(1) Any person seeking licensure must apply on the board's official forms which may be obtained through the department. All requirements with documentation must be met at the time of application. Incomplete applications will not be considered by the board.

(2) Completed applications must be accompanied by:

(a) application fee;

(b) verification of the applicant's doctorate or masters degree in social work provided directly from the school to the board office; and

(c) three reference letters as required by 37-22-301(2), MCA, including one from the applicant's supervisor, which shall include:

(i) inclusive dates and total hours of supervision in increments no less than 15 minutes;

(ii) names of applicant, supervisor (include type of license and number) and signature of both;

(iii) content summary (excluding confidential information);

(iv) recommendation to approve for licensure or not;

(v) number of supervised hours satisfactorily completed; and

(vi) supervisor must attest to the above under penalty of law. Falsification or misrepresentation of any of the above may be considered misrepresentations and a violation of professional ethics which may result in discipline of the supervisor's license.

(3) The applicant shall be notified in writing, of the results of the evaluation of the application for examination.

(4) The license will be effective as of the date all requirements, including payment of the original license fee, are met. An applicant shall not work as a licensed social worker until the effective date of the license.

(5) Applicants shall be allowed a maximum of three attempts to successfully pass the examination.

(6) After the third attempt, if the applicant has not achieved a passing score, the applicant must request in writing to the board to retake the examination. The board may require the applicant to complete a preapproved remediation plan prior to additional exam administrations.

(7) If the applicant fails to satisfy the requirements for licensure within one year of the date the application is determined by the department to be complete, the application will expire, the application fee will be forfeited, and a new completed application and application fee will be required.