Oregon RBSW Requirements & Hours Tracker

Becoming a Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW) in Oregon

The Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers (BLSW) regulates the “Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker” (RBSW), a non‑clinical social work credential for BSW‑level generalist practice. The Board describes the practice of baccalaureate social work as basic, generalist social work including assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, information and referral, counseling, non‑clinical supervision, consultation, education, advocacy, community organization, and program or policy work. (oregon.gov)

This article walks through exactly what Oregon requires to become licensed at this level, with special attention to hours requirements and the Board’s own language.

1. Key Point About “Hours” Requirements

For the RBSW license in Oregon:

There are no required pre‑licensure practice hours (no required number of direct client hours, supervised hours, or post‑degree work hours).
The Board’s eligibility rules and statute specify degree, exams, fitness to practice, and background check, but do not set any minimum practice or supervision hours for RBSW applicants. (law.cornell.edu)

Any internship or practicum hours (for example, ~400 field hours in many BSW programs) are education/accreditation requirements, not separate Board‑mandated licensing hours. (georgefox.edu)

The only “hours” the Board explicitly requires for RBSWs are continuing education hours after licensure, discussed below.

2. Core Legal Requirements for Initial RBSW Registration

Oregon’s requirements come from both statute (ORS 675.510–675.600) and administrative rules (OAR chapter 877), plus Board policy on its website.

2.1 Education (Degree Requirement)

You must hold a baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited or candidate program:

ORS 675.532 requires that an RBSW applicant “holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the board.” (oregon.public.law)
OAR 877‑015‑0108 further specifies that for “registration as a baccalaureate social worker” the required degree is a baccalaureate degree in social work, from a program accredited (or in candidacy) by a credentialing body recognized by the Board (e.g., CSWE or the Canadian equivalent). (law.cornell.edu)

2.2 National Exam (ASWB Bachelors Exam)

You must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelors‑level examination:

OAR 877‑015‑0108 states that for registration as a baccalaureate social worker, the applicant “must pass… the bachelor’s level examination” administered by ASWB. (law.cornell.edu)
The Board’s “Social Work Licenses” page confirms an RBSW exam requirement: if you have not already taken the ASWB Bachelors exam, you must do so before licensure; once your application is approved, exam authorization is sent to ASWB and normally remains valid for one year (with possible extension). (oregon.gov)

2.3 Oregon Rules and Laws (Jurisprudence) Exam

You must pass an Oregon Rules and Laws (jurisprudence) exam with a high score:

OAR 877‑015‑0108 requires that all applicants for initial registration “achieve a score of 90 percent” on an exam prepared by the Board covering ORS 675.510–675.600, OAR chapter 877, and related mental health statutes. (law.cornell.edu)
The Board’s Applications page clarifies that the Oregon Rules and Laws Exam is open‑book, self‑administered, and you upload the answer sheet through the applicant portal. The Board’s policy is that all applicants must pass this exam before a certificate or license is issued, and you may have to retake it if the laws or rules change before licensure. (oregon.gov)

2.4 Fitness to Practice / Good Moral Character

The Board must determine that you are “fit to practice social work in Oregon”:

OAR 877‑015‑0108 states that being fit to practice includes good moral character and a personal history of conduct consistent with the professional standards in Division 30 of the Board’s rules. The Board may review past conduct, time elapsed, and any remedial actions. (law.cornell.edu)

The Board may also consider whether you are currently the subject of investigation or discipline by another licensing board. (law.cornell.edu)

2.5 Background Check and Fingerprints

All applicants must complete a nationwide fingerprint‑based criminal records check:

The Applications page states that the Board “requires all applicants to participate in a nationwide fingerprint-based criminal records check” and that results are required for the application to be complete. (oregon.gov)

2.6 Application Form and Documentation

You must:

Submit a complete and accurate online application on a Board‑provided form. (law.cornell.edu)
Arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly from your school to the Board. (oregon.gov)
Provide license verifications for any other professional licenses or certifications you hold or have ever held, including non‑social‑work licenses (using Board forms where applicable). (oregon.gov)

2.7 Fees

Under OAR 877‑001‑0020 and the state’s License Directory, RBSW fees currently include: (oregon.public.law)

Application fee (initial certificate/license): $50
Initial issuance fee: $50
Active renewal fee (every 2 years): $110
Inactive renewal fee: $40
Late renewal fee: $50

The Oregon Business Xpress License Directory also identifies the RBSW as a bachelor‑level certificate of registration, valid for two years, with renewal tied to continuing education and fee payment. (apps.oregon.gov)

3. Step‑by‑Step Path to RBSW Licensure

Step 1 – Complete an Accredited BSW

Earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE‑accredited (or candidate) program, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent under CSWE’s international evaluation process. (law.cornell.edu)

(Your program will typically require its own field internship hours, but again, those are education requirements, not separate Board‑mandated licensing hours.)

Step 2 – Review Fitness / Character and Any Past Licensure

Ensure you can meet the Board’s fitness to practice and good moral character standards and be prepared to disclose any prior disciplinary actions or criminal history as requested. (law.cornell.edu)

Step 3 – Begin the Online Application

Start a new application through the Board’s online applicant portal (linked from the “Applications” page).
Use a personal email address you control (the Board discourages third‑party credentialing companies’ emails). (oregon.gov)

You will upload or arrange:

Personal and education information
Official transcripts sent directly from your school
Any required license verification forms for previous licenses or certifications

Step 4 – Complete Fingerprint‑Based Background Check

Register with the state’s fingerprinting vendor (Fieldprint Oregon) using the Board’s code and schedule an appointment.
The Board emphasizes that the application is not complete until background‑check results are received, and processing can take several weeks. (oregon.gov)

Step 5 – Take and Pass the ASWB Bachelors Exam

Once your application is initially approved, the Board sends exam authorization to ASWB for the Bachelors‑level exam, typically valid for one year with a potential extension. (oregon.gov)
You sit for and pass the national exam at the Bachelors level.

Step 6 – Take and Pass the Oregon Rules and Laws Exam

Download the Oregon Rules and Laws (jurisprudence) exam and statutes/rules packet from the Board.
Complete the open‑book, self‑administered exam and upload your answer sheet through the portal.
You must score at least 90% per OAR 877‑015‑0108, and the Board’s policy is that you must pass this exam before the license is issued. (law.cornell.edu)

Step 7 – Receive Your RBSW Certificate of Registration

Once all components are complete—application, fees, transcript, background check, ASWB exam, and Oregon jurisprudence exam—the Board issues your RBSW certificate of registration, allowing you to practice non‑clinical baccalaureate‑level social work within the scope defined for RBSWs. (oregon.gov)

4. Hours‑Related Requirements: A Focused Summary

4.1 Pre‑Licensure Practice / Supervision Hours

Required hours of supervised practice or direct client work for initial RBSW licensure in Oregon: 0.
Neither ORS 675.532 nor OAR 877‑015‑0108 imposes any minimum number of professional practice hours or supervision hours for RBSWs; they focus on education, exams, fitness, and compliance with Board rules. (oregon.public.law)

If you see examples from other jurisdictions like “1,500 hours of direct experience and 1,500 hours of supervised experience,” that kind of hour requirement applies to clinical licensure in some states, not to Oregon’s RBSW registration.

4.2 Continuing Education Hours After Licensure

Once licensed and after your first renewal, you must complete continuing education (CE) during each two‑year renewal cycle:

The Board’s Continuing Education page specifies for Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW – Active):
- Total of 20 CE hours every two years
- Including at least 3 hours in Ethics and 3 hours in Cultural Competency
- The Board’s summary notes that this license “does not qualify for CE carryover.” (oregon.gov)
OAR 877‑025‑0011 (current through March 1, 2025) aligns on the 20‑hour minimum for RBSWs and the ethics requirement, and now also explicitly adds the cultural‑competence minimum (3 hours each in ethics and cultural competence). (regulations.justia.com)

Important nuances:

No CE is required for the period covered by the initial certificate (your first renewal period is exempt). (oregon.gov)
After that, you must meet the 20‑hour requirement each reporting period while on active status.

Because there have been recent amendments to the CE rules and some inconsistency between the generic rule text and the Board’s summary page, it is wise to confirm current CE rules with the Board at the time you renew.

5. Renewal and License Maintenance

5.1 Renewal Cycle and Status

The RBSW is a two‑year certificate of registration. (apps.oregon.gov)
You renew every two years by:
- Paying the applicable renewal fee (currently $110 active; $40 inactive). (oregon.public.law)
- Completing and reporting the required CE hours (after the first renewal). (oregon.gov)

Inactive status is available, and inactive registrations do not require CE to renew. (oregon.gov)

5.2 Scope of Practice Reminder

The RBSW credential is explicitly non‑clinical. It does not authorize the practice of clinical social work, psychotherapy, or independently diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. The Board notes that the RBSW certificate “does not permit the holder to engage in the practice of clinical social work.” (apps.oregon.gov)

6. Primary Legal References

For detailed, official language, the primary sources are:

ORS 675.532 – Registration for practice of baccalaureate social work (degree, exam, compliance requirements). (oregon.public.law)
OAR 877‑015‑0108 – Eligibility Requirements for initial registration/licensure (degree type, fitness to practice, ASWB exam, 90% jurisprudence exam). (law.cornell.edu)
OAR 877‑001‑0020 – Fees for certification and licensing. (oregon.public.law)
OAR 877‑025‑0011 – Required hours of continuing education (including CE minimums for RBSWs). (regulations.justia.com)
BLSW website – “Social Work Licenses,” “Applications,” and “Continuing Education” pages for practical guidance and current Board practice. (oregon.gov)

These sources together confirm that, in Oregon, RBSW licensure is driven by education, examinations, fitness and background checks—not by a specified number of pre‑licensure practice or supervision hours.