Update on Social Work Licensure Compact

On February 27, 2023, the final version of the Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact was released. You can find the language and background information here https://swcompact.org/. This website will also track which states ratify it going forward, and share other developments about the process. 

See NASW’s statement on the Compact: https://www.socialworkers.org/News/News-Releases/ID/2622/Social-Work-Profession-One-Step-Closer-to-Interstate-Licensure-Compact

It’s important to highlight that the compact does not go into effect until after seven states ratify it through legislation. This activates the creation of the Compact Commission, which will oversee the central database, administrative processes and other details related to social work practice through the compact. That’s going to likely be a multi-year process in itself. 

NASW North Carolina is taking the lead on introducing and passing the Social Work Licensure Compact in North Carolina. We are working to secure the right sponsors, develop an advocacy strategy that includes social workers from across the state, link our advocacy strategy with our social work associations and groups, and have you all highlight the benefits of the compact to the social work landscape here in North Carolina and across the country. 

NASW-NC will provide its members with talking points, opportunities to reach out to legislators, and ways you can highlight the value of the compact to your work.

During the formation of the compact, was a lot of discussion around how to make the compact equitable and ensure that the issues around licensing exams wasn’t a barrier to practice, and ultimately the final version allows the Compact Commission to consider alternative pathways that states develop. We’re excited about that change that NASW fought for, and the access to clients the compact will open up for social workers going forward.  Stay tuned for more resources, and for how you can help get the compact passed here in North Carolina.

As always, thank you for your membership in NASW. If you’re not a member, please consider joining your professional social work association, as we’ll need the collective energy and voices from social workers across the state to help get the compact passed.

Thank you for your support and joining us in this important work for the social work profession in North Carolina.

Valerie Arendt, MSW, MPP
NASW-NC Executive Director