School Social Work Endorsement

In order to work as a School Social Worker, individuals may be required to have a special endorsement. Each state may have custom requirements for obtaining this endorsement so please familiarize yourself with the requirements of the state in which you intend to practice.

School Social Work in Idaho:

In Idaho, the State Board of Education (SBOE) determines the requirements for a School Social Worker endorsement. Any student who wishes to become a School Social Worker must apply for the Pupil Services Staff Certificate. Information available here: Pupil Service Staff Certificates (idaho.gov)

In order to obtain this endorsement from the SBOE you will need to mail the following materials to:

Idaho Department of Education
Teacher Certification
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0027

  1. Official Transcript with Master’s Degree in Social Work
  2. Copy of Idaho Social Worker License issued by the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses
  3. Institutional Recommendation verifying state-approved School Social Worker program
    1. To include verification of a school social work practicum in a preK-12 setting OR
    2. Post-LMSW experience working with children and families

    MSW students wishing to receive this institutional recommendation will need to notify their academic advisor and their field liaison when they enter the MSW program. Please work with these individuals to ensure that your program of study and practicum placement will meet these criteria.

    Obtaining an Institutional Recommendation from Idaho State University:

    ISU Graduates:

    Idaho State University is proud to host a state-approved School Social Work program. Students who wish to obtain an institutional recommendation for this endorsement must complete the following:

    1. Complete all required MSW coursework.
    2. Complete SOWK 6691: School Social Work with a grade of B- or better.
    3. Complete an advanced practicum placement in a preK-12 school setting.

    ISU Graduates who did not complete steps 2 and 3, but who wish to receive the School Social Worker endorsement after completing their MSW can reach out at any time to inquire about steps for receiving an institutional recommendation. Please email the program director at msw@isu.edu with inquiries.

    Non-ISU Graduates:

    Individuals with an MSW from a CSWE accredited program other than Idaho State University can receive an institutional recommendation from ISU. In order to receive this, applicants must provide the following information for review:

    1. Academic transcripts verifying completion of an MSW at a CSWE accredited institution.
    2. Proof of either (a) completion of an advanced practicum placement in a preK-12 school setting or (b) proof of post-LMSW work experience with children and families in a school-based or other setting.

    In order to receive the institutional endorsement from ISU, our MSW program director will evaluate your transcripts to ensure that you have taken the appropriate, equivalent coursework in order to meet our endorsement criteria. Individuals who have not taken a School Social Work class cannot be considered for institutional endorsement at ISU; however, individuals who are interested may enroll in a School Social Work course at ISU in order to meet this requirement.

    Obtaining your Institutional Recommendation:

    Please note incomplete forms will not be signed. Please do not submit this form unless/until you have confirmed with the MSW program director that you have met all program requirements.

    Please email inquiries regarding the institutional endorsement to msw@isu.edu .

    Additional Information:

    Requirements to obtain an endorsement in the state of Idaho can be found here:

    Standards dictated by the State Board of Education for a school social worker endorsement can be found here: