Licensure Information for Graduating Students
All information below is specific to New York State licensure and University at Buffalo students and alumni.
UB is responsible for completing Form 2. Questions regarding requirements and other forms should be directed to the NYS Office of Professions.
If you are seeking licensure outside of New York State, check with your state licensure office. You can view and compare licensure requirements on the ASWB website.
- All applicants for licensure must initially submit Form 1 along with the $294 licensure registration fee (fees are subject to change).
- You must answer all questions and provide all information requested unless otherwise indicated.
- Failure to accurately complete all required parts of the application will delay its review.
- The UB MSW program is considered a "NYS Licensure-Qualifying Master of Social Work Program."
- Students who took SW520 or SW540 during or after fall 2005 meet the child maltreatment reporting requirement. If you took this class before fall 2005, you will need to take a child abuse reporting class to meet the qualifications for licensure.
- We recommend you complete Form 1 no more than two weeks prior to degree conferral (June 1 for spring graduates, Feb. 1 for fall graduates and August 31 for summer graduates).
If you have a job that requires you to be licensed, or you need to be licensed within a certain timeframe, we strongly encourage sending an individual Form 2, along with completing Form 1, as per the instructions in step 1. Complete and submit these forms on or shortly after degree conferral. Do not email your licensure forms.
Form 2:
- Form 2 cannot be submitted until your degree has been conferred (June 1 for spring graduates, Feb. 1 for fall graduates and August 31 for summer graduates).
- This form must be submitted directly by the educational institution(s) you attended. The Office of the Professions will not accept this form if submitted by the applicant.
- Section I: Complete this section before sending the entire form to your school. Be sure to sign and date item 9.
- Section II: The Registrar must complete this section and return both pages of the form directly to the Office of the Professions.
- For instructions on how to submit Form 2 to UB, refer to the “Licensure submission options” section below.
Form 20:
- The School of Social Work will submit the required student information, based on NYS requirements, to the UB Registrar’s Office, where we will confirm that you have completed the program and certify your education.
- The UB Registrar will send this information to the NYS Office of Professions.
- The university should complete the Form 20 submission process within 1 month of your conferral date (June 1 for spring graduates, Feb. 1 for fall graduates and August 31 for summer graduates).
- We do not include your social security number on the form.
- NYS seems to process some graduates faster than others. The approval timeframe can vary from student to student.
- The submission of Form 20 will not interfere with the processing of Form 2.
Form 2 is the fastest method to apply for and be approved to take the ASWB exam. Form 20 is ideal for students that do not need or want to be licensed within a specific timeframe.
- Once you have been approved by New York State to take the social work licensing exam (Form 1 and Form 2 or 20 have been submitted and processed), you can register online.
- The state should notify you that you have been approved to take the exam. You are responsible for staying in contact with the Office of Professions to determine when you have been approved.
- Our Office of Continuing Education offers a licensure prep course. Learn more about our LMSW and LCSW Licensing Exam Preparation Program.
Do not email your licensure form!
Email is not a secure form of submission.
Preferred Method of Submission
Parchment is the most secure way to submit the form. Note: There is a nominal fee associated with this process.
To add a licensure attachment to your Parchment order form, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Fill out your information. Type in your email address and create a password. If you have ordered through Parchment before, sign in with your username (email) and password.
- Step 2: Tell us where you would like your transcripts sent. Search “NYS Office of Professions” and select Office of Professions, NYSED.
- Step 3: The form will ask, “Is your attachment complete?” Choose “No- my attachment must be completed by the University before my transcript is sent (attachment must be uploaded below)” from the drop-down menu. The Registrar will then be notified that a form (Form 2) must be completed by their office before an order is sent.
- 3a: For “Purpose,” choose “Certification or Licensure" from the drop-down menu.
- 3b: For “When do you want your form sent,” choose “Now” from the drop-down menu.
- Step 4: Attach Form 2. Please make sure you have filled out part 1 in its entirety. The Registrar’s Office is responsible for completing part 2.
- Step 5: Sign and consent to disclosure and pay for your order. You will receive a confirmation email.
The Registrar will process the form and mail in the completed form directly to NYSED by regular U.S. mail.
There is no fee for this service. However, please note: Tracking and estimated delivery dates are not provided, and NYS only picks up their mail every few weeks, so processing may be significantly delayed.
- Mail to the UB Registrar:
University at Buffalo
Registrar at 1Capen
Capen Hall
Attn: Certification
Buffalo, NY 14260
The UB MSW program is considered licensure qualifying by NYSED, and as such, it is not necessary to include your transcripts with your LMSW Form 2. A transcript is required with your LCSW.
The Registrar will process the form and mail in the completed form directly to NYSED by regular US mail.
There is no fee for this service. However, please note: Tracking and estimated delivery dates are not provided, and NYS only picks up their mail every few weeks, so processing may be significantly delayed.
- Fax to the UB Registrar: 716-645-7762
The UB MSW program is considered licensure qualifying by NYSED, and as such, it is not necessary to include your transcripts with your LMSW Form 2. A transcript is required with your LCSW.