School Social Worker, PreK-12

A formal review is required to verify that all requirements have been met. Please visit the "How to Submit Official Documents" below for the proper submission of the required documents. Failure to submit documents as described could cause a delay in the processing of the application.

• Application: A completed Application for Certification.
• Fee: The required fee is $60. Per Board-rule, certification fees are non-refundable.
• AZDPS IVP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Official Transcripts: Official transcripts documenting a Master's or more advanced degree and all applicable coursework.
  • Note: If you completed your degree and applicable coursework at an institution outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation from a Department approved foreign credential evaluation agency. Please see the "Approved Foreign Credential Evaluation" list.

Master's Degree

• Completion of a master's or more advanced degree in Social Work from an accredited institution or completion of a Board-approved school social worker program.

Internship or Experience

One of the following:

• Practicum: Completion of at least six (6) semester hours of practicum in Social Work in a school setting completed through an accredited institution. A verification letter from a university department chair or designee will be required if the official transcript does not document that the six (6) semester hour social work practicum was in a school setting; -OR-
• Experience: Completion of one year of full-time experience as a social worker in a setting that primarily serves students in preschool through grade 12. Please submit a letter from a Human Resources Director or Superintendent verifying the completion of the required social worker experience.

Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority

• Official Transcripts: Transcripts that are uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
  • Official electronic transcripts must be submitted directly by the college or university to [email protected] or through Parchment
  • Official paper transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to:
    Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit
    PO Box 6490;
    Phoenix, AZ 85005-6490.
  • Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the approved foreign credential evaluation agency to [email protected] or mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit.
• Verification of School Social Worker Experience: If submitting experience request that the verifying HR complete and submit the "Verification of Leadership and Professional Non-Teaching Experience" form verifying 1-year of experience serving students in preschool-grade 12 following the instructions on the form.
• Practicum: If submitting practicum hours, these need to be documented on official transcripts. A verification letter from a university department chair or designee will be required if the official transcript does not document that the six (6) semester hour social work practicum was in a school setting.

Accepted Photocopies from the Applicant

• AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card.