37-22-301. License requirements -- exemptions. (1) A license applicant shall satisfactorily complete an examination prescribed by the board.

(2) Before an applicant may take the examination, the applicant shall present three letters of reference from licensed social workers, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatrists, or psychologists who have knowledge of the applicant's professional performance and shall demonstrate to the board that the applicant:

(a) has a doctorate or master's degree in social work from a program accredited by the council on social work education or approved by the board;

(b) has completed at least 24 months of supervised post master's degree work experience in psychotherapy, which included 3,000 hours of social work experience, of which at least 1,500 hours were in direct client contact, within the past 5 years; and

(c) abides by the social work ethical standards adopted under 37-22-201.

(3) An applicant who fails the examination may reapply to take the examination.

(4) An applicant is exempt from the examination requirement if the applicant satisfies the board that the applicant is licensed, certified, or registered under the laws of a state or territory of the United States that imposes substantially the same requirements as this chapter and that the applicant has passed an examination similar to that required by the board.

(5) As a prerequisite to the issuance of a license, the board shall require the applicant to submit fingerprints for the purpose of fingerprint checks by the Montana department of justice and the federal bureau of investigation as provided in 37-1-307.

(6) If an applicant has a history of criminal convictions, then pursuant to 37-1-203, the applicant has the opportunity to demonstrate to the board that the applicant is sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust, and if the board determines that the applicant is not, the license may be denied.