7005.1 An individual may be eligible to take the national examination if the individual:

1. (a) Has completed a social work program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education; or
2. (b) Is enrolled in his or her final semester or quarter of a social work program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education, and is expected to receive the applicable social work degree at the end of the semester or quarter.

7005.2 A student enrolled in his or her final semester or quarter of a social work program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education, who is a candidate for a degree in Social Work, may request approval from the Board to sit for the national examination as follows:

1. (a) By submitting an application to the Board for a license by examination on the required forms, which includes the following:
2. (1) The applicant's social security number or if the applicant does not have a social security number, a sworn affidavit, under penalty of perjury, stating that he or she does not have a social security number; and
3. (2) An uploaded high-resolution digital color image of the applicant's face that complies with any requirements specified in the application form;
4. (b) By submitting a written request to the Board for authorization to take the national examination prior to graduation;
5. (c) By arranging for the education institution to submit to the Board, official evidence under seal of the university or school indicating:
6. (1) The degree that the student is expected to receive; and
7. (2) The date that the student is expected to receive the degree.
8. (d) By meeting any other requirements as set forth by the Board; and
9. (e) By paying all required fees.

7005.3 Approval to take the national examination shall be effective for two (2)

examinations or one hundred and twenty (120) days, which ever comes first.

7005.4 After graduating from the social work program, and taking the national examination, the student shall submit to the Board the required documents as set forth under § 7006.2(b)-(e) of this chapter to complete the applicant's application for a license by examination.

7005.5 An application that remains incomplete for one hundred and twenty (120) days or more from the date of submission shall be considered abandoned, and closed by Board. The applicant shall thereafter be required to reapply, comply with the current requirements for licensure, and pay the required fees.

7005.6 A license may not be granted until the Board receives proof of graduation.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 52 DCR 10686 (December 9, 2005); as amended by Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 73 DCR 003199 (March 6, 2026).