School Social Worker, PreK-12

Certificate Information

Overview: This certificate is optional but may be required by the local governing boards. This certificate is valid for 12 years and is renewable. Requirements may be subject to change and are fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and Administrative Code R7-2-606; R7-2-607; R-2-601.01; R7-2-617 (A)(F); R7-2-621.

Out-of-state certificate: If you hold a valid, current, comparable out-of-state school social worker certificate/license that is in good standing in another state, follow this link for information and steps to apply under reciprocity. 

To qualify for this certificate applicants must meet the requirements under Required Coursework/Training. 

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.  

Degree Requirement

  • Master's Degree: Completion of a graduate program in Social Work from an accredited institution or completion of a Board-approved school social worker program.

 

-AND-

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 to the online Contact 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. 

    Ready to apply - Click here for step-by-step directions

    Pursuant to section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, an agency shall limit all occupational regulations to regulations that are demonstrated to be necessary to specifically fulfill a public health, safety, or welfare concern. Pursuant to sections 41-1093.02 and 41-1093.03, Arizona Revised Statutes, you have the right to petition this agency to repeal or modify the occupational regulation or bring an action in a court of general jurisdiction to challenge the occupational regulation and to ensure compliance with section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes