Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am licensed in another state, how do I transfer my license to Indiana
   1. You will need to fill out an application and meet the education, supervision, and experience requirements listed in the instructions.  Because Indiana does not have true reciprocity, you will only be able to waive the exam if you have taken the exact exam Indiana requires for licensure.
2. What do I do if I cannot locate my supervisor or my supervisor is deceased?
   1. You will need to fill out the supervision form to the best of your ability and attach a notarized statement explaining the reasons that you are unable to locate your supervisor.
3. How do I change my name on my license?
   1. You will need to fax or mail a copy of your marriage license, divorce decree, or any other legal document showing the reason your name was changed to the following:

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board
402 West Washington Street; Room W-072
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Fax Numbers: (317) 233-4236 & (317) 233-5559
Email: pla5@pla.IN.gov

4. How can I obtain a verification of my state license to send to another state board?
   1. You will need to order your verification online at http://www.in.gov/pla/verify.htm.  A verification will be digitally certified and mailed to state board of your choice.

5. I failed my licensure exam, how long do I have to wait to re-take it?
   1. 90 days
6. After I am approved to take the exam, how long does the Board hold my application?
   1. One (1) year.
7. Does the Board give exam extensions?
   1. No.  The Board grants no extensions to take the exam under no circumstances.
8. How do I update my personal information (address, phone number, email, etc.)

      a.    You will need to contact the Board (via fax, email, or mail) to update your information. 

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board
402 West Washington Street; Room W-072
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Fax Numbers: (317) 233-4236 & (317) 233-5559
Email: pla5@pla.IN.gov

11. How can I get a new pocket card?
    1. There is a $10 fee in order to have your pocket card replaced. 

To receive an updated license with your changed name, please verify that the name change has been completed by our office at http://www.in.gov/pla/license.htm. Once it has been updated, you may request a duplicate license to be issued to you at the same website.

If the name change is simply due to a typographical error made by the Board's office, please e-mail pla5@pla.IN.gov to notify us of the error. You will need to include your license number and how your name should read on your license; a new license will be issued to you at no cost.

12. How do I file a complaint against a licensed professional?
    1. You will need to contact the Office of the Attorney General.  You can either file a complaint on-line or download a complaint form and mail it into their office.  There website is located at http://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/.
13. How do I obtain a copy of my original application file?
    1. You will need to contact the board at the information below and request a copy of your application.  The fee for each page of your application is $.10.  If your application is less than $10 it will mailed to you immediately.  If the cost is more than $10 then you will have to pay the fee before your application will be mailed out.
14. How do I purchase a study guide for the exam?
    1. For information regarding study guides please visit the following websites:

                                                               i.      LSW or LCSW – http://www.aswb.org/

                                                             ii.      LMFT – http://www.amftrb.org/

                                                            iii.      LMHC – http://www.nbcc.org/

15. Do I need to send in proof of my continuing education when I renew my license.
    1. No, you will only need to send in proof of your continuing education if you receive an audit letter from the Board.
16. How long do you keep mail?
    1. Our agency maintains a file with loose mail for 6-months.  If an application is not received within 6-months the mail is discarded.
17. How do I purchase a list of licensed practitioners?
    1. You will need to purchase the list from Access Indiana.  You can do this on our website located at http://www.in.gov/pla/download.htm.  Select “DOWNLOAD” and follow the instructions.
18. How often does the Board meet?
    1. The Board meets the 4^th Monday of every other month except December.

1.      When does my license expire?

a.       All licenses expire on March 31^st of every even numbered year.

2.      Is there a grace period?

a.       No.  On April 1^st you will be charged a $50 late fee and your license will be considered invalid.

3.      What if I have been expired longer than three (3) years?

a.       You will need to fill out a renewal application pay a $100 reinstatement fee, submit a letter to the Board stating the reasons you allowed your license to expire, submit proof of 40 hours of continuing education that you received in the previous 24 months.  The Board will then review your renewal application will either renew your license or require a personal appearance, require you to take the national exam, or any other additional requirements it deems appropriate.

4.      How do I retire my license?

a.       You will need to write a letter to the Board requesting that your license be placed in retirement status.  Please Note:  Your license must be active and in good status to request retirement status.  You cannot retire an expired license.

5.      Do I have to pay renewal fees or do continuing education when my license is retired.

a.       No, once your license is retired you are released from the requirement of paying renewal fees and completing continuing education.

6.      My license is retired, how do I become active again?

a.       In order to reinstate a retired license, an individual shall do the following:

(1) Contact the Board for a retirement reinstatement application.  Complete the application and submit it to the Board with a reinstatement fee of $50 dollars.

(2) Submit proof of continuing education requirements, as outlined by the board, depending on the number of years the license has been in retirement as follows:

(A) Zero (0) to three (3) years, twenty (20) hours of continuing education shall be required and must be completed within twelve (12) months prior to the petition for reinstatement.

(B) Three (3) to six (6) years, forty (40) hours of continuing education shall be required and must be completed within twenty-four (24) months prior to the petition for reinstatement.

(C) Six (6) to ten (10) years, sixty (60) hours of continuing education shall be required and must be completed within thirty-six (36) months prior to the petition for reinstatement.

(D) Ten (10) years or more shall require board determination of the continuing education needed and may require a personal appearance before the board, prior to reinstatement.

(E) Retirement years shall be calculated from the receipt of request to retire the license until reinstatement of the license.

7.      Should I allow my license to expire or retire it?

a.       It is always best to retire your license if you will be out of practice for a significant period of time.

1. How many continuing education hours do I need to renew my license
   1. 40 hours of continuing education credits are required for each renewal cycle or 20 CEUs per year.
2. What is the renewal cycle?
   1. April 1^st – March 31^st of every even numbered year.   
3. Are there any required courses I must take?
   1. Yes, every licensee is required to take at least 1 hour of ethics in Category I continuing education each year.
4. How many hours of continuing education do I need if I have been licensed less than 24 months?
   1. You will need 20 hours in order to renew your license.
5. How many hours of continuing education do I need if I have been licensed less than 12 months?
   1. You do not need any continuing education in order to renew your license.
6. What are Category I CEUs and how many do I need per licensure cycle?
   1. Category I is defined as continuing education that is formal programming, which includes the following:

(1) Formally organized courses.

(2) Workshops.

(3) Seminars.

(4) Symposia.

(5) Institutes.

(6) Home study programs, including:

(A) computer;

(B) audio;

(C) video; and

(D) instructional programs, accredited by board-approved organizations.

(7) Courses that are relevant to the license holder’s professional skills, which are part of the curriculum of an accredited university, college, or educational institution, shall earn fifteen (15) CEUs for each academic semester hour completed, or ten (10) CEUs for each academic quarter hour completed.

(8) Faculty teaching a course for the first time at an accredited university, college, or educational institution shall earn one and one-half (1½) CEUs for every hour taught.

You are required to obtain a minimum of 20 Category I CEUs per renewal cycle.

7. What are Category II CEUs and how many do I need per licensure cycle?
   1. Category II is defined as continuing education that is self-directed, which includes the following:

(1) Journal clubs, earns one (1) CEU for each hour attended.

(2) Office in-services, earns one (1) CEU for each hour attended.

(3) Case conferences that are specifically designed for training or teaching, earns one (1) CEU for each hour attended.

(4) Services as an instructor, presenter, or supervisor in a relevant professional seminar, workshop, or training conference earns one (1) CEU for each hour of service, but only for the initial instruction, presentation, or supervision given.

(5) Research and publication of research results in a recognized professional journal or book form, earns ten (10) CEUs, but may only be claimed for the initial publication of the information.

(6) Providing peer review of another licensee’s therapy and skills, which includes consultation, conference, and critique, earns one (1) CEU for each hour spent with the peer for this purpose.

(7) Services on boards and commissions and holding office in professional organizations, specifically related to the licensee’s profession, earns one (1) CEU for each hour of service

You are not required to earn any Category II hours however if you do use Category II hours towards you CEU requirement then you may acquire no more than 20 Category II CEUs per renewal cycle.

8. How do I document Category II hours?
   1. You can record your hours on a Word document or spreadsheet.  You should include the date of the activity, the type of activity, and the amount of time you spent conducting the activity.
9. How many hours in Category II hours can I count?
   1. You can count up to 10 Category II hours per year and a maximum of 20 per renewal cycle.
10. Can I take all of my CEUs in one year or do they have to be split evenly throughout the renewal period?
    1. You can take as many CEUs as you like as long as you take at least 20 CEUs per year, a minimum of 10 of those hours must be Category I.
11. Can continuing education credits transfer from one renewal period to the next?
    1. No. Credits can only be counted for the period in which they are taken.
12. Do copies of my completed continuing education certificates need to be sent to the licensure board when I renew my license?
    1. No. Certificates are for your records and will only need to be submitted if you are audited.  However, it is required that licensees maintain copies of their CEU records for a period of four years in the event they are audited by the Board.
13. What do I do if I am audited?
    1. Once you receive your audit letter you will need to either fax or mail in copies of continuing education certificates to the Board by the deadline stated on the letter.
14. What happens if I didn’t receive the necessary CEUs during a licensure cycle or can’t produce the necessary documents during an audit?
    1. You will be required to make up the continuing education hours you are short and you will have to pay a fine.  The Board has adopted the proposed schedule as a general guideline for continuing education violations:

1 – 2 hours                      $100

3 – 5 hours                      $200

6 – 10 hours                    $350

11 – 15 hours                  $500

16 – 20 hours                  $750

21 – 40 hours                  $1000

15. How can I tell if a course qualifies for my license?
    1. You can go to:  http://www.in.gov/pla/2631.htm.  There is also a list of approved providers in 839 IAC 1-6-2.
16. What providers are nationally approved for continuing education?
    1. If your continuing education program was sponsored, accredited, or approved by the following organizations then your CE will count towards your renewal requirement:

(1) Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.

(2) Academy of Family Mediators.

(3) Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical Education (programs or seminars related to mental health).

(4) American Association for Continuity of Care.

(5) American Association for Diabetes.

(6) American Association for Social Work with Groups/Spinal Cord Injury.

(7) American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

(8) American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.

(9) American Cancer Society.

(10) American Counseling Association.

(11) American Health Care Institute (programs or seminars related to mental health).

(12) American Hospital Association (programs or seminars related to mental health).

(13) American Medical Association (programs or seminars related to mental health).

(14) American Mental Health Counselors Association.

(15) American Psychiatric Association.

(16) American Psychological Association.

(17) American Red Cross (programs or seminars related to mental health).

(18) Arthritis Association.

(19) Association of Oncology Social Work.

(20) Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Work.

(21) Association for Treatment of Sexual Abusers.

(22) Association of Social Work Boards.

(23) Brain Injury Association of Indiana

(24) Chicago Center for Family Health.

(25) Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

(26) Employee Assistance Professional Association.

(27) Employee Assistance Society of North America.

(28) Federation of Societies for Clinical Social Work.

(29) Federation of Society of Sex Educators and Therapists.

(30) First Steps.

(31) Healthy Families.

(32) Hoosier Oncology Group.

(33) Hospice Foundation of America.

(34) Indiana Association of Home and Hospice Care.

(35) Indiana Commission on Continuing Legal Education (programs or seminars related to mental health).

(36) Indiana Council of Nephrology Social Workers.

(37) Indiana Council on Adolescent Pregnancy.

(38) Indiana Counselors Association for Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

(39) Indiana Healthcare Ethics Network.

(40) Indiana Hospice Association.

(41) Indiana Hospital and Health Association (programs or seminars related to mental health).

(42) Indiana Organ Procurement Organization.

(43) Indiana Perinatal Association.

(44) International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.

(45) Leukemia Society of America.

(46) Mediation Matters.

(47) Mental Health Association.

(48) Midwest Regional Network for Intervention with Sex Offenders.

(49) National Association for Family-Based Services.

(50) National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors.

(51) National Association of Liver Transplant Social Workers.

(52) National Association of Perinatal Social Work.

(53) National Association of Social Workers.

(54) National Board for Certified Counselors.

(55) National Board of Addiction Examiners.

(56) National Brain Tumor Foundation.

(57) National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse.

(58) National Council of Community Mental Health Centers.

(59) National Council of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity.

(60) National Hospice Association.

(61) National Kidney Foundation.

(62) National Organization for Victim Assistance.

(63) National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice.

(64) National Spina Bifida Association.

(65) Society of Heart and Lung Transplant Social Workers.

(66) Solutions Training Institute.

(67) The Alfred Adler Institute of Chicago.

(68) The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children.

(69) The Center for Family Studies, Chicago, Illinois.

(70) The Cincinnati Psychoanalytic Institute.

(71) The Family Institute of Chicago.

(72) The Family Institute/Center for Family Studies.

(73) The Gestalt Institute of Cleveland.

(74) The Indianapolis Gestalt Institute.

(75) The Institute for Clinical Social Work, Chicago, Illinois.

(76) The Institute for Psychoanalysis, Chicago, Illinois.

(77) The International Institute of Object Relations Therapy.

(78) The Jungian Institute of Chicago.

(79) The National Association of Family Mediators.

(80) The National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect.

(81) The National Children’s Advocacy Center.

(82) The Society of Social Work Leadership in Health Care.

(83) The Wellness Community

(82) A national, regional, state, district, or local organization that operates as an affiliated entity under the approval of any organization listed in subdivisions (1) through (81).

(83) Any institute or program focused on self-psychology.

(84) A university, college, or other teaching institution accredited by the United States Department of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Education.

(85) A federal, state, or local government agency that coordinates and presents continuing education courses and programs in conjunction with this rule. (Social

Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Mental Health Counselor Board; 839 IAC 1-6-2; filed Dec 29, 1998, 10:57 a.m.: 22 IR 1512; readopted filed Dec 2, 2001, 12:30 p.m.: 25 IR 1314)

                                                                     LSW/LCSW Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How do I become a school social worker?

a.       You will need to contact the Division of Professional Standards located within the Department of Education.  Their website is http://www.doe.in.gov/student-services .

2. How do I become a licensed social worker?
   1. You will need to download an application and instructions from our website under the social worker section.
3. How much is the application fee?
   1. The application fee is $50
4. Do you have temporary licenses?
   1. Yes. Temporary licenses are issued after your application is approved for the exam or after the Board receives verification that you hold a license in another state.
5. How long are temporary licenses valid?
   1. Temporary licenses are valid for 180 days or until the Board receives notification that you have passed or failed the exam.
6. Are temporary licenses renewable?
   1. Yes, you can renew a temporary license a maximum of three (3) times.
7. I am finished with my course requirements and have graduated however my transcript will not show my degree until a later date, what should I do?
   1. You will need to wait until your degree is conferred on your transcript.
8. Can I submit a transcript that I received in the mail from my school with my application?
   1.  No, you must request that your school mail the transcript to our office or you can request a transcript in a sealed envelope and mail it along with your application.
9. Can I hand deliver my application to your agency?
   1. Yes.  However, your supervision forms and transcripts must be in sealed envelopes.
10. Does my supervisor have to be a licensed social worker or clinical social worker?
    1. Yes, if you are applying for a LSW with a bachelor’s degree your supervision must have been performed by a LSW or LCSW.  If you are applying for a clinical social worker license your supervision must have been performed by a LCSW.
11. I am in the middle of my supervision and have decided to change jobs, should I have my current supervisor fill out a supervision form now?
    1. Yes, have your supervisor fill out the form and place it a sealed envelope and keep it in a safe place until you are ready to apply for your license?
12. What do I do if I cannot locate my supervisor or my supervisor is deceased?
    1. You will need to fill out the supervision form to the best of your ability and attach a notarized statement explaining the reasons that you are unable to locate your supervisor.
13. After I am approved to take the exam, how long does the Board hold my application?
    1. One (1) year.
14. Does the Board give exam extensions?
    1. No.
15. I failed my licensure exam, how long do I have to wait to re-take it?
    1. 90 days
16. How do I purchase a study guide for the exam?
    1. For information regarding study guides please visit the following website:

                                                               i.      LSW or LCSW – http://www.aswb.org/

17. Is a degree in social work required?
    1. Yes.  In order to become a LSW or LCSW in the State of Indiana you must have a BSW or a MSW from a CSWE approved university.
18. How do I find out if a university is CSWE approved?
    1. You can visit the CSWE website located at http://www.cswe.org/.

1. Does the Indiana Board consider the NCE exam as equivalent?
   1. No, all applicant must take and pass the NCMHCE exam in order to be considered eligible for a license.
2. Can I use my hours of post-graduate experience and supervision towards my internship, advanced internship, and practicum hours requirement?
   1. No, you must be able to point to the graduate courses on your transcript where you were able to complete the 1000 pre-degree hours.
3. My school did not have an advanced internship, am I still eligible for licensure?
   1. Yes, as long as the internship and practicum you took allowed you to gain 1000 hours.  If they did not, you will have to re-enroll in a graduate counseling program in order to obtain the additional hours you need.
4. Does the Board accept degrees from on-line universities?
   1. Yes, as long as the degree is from an approved program and you have met the coursework requirement.
5. How do I register for the NCMHCE?
   1. You must first submit your application to the Board for approval.  Once your application is approved, you will receive additional documentation from the Board on how to register for the Exam.
6. How often is the NCMHCE offered?
   1. The exam is offered the first week of every month.
7. Does the board offer a temporary permit?
   1. Yes, the Board offers a non-renewable temporary permit.  The permit expires upon notification of passage or failure of the exam.
8. When will I receive my temporary license
   1. Once your application is officially approved by the Board.
9. I am not sure if I have the right coursework, will the board review my transcript if I send it in?
   1. No, however, you can submit an official application with a letter requesting that your courses be reviewed at the next available board meeting.
10. I have completed my 3000 hour post-degree hour requirement, am I eligible to apply for my license?
    1. It depends, if you have also completed at least 21 months of supervision and experience then you will be able to qualify for license.  However, if you have completed your hours in less than 21 months, you will need to wait until you have at least 21 months of supervision and experience.
11. Who is considered a qualified supervisor?
    1. You supervision can be provided by a licensed mental health counselor, a licensed or certified master’s or doctoral level psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric or mental health nursing.
12. How do I purchase a study guide for the exam?
    1. For information regarding study guides please visit the following websites:

                                                               i.      LMHC – http://www.nbcc.org/

1. How do I purchase a study guide for the exam?

a.       For information regarding study guides please visit the following websites:

                                                               i.      LMFT – http://www.amftrb.org/

2. How often is the AMFTRB examination offered?
   1. The exam is offered three times a year, January, May, and September, in 28 day windows.
3. Does the board offer a temporary permit?
   1. Yes, the Board offers a non-renewable temporary permit.  The permit expires the earlier of 180 days or until you pass or fail the exam.
4. When will I receive my temporary license?
   1. Once your application is officially approved by the Board.
5. I am not sure if I have the right coursework, will the board review my transcript if I send it in?
   1. No, however, you can submit an official application with a letter requesting that your courses be reviewed at the next available board meeting.
6. Who is considered a qualified supervisor?
   1. A licensed marriage and family therapist who has at least five (5) years of experience; or
   2. An American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) approved supervisor; or
   3. An AAMFT approved supervisor candidate; or
   4. A supervisor who:

                                                               i.      has possession of a masters degree or higher in a mental health field; and

                                                             ii.      has five (5) years of post-master’s professional  practice experience; and

                                                            iii.      is supervising within their scope of experience and training.

7. Does the Board accept degrees from on-line universities?
   1. Yes, as long as the degree is from an approved program and you have met the coursework requirement.
8. How many hours of supervision and experience are required to qualify for a license?
   1. 1000 hours of post degree clinical experience are required to obtain your license with 200 hours of post degree supervision, of which, 100 hours must be individual supervision.