidates may request an English as a Second Language (ESL) Form by contacting ASWB Candidate Services at 888.579.3926 or directing questions to the special arrangements team at 800.225.6880, ext. 3250

ASWB Candidate Services Information
Phone: 888.579.3926
Fax: 540.829.0142
Email: info@aswb.org

Passing exam scores will be forwarded to the board in 2-4 weeks. Score transfers must be requested from the exam vendor.


MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY– Please send the registration fee of $365 directly to Professional Testing Corporation (PTC). An applicant who has completed all education requirements will be admitted to the examination for licensure. Applicants must request exam approval prior to contacting their test provider. To request exam approval, email MQA.491@flhealth.gov.

To register for the examination, please visit https://secure.ptcny.com/apply/. Complete the examination application using your confidential Florida Approval Code and submit the examination or testing fee payment directly to PTC. Applications are not considered complete until all information has been provided and payment is received. Within six (6) weeks prior to the start of the testing period, Professional Testing Corporation (PTC)* sends your “Scheduling Authorization” via email. The “Scheduling Authorization” Notice includes an authorization number and information on how to set up your examination location, date, and time through Prometric. You must present your current driver’s license, passport, or U.S. military ID at the test center at the time of your test appointment. Temporary/paper driver licenses will not be accepted. The 2021 Candidate Exam Handbook is available on the website.

All English Language Learner (ELL) Special Arrangements Requests may be emailed directly to Evan.Smith@flhealth.gov for review. Please find the form here.

Testing MonthApplication DeadlineTesting Window
JanuaryDecember 1, 2023January 13-20, 2024
FebruaryJanuary 1, 2024February 17-24, 2024
MarchFebruary 1, 2024March 16-23, 2024
AprilMarch 1, 2024April 13-20, 2024
MayApril 1, 2024May 18-25, 2024
JuneMay 1, 2024June 15-22, 2024
JulyJune 1, 2024July 13-20, 2024
AugustJuly 1, 2024August 17-24, 2024
SeptemberAugust 1, 2024September 14-21, 2024
OctoberSeptember 1, 2024October 12-19, 2024
NovemberOctober 1, 2024November 16-23, 2024
DecemberNovember 1, 2024December 7-14, 2024

Passing exam scores will be forwarded to the board in 6 weeks or 45 Days. Score transfers must be requested from the exam vendor.

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MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING – Please send the registration fee of $350 directly to the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) for initial exam and $275 for re-exam.

MHC exam applicants are not required to have Board approval prior to taking the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

Step 1 – Apply to CCE to take the NCMHCE by submitting the CCE Exam Application Form and your official transcript. NOTE: You must have a master’s degree in mental health counseling or related to the practice of mental health counseling from a regionally accredited institution before you are permitted to take the examination.

Step 2 – After passing the examination, your scores will be forwarded to the FL Board Office in 4-6 weeks. Exam transfers must be requested from the exam vendor.

Please click on the link below for the Exam Application Form and NCMHCE Exam Handbook.

http://www.nbcc.org/Search/StateBoardDirectory/fl

Special examination accommodations can be provided for candidates with visual, sensory or physical disabilities that would prevent them from taking the examination under standard conditions; candidates with diagnosed learning or emotional challenges; and candidates for whom English is a second language. Candidates who are Sabbath-observant can also request a non-Saturday examination date. All special examination accommodation requests must be submitted at least 45 days before the exam date and must be on letterhead and signed by the appropriate authority.

Special examination accommodations information and applications are found in the candidate handbook and are available for download from the NBCC website at https://www.nbcc.org/exams/accommodations. These requests must be made through NBCC during the exam registration process. Candidates may contact the special accommodations department by emailing accommodations@cce-global.org.

National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Phone: 336.547.0607 | Fax: 336.547.0017
Email: nbcc@nbcc.org

Exam Pass Rates