GENERAL INFORMATION:
Q: What is the Guam Board of Social Work (GBSW)?
A: The GBSW is the regulatory authority responsible for licensing, regulating, promulgating, and disciplining social workers practicing in Guam.
Q: Who does the GBSW regulate?
A: The GBSW licenses and regulates three levels of social work practice:
- LBSW: Licensed Bachelor of Social Work
- LMSW: Licensed Master of Social Work
- LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Q: How often does the GBSW meet?
A: Board meetings are regularly scheduled for the first (1st) Thursday of each month. Meeting dates are subject to change due to scheduling conflicts or unforeseen circumstances.
Q: How can I attend a Board meeting, and where are the agenda and Zoom details located?
A: GBSW meetings are open to the public and can be attended either in person or virtually via Zoom. All in-person meetings are held at the Health Professional Licensing Office (HPLO), located in the Terlaje Professional Building, Suite 209, Hagåtña.
To view the meeting agenda, Zoom link, Meeting ID, and Passcode, please visit the GBSW Home Page and scroll down to the "Upcoming Events" section. Under the "Upcoming Events" column, look for the entry titled "GBSW Board Meeting" followed by the current month and date. Click on the event title to open the full details, which will include the Zoom link, Meeting ID, Passcode, and physical room location.
LICENSING:
The Application Process
Q: How do I get an application?
A: You can download the PDF application from our Forms tab -https://guamhplo.org/gbsw/forms. Submission of outdated forms will not be accepted.
Q: Can I submit my application packet via email?
A: No. At this time, all licensure applications must be submitted in hard copy. You may deliver them in person to our office or send them via postal mail.
Q: How long does the licensing process take?
A: Applications typically undergo a preliminary review within 5-7 business days of receipt. Applicants will be notified by email if any additional information is needed or if the application is incomplete. Once the application is deemed complete, it will be forwarded to the respective Board Member for individual review prior to the monthly meeting. Following this, the application will be presented to the full GBSW for formal review at its scheduled monthly meeting. The entire process usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the completeness of your submission and the volume of applications being processed.
NOTE: If an application is incomplete, it will be held as pending and will not be presented at the monthly Board meeting until all required documentation is submitted.
Q: When can I get a status update on my application?
A: Once the preliminary review is completed, the GBSW staff will notify you of any deficiencies. If there are no deficiencies, the application will move forward to the next phase of the application process.
Q: How long is my license valid?
A: Licenses are valid for a two-year period and expire on the last day of the month in which your initial license was issued.
Q: Can my application be expedited if I have an employment opportunity pending the approval of my application?
A: No. Applications are reviewed and considered in the order they are received. To help ensure your application is complete and processed promptly, we recommend obtaining any required documents from external organizations or third parties prior to submission.
Requirements and Documentation
Q: Why do I have to provide you with my Social Security Number (SSN)?
A: Federal legislation mandates that any government entity that issues a license (driver’s license, business license, professional license) must collect a SSN. Compliance is mandatory for the issuance of a license.
Q: How do I submit my official transcripts?
A: Transcripts must be sent directly from your school to the GBSW. They can be mailed to our physical office in Hagåtña or emailed to [email protected].
Q: Are there any other documents I need to submit in addition to the application?
A: Yes. Carefully review the specific requirements for your specialty and ensure all listed criteria are submitted in addition to the general requirements.
Fees and Payments
Q: How should I pay the application, license, renewal, or other fee?
A: At this time, the GBSW does not require a fee for any licensing services.
Background Checks
Q: What are Police and Court Clearances?
A: A Police Clearance is obtained from your local jurisdiction’s police department and a Court Clearance is obtained from your local judicial court system.
Q: What if my jurisdiction does not provide these documents?
A: If these are unavailable in your area, you may provide one of the following:
- Third-Party Background Check: Use a service like CastleBranch (select "Personal Background Check, no drug test"). NOTE: GBSW is not affiliated with these services.
- Fingerprint Results: We do not accept the physical card, but we will accept the official results of a fingerprint check.
- Self-Attestation: You may submit a signed statement attesting that your jurisdiction does not provide these records. Providing false information in an attestation may lead to disciplinary action.
Q: How recent must my clearances be?
A: Both clearances must be issued within 60 days of your application submission date.
Reciprocity
Q: Can I apply for a Social Work license through reciprocity if I am licensed off-island?
A: Licensure via reciprocity/endorsement is unavailable pending the promulgation of Rules and Regulations. Non-resident applicants must include Form GBSW-002 with their licensure application.
Until the Board’s official Rules and Regulations are promulgated, all applicants must apply for full licensure through the Exception Application process. You can download the PDF application from our Forms tab – https://guamhplo.org/gbsw/forms. Submission of outdated forms will not be accepted.
Digital License Issuance
Q: When will I receive my physical license card in the mail?
A: The GBSW no longer issues physical license cards. To verify the status of your license or provide proof to an employer, please use our online verification system. You may verify your license by visiting: https://web.guamhplo.org/directory/gbsw. You may search your license status by FIRST and LAST NAME.
NOTE: The Provider’s Directory the most up-to-date information regarding a licensee’s licensure status. If an employer has additional questions or requires further assistance, please have them contact [email protected].
VERIFICATION:
Q: What is the difference between a Primary Source Verification vs a License Verification?
A: Primary Source Verification provides minimal information such as; license number, licensee name, status, and specialty. This verification is free of charge. License Verification provides extended information regarding a licensee such as; license number, licensee name, statues, effective date, expiration date, specialty, and disciplinary information (if any).
Q: How do I obtain a license verification from the GBSW?
A: Active primary source verification may be found by visiting: www.guamhplo.org/gbsw and clicking the “Providers” tab. You may search a licensee status by FIRST &/or LAST NAME.
If you are unable to locate a licensee, please contact the Health Professional Licensing Office (HPLO) via email at [email protected] with the subject line: GBSW – Primary Source Verification: Licensee Name.
RENEWAL:
Q: How often do I need to renew my license?
A: Licenses expire biennially (every two years) on the last day of the month in which your initial license was issued. Submission of renewal applications are accepted three (3) months prior to expiration.
Q: How early can I submit my renewal application?
A: Renewal applications may be submitted three (3) months prior to expiration.
Q: What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
A: Renewal License – Proof of at least thirty (30) hours of approved programs of continuing education units in the two (2) year period that should be completed at the time of license renewal as specified in 10 GCA § 122325.
- Six (6) education hours addressing social work ethics, and must be completed through courses offered by NASW; and
- Four (4) education hours addressing cultural competency, specific to the diverse population of Guam; and
- Two (2) education hours in the area working with persons with disabilities.
NOTE: All licensees are subject to audit. The Board may conduct random audits at any time to verify the validity of your continuing education.