Start Where the Social Worker Is: Social Workers’ Perceptions of Clinical Licensure in Nebraska

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the perceptions of clinical social workers compared to other mental health professionals (OMHPs). Methods: This exploratory survey research evaluates the perceptions of clinical licensure from social workers (N = 519) and OMHPs (N = 624) in a midwestern state. Results: The results indicate that most respondents believe that universities should be evaluated based on whether students pass licensing exams, and that faculty should be licensed. Many social workers feel ill-prepared to take a licensing exam. There are significant differences between social workers and OMHP in several areas. Additionally, differences are distinct between social workers who are people of color and White in their perception of universities’ ability to prepare them for licensing exams. Conclusions: This research serves as a prototype for a more extensive study exploring social workers’ perceptions of licensure's three main components: examination, supervision, and education.