social work education requirements

How to Become a Social Worker: Qualifications & Requirements

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High job satisfaction, stability and a fulfilling career path make becoming a social worker the perfect opportunity if you’re looking to do good and make a positive change in your community.

Social work positions are consistently featured on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the 100 Best Jobs, with child and family social workers and clinical social workers earning a spot on the most recent list . The benefits of becoming a social worker are clear. Read on to understand the qualifications, educational requirements and opportunities for social workers.

Responsibilities: What Social Workers Actually Do

Social work is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of careers. At a high level, social workers help people resolve their issues in order to improve their quality of life. But in reality, there’s no typical day in the field. One day you might be assessing a family’s situation and developing a plan of action, while the next day you could be involved in crisis management.

Social workers are needed at federal, state and local levels, and throughout diverse populations — from infants to the elderly and in small towns and big cities. You may work with individuals, families or groups of people.

Some of the responsibilities of a social worker include:

• Recommending resources
• Case management
• Legislative advocacy
• Community organization
• Reviewing and implementing policies
• Helping people with Social Security or welfare

With the right training and a degree in social work , you’ll be prepared to help people who are struggling with mental illness, addiction, poverty, homelessness and other matters.

Career Opportunities in Social Work

Where do you see yourself working? Are you interested in substance abuse counseling in a clinic or patient advocacy in the healthcare industry? The exact responsibilities of your job will depend on the career path you choose and where you want to work.

As you progress toward becoming a social worker, you’ll need to select a speciality as soon as you can since there are a variety of practice areas available.

Possible specialty areas include:

• Community Social Work
• Child and Family Welfare
• Mental Health
• Substance Abuse Social Work

Places where you might work include:

• Rehabilitation Clinics
• Government Agencies
• Mental Health Facilities

Research the focuses that you’re interested in and browse job opportunities to get an idea of what your role would entail. You may also be able to find internships where you can get a taste for a certain speciality in a hands-on way.

Qualifications & Requirements to Become a Social Worker

Knowing your ideal career path is the first step toward becoming a social worker. Once you’ve selected a speciality and a place where you’d like to work, you can start fulfilling the necessary requirements.

Education For an entry-level position, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). Most of these positions consist of working in direct-service roles, like as a caseworker.

For more advanced roles, like clinical social work, a master’s degree is required. You don’t need to have a bachelor’s degree in social work if you’re interested in pursuing your master’s in the field.

Internships & Experience Since social work is a field that involves a lot of face-to-face interaction, experience will be incredibly valuable to you and the community you serve. Most positions will require some level of experience. For example, in addition to a master’s degree, clinical workers need at least two years of experience.

Hands-on experience through an internship is a great way to develop your skills. Popular places to intern are at local nonprofit organizations, clinics or hospitals. But if an internship isn’t available to you in your chosen speciality, any experience you can get in your community will be beneficial and should satisfy experience requirements.

Licensing  Depending on the state where you’re practicing, you may need to become a licensed social worker. You can find the license requirements for your state here .

To receive your license, you may be required to:

• Perform a certain amount of hours of supervised work
• Take and pass an exam
• Pursue continuous education opportunities

Once you’re licensed, your job title will also be dependent on where you are. A Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the south could mean something totally different on the west coast. You may often see variations of the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker job title listed as LISW, LCSW or LICSW.

Interested in clinical social work? Just know that licensing for this position is required in every state.

Skills Since social workers help a variety of people in many different environments, the following skills are a must-have if you’re looking to enter the field:

• Communication and Listening Skills
• Empathy Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Organizational Skills

Salary & Career Outlook for Social Workers

Social work involves helping others, so there will always be a need for people with the right education and experience.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , job opportunities in social work are expected to grow 16% over the next decade, which is much faster growth than the average for other specialties.

In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics listed the median pay for social work positions in various industries as:

Career stability combined with the satisfaction of helping those in need make becoming a social worker the ideal path for anyone with a passion for improving the lives of others.

To get started in the field, take a look at our online bachelor’s in social work degree program . It’s the perfect way to earn your degree in a convenient online structure, and you’ll have the required education to compete for entry-level positions or go on to pursue your master’s degree.

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A Guide to MSW Degrees and Social Work Careers

An MSW degree can lead to a variety of social work jobs, including therapist positions.

A Guide to MSW Programs

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Social workers can be found in many places, including hospitals, schools, drug rehabilitation centers and child welfare agencies.

Someone who wants to make a living by helping people in crisis discover solutions to their problems may want to consider a career as a social worker and pursue a Master of Social Work degree, commonly known as an MSW.

A Look at Online Social Work Programs

Jordan Friedman Aug. 8, 2017

What Is a Social Worker?

Social workers assist individuals and communities in distress. They focus on motivating and encouraging people who are facing adversity and giving them a sense of purpose and hope.

Social workers can be found in many places, including hospitals, schools, drug rehabilitation centers and child welfare agencies. They play a role throughout the criminal justice system and sometimes work as therapists, a profession that ordinarily requires clinical training and a state license. Social workers often have government jobs, but they also frequently work in the private sector and may even be business owners who run therapy clinics.

Alumni of social work schools also become human resources professionals, nonprofit leaders or join the Peace Corps. They work at organizations that help the homeless or assist military veterans. They can be found coaching couples on how to navigate relationship challenges or helping seniors and the disabled with guidance on how to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

In general, wherever there are people in dire situations for whom an encouraging word and a strategic outlook would be helpful, social workers can be found giving advice, providing reassurance and directing people to needed resources and services.

"Social work is the only helping profession rooted in social justice," Amanda Keys, an assistant professor at the Missouri State University School of Social Work , wrote in an email.

Because of the social justice emphasis of social work, an academic degree in the field differs significantly from degrees in other disciplines that focus on helping others, says Keys, who coordinates the school's MSW program and has both an MSW and a Ph.D. degree .

"The social justice lens taught in MSW programs educates students on how to become effective leaders who have the skill set and knowledge to improve the lives of marginalized and oppressed individuals, families and groups in society," she explains.

Social workers intervene and advocate on behalf of vulnerable people in a variety of ways. For instance, they often help distressed people process their thoughts and feelings and make thoughtful personal choices. They can guide these individuals toward appropriate community resources, including government and nonprofit programs.

Additionally, social workers may coach clients on how to improve their relationships with others, or help them figure out strategies for coping with societal problems outside their control such as racism or sexism. And social workers can help clients with extremely challenging circumstances – such as extreme poverty or domestic violence – envision a way out of their bad situation.

"It is not just about 'fixing people,'" Megan Morrissey, director of the University of Minnesota MSW program and associate director of the School of Social Work, wrote in an email. "Social work interventions always require attention to the individual, the group, the family, the community, as well as addressing policy and structural issues."

Here are some of the most common types of social workers:

• Clinical social workers.
• Child and family social workers.
• School social workers.
• Health care social workers.
• Mental health and substance abuse social workers.

Each type of social work focuses on a different vulnerable population. For example, clinical social workers provide therapy to people who need it, frequently individuals who struggle with mental health issues, substance abuse, behavioral problems or emotional disorders. They may also serve patients who are struggling to cope with a traumatic life event, or provide therapy to couples and families.

Meanwhile, child and family social workers focus on protecting children and promoting family harmony.

Patrick Bordnick, dean of the Tulane University School of Social Work in New Orleans, says social work can be a deeply meaningful and fulfilling profession.

"You can't describe that feeling when you know you've had an impact and changed somebody's life and empowered them for change or long-term recovery, or helped them get the services or things that they need," says Bordnick, who has an MSW and a doctorate in social work. "There's no other feeling quite like it ... We're out to change the world – individuals, groups and communities – and really empower people for change."

Bordnick describes social work as a unique calling. "We do our jobs because we love what we do and are passionate about it."

He adds that social workers can facilitate growth at both individual and community levels. "That first time that you realize that you have made a difference in somebody's life, you will remember that for the rest of your career," Bordnick says, noting that helping a single person often has a "ripple effect" on their loved ones and their community.

Job Prospects for MSW Degree-Holders

Jana Edwards, a licensed clinical social worker in Colorado who has decades of experience and an MSW degree, says an MSW is highly marketable and very versatile.

"I have frequently counseled young people who are considering going into a helping profession that the MSW degree is THE MOST versatile mental health degree that there is," Edwards wrote in an email.

"There are thousands of jobs in many agencies, businesses, and organizations in both the for-profit and nonprofit world that are targeted to MSW's, so the opportunities for employment are very widespread," says Edwards, an alumna of and lecturer at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work , which granted her an honorary title of master scholar.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of social workers will be 11% higher in 2028 than it was in 2018, more than double the average job growth forecast for all occupations combined.

However, the bureau notes that the field's employment outlook depends greatly on specialization, and there are some types of social work where there is a spike in demand for workers. For example, the number of jobs for mental health and substance abuse social workers is expected to be 18% higher in 2028 than in 2018, and 17% higher for health care social workers during that same time frame.

Bureau statistics also reveal that compensation in the social work profession is modest. The median annual wage for U.S. social workers was $49,470 as of May 2018. Nevertheless, pay varies widely in the profession, depending on the social work specialty and a person's academic credentials. The top 10% highest earners among social workers earn more than $80,000 a year.

MSW Programs and Curricula

Prospective MSW students should expect at least four semesters, or two academic years, of full-time study if they do not already have a bachelor's degree in social work, or BSW. However, MSW candidates who have a BSW may be eligible for an accelerated program that might take only one academic year.

MSW students are typically taught both a generalist conceptual framework that they can use as a model for any type of social work, and a specialist mindset that they can use for a particular social work specialty, Morrissey explains.

"Students are always exposed to the generalist framework that involves intervention and policy directed at individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations and even globally," she says. "At those levels, they learn about assessing and engaging the client system, intervening with the client system and evaluating what they are doing and making adjustments as the feedback suggests. Their goal in all of these is to ameliorate need or suffering in some way."

Morrissey notes that social work graduate schools typically offer a variety of specializations so that students can develop skills that are relevant for varied job opportunities within particular branches of the social work profession.

Social work students might learn about how to work in a hospital or another health care setting, and they may also learn about working within either the school system, the child protection system or the corrections system, Morrissey suggests. They might also learn the skills necessary to work in a policy advocacy position or in a job that involves serving others, she adds.

In specialized courses, students practice applying the fundamental social work skills they gained through core classes, such as how to assess clients, design interventions and adjust remedies based on clients' input, Morrissey says. The goal of both the general and specialized social work curricula is to teach students how "to promote a more just and equitable world and to relieve suffering," Morrissey says.

Keys notes that the cost of social work graduate programs vary.

"The cost of an MSW program depends on many things," she says. "This includes, but is not limited to, the length of the program, the state the program is in, whether the program is housed in a private or public institution, the cost per credit hour, and additional university fees required. Because there is a wide range of program costs, it is important for you to do your homework on all programs that you are interested in."

She also recommends contacting MSW program coordinators and financial aid offices and asking about "any hidden program fees or additional charges that might make a seemingly inexpensive program expensive."

Reasons for Pursuing an MSW Degree

Social workers say their occupation is mission-driven, one that people pursue knowing that their career will not make them wealthy. But they make the choice anyway because they have a deep desire to brighten the lives of the unfortunate.

Edwards, a couples and family therapist social worker, says that she pursued an MSW because as a teen she worked as a secretary in a family services social work agency and witnessed the positive impact that social workers could make. "I was very impressed with the work that the therapists there were doing, and they all had MSWs," she says.

Edwards says many people in her family are involved with ministry, so she wanted a career that would allow her to do good in the world. She felt that a social work career would allow her to fulfill "a moral obligation to help others."

"I felt like they had a way of really understanding people's problems, taking people who were under serious emotional stress and helping them understand what was going on, sometimes connecting them with resources. But it was mostly just helping them (the clients) internally just understand themselves better so that their lives would improve."

Edwards says her MSW program allowed her to join a community of professional social workers that she could collaborate with and learn from. "I like the way social workers approach their profession (and) approach their jobs," she says. "They care for their patients, but they're very professional, very knowledgeable."

What Makes a Good Social Worker

Edwards notes that unlike psychologists, who might focus on a person's mind, "social workers are trained to understand how an individual fits into a whole community."

She emphasizes that a desire to contribute to society isn't sufficient to excel as a social worker, since the job also requires specific talents that not every good-natured person has. "They have to have a good analytic mind, not just a feeling for people," she says.

"I have watched people go into social work who just desperately want to make other people feel better, but they don't do it from a professional, sort of scientific, way," Edwards says.

"They just sort of have a really good heart, but they lose patience with the analytical part of it. So you do have to have a good mind for analyzing fairly complex problems. Almost nobody's problems are simple, so there has to be – in essence – that ability to hold multiple pieces of information in your mind at the same time and put them together with your professional knowledge to come up with a solution."

Bordnick says resilience and persistence are mandatory for the social work field. "It is a hard job, it's a thankless job a lot of times," he says. "The intrinsic motivation in knowing what you're doing and seeing positive changes. There's nothing like it."

Searching for a grad school? Access our complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

Top Social Work Grad Programs

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Social Work Licensing Guide

Written by Rebecca Munday Last Updated: June 2023

You want a career helping people and communities navigate problems, so you decided to become a social worker. Yet, the different licenses, regulations, and acronyms can be confusing.

If you want to learn more about licensing for social workers, use this guide to discover common license types, requirements, and the careers you can pursue with each one.

Different Types of Social Work Licenses

The type of social work license you choose depends on your career goals, your state’s license options, and the requirements for each license. Licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW) , licensed master social worker (LMSW) , and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) are the most common types of social work licenses. However, not all states offer all of these license levels, or the license titles may differ.

Some states have licensing requirements for social work associates who do not have a bachelor of social work (BSW) , or they have a bachelor’s in a field other than social work. Several states use similar license types and requirements, such as a master of social work (MSW) and 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience for clinical social worker licenses.

In South Dakota , for example, the entry-level license type is a social work associate. The highest level of license in the state is certified social worker private independent practice (CSW-PIP). If you become a CSW-PIP, you’ll be able to practice clinical social work independently after you complete an MSW and their supervised experience requirements.

Each state regulates its own standards for social work practice and eligibility for licensure. Contact your state’s social work licensing board to understand the license level types and requirements.

How Do I Get a Social Work License?

Every state regulates its own social work license guidelines, so you must check with your state board to ensure you meet licensure requirements. However, in most states, you’ll need to complete four steps to become a licensed social worker. These steps may differ if you want to become a social work associate in your state.

• Earn a Social Work Degree: You’ll spend 4-7 years completing your social work degree(s), depending on which license you apply for. If you become an LBSW, you’ll need a bachelor of social work. If you want a clinical license or an LMSW, you’ll need at least an MSW.
• Pass an ASWB Examination: The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) offers five exams that qualify you to apply for different levels of social work licensure. You’ll need to pass the exam that corresponds to your desired social license type before you can apply for licensure.
• Gain Required Experience, if Applicable: Every state requires fieldwork for your BSW and MSW. They also require you to complete supervised clinical experience to practice clinical social work independently. Some states require you to complete supervised experience for non-clinical, masters-level licensure.
• Apply for State Social Work Licensure: Once you earn your degree, pass the ASWB exam, and complete any required experience, you can apply for your license. Fill out an application for licensure, pay the application fee, and submit the required documents to become a social worker in your state.

Featured Online Social Work Programs

Education requirements for a social work license.

The first step to becoming a licensed social worker is completing your state’s education requirements for the license you want. For most positions in social work, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree and an MSW. The Council and Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits bachelor’s and master’s-level social work programs. Find out more about the different social work degrees and how each one could benefit your career.

Bachelor’s in Social Work

A CSWE-accredited bachelor’s in social work program requires at least 400 hours of field placement and covers social welfare policy, research methods, and human behavior in the social environment. With a BSW, you can become an LBSW in many states. You may also gain valuable experience in social work with an entry-level position, such as a survivor advocate, case manager, policy analyst, or community support worker .

Master’s in Social Work

An MSW requires at least 900 hours of field experience in generalist social work, such as assessment, managing case files, and client intervention. If you earned a BSW, you can complete your MSW in as little as half the credits. You’ll deepen your knowledge of research methods, social welfare policy, and human behavior in the environment. After graduation, you can become an LMSW, practice generalist social work, or complete your supervised clinical experience to become an LCSW or your state’s equivalent.

Doctorate in Social Work

A doctorate in social work (DSW) takes 2-3 years and expands on your knowledge of leadership, research, policy analysis, and teaching in social work. With a DSW, you’ll stand out when you apply for jobs or promotions. Limited data from Payscale in June 2023 suggests that DSW graduates earn about $20,000 more annually than those with an MSW.

Examination Requirements for Social Work Licensure

The ASWB offers five social work licensing exams: associate, bachelors, masters, advanced generalist, and clinical. Each of these levels corresponds to a license level, and you’ll take the one that meets the requirements for the license you apply for.

To take your ASWB exam, you’ll need to apply for your license with your state’s licensing board, register with the ASWB, get your authorization to test email, schedule your testing appointment, and review the candidate rules and confidentiality statements. Find out which ASWB exam qualifies you for the license you want below.

• Associate Exam: You’ll take the associate exam if you want to become a licensed social work associate, or if you are in a state where you can get a license without a social work degree. You’ll pay $230 to take the exam.
• Bachelors Exam: The bachelors exam costs $230. You’ll need to pass it if you want to become an LBSW if your state offers licenses to BSW graduates.
• Masters Exam: The masters exam qualifies you to become a licensed master’s social worker and costs $230.
• Advanced Generalist Exam: If your state requires a separate license to practice generalist social work independently, the advanced generalist exam costs $260.
• Clinical Exam: Passing the clinical exam is necessary if you want to become an LCSW or your state’s equivalent. You’ll pay $260 to take the exam.

Experience Requirements for a Social Work License

Every CSWE-accredited social work program requires you to complete fieldwork to earn your BSW and MSW. During your education, you’ll complete at least 400 hours of fieldwork for a BSW or 900 hours for an MSW. Fieldwork requirements vary by state and program. During your field placement, you’ll learn how to practice generalist social work, such as:

• Managing case files
• Assessing client needs
• Advocating for resources and policy changes in the community
• Connecting clients with resources

These field placements don’t typically count toward the supervised experience your state may require for you to practice clinical social work or generalist social work independently. For example, in North Carolina , certified social work managers need 3,000 hours or two years of post-graduate paid generalist social work experience.

However, every state has its own requirements for supervised experience for each license type, including how long, what type, and under whom. If you apply to become an LCSW or your state’s equivalent, you’ll need to complete supervised clinical experience supervised by a current LCSW who meets your state’s requirements for supervision .

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Licensure

Do you need a license to practice social work.

For most positions in social work, you need a social work license. Depending on your state’s requirements, you can practice macro social work, including advocacy, policy analysis, research, and policy change, without a license. However, if you want to work with individuals, families, and groups to address their specific psychosocial needs, you’ll need to become an LMSW or your state’s equivalent.

What is the highest license in social work?

LCSWs hold the highest license for social work. LCSWs need at least an MSW and about two years of supervised clinical experience. Some states may use an alternative title, such as licensed independent social workers for social workers who can practice generalist and clinical social work independently.

How long does it take to get a social work license?

The length of time depends on what type of social work license you want. If you want a license to practice clinical social work, you’ll spend 8-9 years completing the education and supervised clinical experience requirements. However, licenses for generalist social work take between 4-6 years to qualify for, depending on whether you need a bachelor’s or master’s in social work degree.

How long should you study for the ASWB exam?

How long you study for the ASWB exam depends on your study habits and the exam you’ll take. The clinical exam is the hardest because of the complex clinical interventions you’ll be tested on. Still, some students need a couple of weeks to study, and others take up to six months, so you’ll need to assess your learning habits and make a plan that meets your needs and offers the best chance of success.

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Social Work Licensing Guide

Written by Ann Feeney Last Updated: May 2023

Licensing requirements ensure that social workers have the right education and training to provide ethical and competent services. Each state’s regulatory board grants social worker licenses, so specific requirements and levels vary.

Depending on the state, you may need a social work license to use “social worker” in your job title and provide related services. Review specific licensure levels and requirements for your state on this page.

Social Work Licensure Requirements by State

Social worker requirements require a combination of education, experience, and examination. However, licensure levels and requirements differ significantly by state.

Find specific licensing requirements for each state, governed by the state’s board of social work.

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington DC
• West Virginia

Featured Online Programs in Social Work

How to become a licensed social worker.

Some states grant licenses to human service professionals with an associate degree or high school education. Other states only grant licenses to master’s-level social workers.

Due to the significant differences among states, each candidate should research social work licensure in their intended state of practice. We cover the most common levels of licensure below.

Licensing at the BSW Level

While most social workers have a master’s degree, you can become a licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW) with a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree in some states. You may need to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelors examination for this license.

Even though LBSWs are limited in what they can do, earning a license still has some advantages. Some students want to start working and earning as soon as possible, while others want to explore different roles and possible specialties before choosing a master’s degree.

A BSW typically takes four years and combines classroom work with fieldwork. The program provides a background in social work theory and practice, including performing basic assessments and interventions.

Licensing at the MSW Level

There are two types of MSW licenses : the licensed master social worker (LMSW) (sometimes called the licensed graduate social worker ) and the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

Both of these licenses require you to have an MSW degree and pass a licensing examination, but the specific examination and the experience requirements are different .

The primary difference between an LMSW vs. LCSW is the type of work you can perform or your scope of practice. An LCSW can provide clinical diagnoses of certain mental health conditions and counseling, while an LMSW can provide generalist social work services.

The LCSW license typically requires approximately 3,000-4,000 hours of supervised experience, while the LMSW typically requires less — about 2,000 hours.

To become an LMSW, you must pass the ASWB masters examination , while the LCSW designation requires the clinical examination .

If you have a BSW, you may be eligible for advanced standing in an MSW program, in which you can finish in approximately one year. For students with another undergraduate degree, earning an MSW typically takes two years.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker?

You can expect to become a licensed social worker in 2-5 years after earning a bachelor’s degree. This includes earning your MSW and completing 2,000-4,0000 hours of required supervision experience.

After getting a bachelor’s degree, you can earn an MSW in 1-2 years. Then, depending on the state, you must typically complete 3,000 hours or more of supervised experience to become an LCSW.

Becoming an LMSW typically requires less experience, generally around 2,000 hours. However, this number varies significantly by state. Some states, such as Michigan, require as many as 4,000 hours to become an LMSW, while Mississippi does not require experience for LMSWs and only 2,000 hours for LCSWs.

Types of Social Work Licensure

Licensed bachelor of social work (lbsw).

To become an LBSW, you need a BSW, a certain number of hours of supervised experience, and a passing score on the ASWB bachelors examination . LBSWs can perform certain functions, such as needs assessment and referrals to services, but it does not let you diagnose mental health conditions or provide counseling. The specific scope of practice varies by state.

LBSWs can work in any number of social work settings, typically under close supervision during their first few years on the job. They are not authorized to practice independently. They may work in schools, healthcare settings, geriatric facilities, the correctional system, nonprofit agencies, and government agencies.

Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW)

An LMSW must have an MSW degree and pass the ASWB masters examination . Most states require approximately 3,000-4,000 hours of clinical experience under the supervision of an LCSW.

An LMSW has a wider scope of practice than an LBSW and may perform all levels of social work except for diagnosing and providing counseling for mental health conditions. They can conduct assessments and develop intervention plans. They can also act as case managers, advocate for clients and their communities, and provide resources and referrals.

Like other social workers, LMSWs can perform this work in many settings, including hospitals, schools, the correctional system, sheltered housing, and nonprofit or government agencies.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

An LCSW is the highest level of social work license. While the requirements vary by state, you must have an MSW or doctorate of social work (DSW), pass the ASWB clinical examination , and have approximately 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. State boards typically have additional requirements for continuing education.

As an LCSW, you are authorized to diagnose specific mental health conditions and provide counseling, but you are not authorized to prescribe medication. LCSWs typically work in settings where clients require counseling, such as the correctional system, palliative or hospice care, or substance misuse treatment. They may also run an independent practice.

License Reciprocity for Social Workers

Unlike some other licensed professions, social work does not have license reciprocity, in which a social license in one participating state is valid in another.

However, most states offer license by endorsement, meaning that they accept your current social worker license as evidence that you meet requirements. Check with the board for the state in which you wish to earn a license by endorsement for specifics.

Social worker organizations and other stakeholders are actively promoting an Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact that would allow license reciprocity among participating states. This map shows progress to date.

Renewing Social Work Licensure

Most states require social workers to complete continuing professional education to renew their licenses. You can earn credit hours by attending approved classes, conferences, or webinars. The number of required hours varies by state. Most states require renewal every other year.

Many employers cover the cost of attending continuing education that requires payment, but free or low-cost options may be available. Some employers also cover the cost of license renewal.

Social Work Licensing Resources

Association of Social Work Boards Examinations Page

The ASWB site provides information about social work license exams for potential social workers here.

Association of Social Work Boards Licensing and Regulations Page

The ASWB state board list links to detailed information about each state’s social work licensing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Licensure by State

How do i transfer my social work license to another state.

Most states have license by endorsement, meaning you do not have to apply from scratch. Instead, you show proof of your existing license and, depending on the state, document that you meet any additional criteria.

What is the highest level of social work license?

The highest social work license varies by state. In some states, this is the licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) license or the licensed advanced practice social worker (LAPSW). Requirements vary by state, and not all states offer these licenses. The diplomate in clinical social work (DCSW) is one of the highest national designations, but not a license.

What is the best social work license?

The best social work license depends on your professional goals and interests. Most social workers become LMSWs or LCSWs. An LCSW diagnoses mental health conditions and provides counseling, while LMSWs can provide all social work services except diagnosis and counseling.

What is the hardest state to become a licensed social worker?

California is considered one of the more difficult states to become a social worker because a master’s degree is the entry-level degree for a license. Michigan is another difficult state since it requires a minimum of 4,000 hours of supervised experience to become an LMSW or an LCSW.

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Social Work Licensure by State

Last Updated: April 2023

Social workers fulfill a key role in our society by providing aid and resources to people and communities.

To become a social worker you need a license, but licensure requirements vary by state. This guide breaks down social work licenses by state, including education, experience, and renewal requirements.

Social Work Licensure State-by-State Requirements

A | C | D | F | G | H | I | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V | W

Alabama Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Alabama State Board of Social Examiners

Types of Licenses: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

Education Requirements:

• LBSW: Bachelor of social work
• LMSW: Master of social work
• LICSW: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: To practice as a LBSW, candidates need at least four supervised hours per month for 24 months of supervision. To practice as an LICSW, candidates must complete at least 24 months of supervised practice in addition to four supervised hours per month. You must complete all of these requirements within 36 months.

Continuing Education Requirements: All licensed social workers must complete 30 continuing education hours every two years, including two hours relating to ethics. Additionally, LICSWs need three hours in clinical social work education and three hours in supervision education if they oversee other social workers’ supervision hours.

License Renewal Information: Alabama social workers must renew their licenses every two years. The application costs $100.

Alaska Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Alaska State Board of Social Work Examiners

Types of Licenses: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• LCSW: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: To qualify as a LCSW, candidates must complete 3,000 hours of clinical social work experience. This must be supervised by a licensed social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist. These candidates must also participate in 100 hours of direct supervision and a maximum 50 hours in group supervision.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers should enroll in 45 continuing education hours every two years. That includes at least:

• Three hours in professional ethics
• Six hours in substance abuse
• Six hours in cross-cultural education relating to Alaska Natives

License Renewal Information: Social workers must renew their license every two years. It costs:

• LBSW: $225 for licenses issued on or before June 30, 2021; $112.50 for licenses issued on or after July 1, 2021
• LMSW: $275 for licenses issued on or before June 30, 2021; $137.50 for licenses issued on or after July 1, 2021
• LCSW: $325 for licenses issued on or before June 30, 2021; $162.50 for licenses issued on or after July 1, 2021

Arizona Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners

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Supervised Experience Requirements: To qualify for an LCSW license, candidates must complete 3,200 hours of supervised postgraduate experience. No more than 1,600 of those hours should be through direct client contact, with a maximum of 400 hours in psychoeducation. Candidates must also complete at least 100 hours of clinical supervision as prescribed by board rule.

Continuing Education Requirements: All social workers must complete at least 30 continuing education hours to renew their license every two years. That includes at least three hours of behavioral health ethics/mental health law and three hours of cultural competency.

License Renewal Information: Social workers must pay $325 to renew their license.

Arkansas Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board

Types of Licenses: Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

• LSW: Bachelor of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: When working toward their LCSW qualification, social workers must complete at least 4,000 supervised hours over 24 months.

Continuing Education Requirements: Arkansas social workers must complete 30 continuing education credits every two years to renew their license.

License Renewal Information: The cost to renew a social work license in Arkansas comes to $80 every two years.

California Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Types of Licenses: Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• ASCW: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Individuals with an ACSW license need 3,000 total supervised hours over a minimum of 104 weeks to earn their LCSW license. This includes 2,000 hours of clinical and 1,000 of non-clinical work.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers must complete at least 36 hours of continuing education credits, including at least six hours in law and ethics. Before the first renewal cycle, social workers only need 18 hours of continuing education credits.

License Renewal Information: California requires social workers to pay $220 to renew their license.

Colorado Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners

Types of Licenses: Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Provisional Licensed Social Worker (SWP)

• LSW: Master of social work
• SWP: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Becoming a LCSW requires at least 3,360 hours of supervised work experience over 24 months. This includes at least 1,680 hours of professional work that involves treatment, diagnosis, testing, assessment, or counseling.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers need at least 40 professional development hours to renew their license in odd-numbered years.

License Renewal Information: Licensed social workers must pay $67 to renew their license.

Connecticut Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Connecticut State Department of Public Health

Types of Licenses: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: To become a licensed clinical social worker, candidates must carry out 3,000 hours of post-master’s social worker experience, including at least 100 hours of experience under professional supervision.

Continuing Education Requirements: Connecticut requires social workers to complete at least 15 hours of continuing education hours each year, including one hour of training on cultural competency.

License Renewal Information: Social workers must pay $195 as part of their renewal application fee.

Delaware Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners

Types of Licenses: Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: The state board requires social workers to complete at least 1,600 hours of work under professional supervision of a licensed social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist to qualify for LCSW licensure.

Continuing Education Requirements: Continuing education requirements vary for each license.

• LBSW: 20 hours
• LMSW: 30 hours
• LCSW: 40 hours
• At least six hours of professional ethics
• At least one hour in mandatory reporting
• No more than 10 hours from self-directed activity

License Renewal Information: All social workers must renew their licenses in January of odd-numbered years. The board notifies social workers of the renewal fee at the time of renewal.

Florida Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling

Types of Licenses: Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• CMSW: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Certified master social workers must complete three years of experience in social work, including two years of supervised work at the post-master’s level. To qualify for the LCSW license, candidates should engage in at least two years of supervised clinical experience. That includes at least 1,500 hours of psychotherapy face-to-face with clients, and one hour of supervision every two weeks.

Continuing education requirements: Florida social workers should enroll in 30 hours of continuing education to maintain their license. For licensed clinical social workers, this includes:

• Two hours of medical errors training
• Three hours on ethics and boundaries or telehealth
• Three hours on laws and rules
• Two hours on domestic violence
• Four hours on qualified supervisor training
• Three hours on ethics and boundaries

License Renewal Information: Licensed clinical social workers must pay $120 to renew their license, whereas certified master social workers owe $155.

Georgia Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists

Types of Licenses: Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Master’s social workers should carry out their first two years of practice under direction and supervision. For clinical social workers, the state requires them to work for a minimum of 3,000 hours in post-master’s supervised experience over the course of 3-9 years. The first 2,000 hours must be under supervision and direction in the practice of clinical social work.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers carry out 35 hours of continuing education credits every two years, including at least five relating to professional ethics.

License Renewal Information: It costs $110 to renew social work licenses in Georgia every two years.

Hawaii Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing Division

Types of Licenses: Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Social workers only need to complete supervised experience at the LCSW level. They must undertake at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work in an agency setting in 2-5 years. These hours should include:

• A minimum of 2,000 hours of assessment, clinical diagnosis and psychotherapy
• A maximum of 900 hours of client-centered advocacy, consultation, and evaluation
• A minimum of 100 hours of direct face-to-face supervision

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers at all three levels must complete 45 continuing education hours, including three hours of ethics courses.

License Renewal Information: Social workers must renew their license every three years. The cost to renew depends on the type of license.

Idaho Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners

Types of Licenses: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: In general, social workers must complete at least 100 supervised hours of face-to-face contact with the supervisor. For social workers who wish to pursue licensure as independent practitioners, they must complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience in 2-5 years.

Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years, social workers should enroll in 20 continuing education hours, including one hour of ethics education.

License Renewal Information: Licensed clinical social workers must pay $90 to renew; all other social workers owe $80 to renew.

Illinois Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Types of Licenses: Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: For the LCSW qualification, candidates with master’s degrees must complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Those with a doctorate in social work only need to undertake 2,000 hours of supervised work.

Continuing Education Requirements: All social workers must take on 30 hours of continuing education every two years. This should include three hours related to ethical practice and three hours covering cultural competence.

License Renewal Information: Social workers in Illinois must renew their license every two years. The cost to renew is $60.

Indiana Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board

Types of Licenses: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Individuals who wish to earn the LCSW credential must undergo two years of full-time supervised clinical social work after earning their master’s degree, which amounts to 3,000 hours in total. Additionally, candidates should show proof they completed at least four hours of face-to-face supervision each month.

Continuing Education Requirements: In Indiana, one renewal cycle lasts two years. Social workers must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education credits for each renewal cycle, or 20 credits each year. This should include 20 hours of Category 1 training — workshops, seminars courses —each renewal cycle. Professionals must also complete two hours of ethics per renewal cycle.

License Renewal Information: The fee to renew a professional social work license every two years in Indiana is $50.

Iowa Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Iowa Board of Social Work

Types of Licenses: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

• LISW: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Social workers pursuing the LISW qualification must complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, including 1,500 hours of direct client contact. They should also take into account at least 110 hours of direct supervision, including at least 24 hours of direct observation of client interaction.

Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years, social workers in Iowa must complete 27 hours of continuing education credits to maintain their licensure.

License Renewal Information: Fees vary for each level of social worker:

Kansas Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Kansas Behavioral Science Regulatory Board

Types of Licenses: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW)

• LSCSW: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: LSCSW candidates must have completed at least two years of postgraduate supervised professional experience totalling 3,000 hours. That includes 1,500 hours of direct client contact conducting psychotherapy to clients, in addition to at least 100 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers at every level in Kansas must participate in 40 hours of continuing education during each renewal period. In addition:

• LMSWs and LSCSWs must include at least six hours on the assessment and treatment of mental disorders
• All new social workers must complete at least six hours of training in safety awareness for their first renewal cycle

License Renewal Information: All social workers pay a maximum of $150 to renew their license.

Kentucky Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Kentucky Board of Social Work

Types of Licenses: Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Certified Social Worker (CSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• CSW: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Social workers pursuing LCSW licensure should undertake supervised clinical experience. They can do so full time, participating in at least two years of experience at least 30 hours per week. Or they can complete these requirements part-time over three years, engaging in 20 hours per week.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers in Kentucky renew their license every three years. Licensed social workers must complete 15 continuing education hours during the renewal period. Certified social workers and licensed clinical social workers must take on at least 30 hours of continuing education during that three-year period.Additionally, licensed clinical social workers who supervise others should complete a three-hour clinical social work supervision course. Every six years, all social workers must enroll in at least six hours of continuing education in a training program in suicide assessment, treatment, and management.

License Renewal Information: The fees for renewal vary, depending on the type of license:

Louisiana Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners

Types of Licenses: Registered Social Worker (RSW); Certified Social Worker (CSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• RSW: Bachelor of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: To obtain the LCSW qualification, social workers should complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate social work supervised experience, including 96 face-to-face supervision hours.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers in Louisiana should participate in 20 hours of continuing education each year. Specific requirements include:

• Three hours in the area of social work ethics every two years, for all social workers
• 10 hours in the area of clinical social work for LCSWs
• Three hours in the area of clinical supervision for LCSWs who supervise others

License Renewal Information: The fees for renewing social work licensure vary:

Maine Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure

Types of Licenses: Conditional Licensed Social Worker (LSW-C); Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Master Social Worker – Clinical Conditional (LMSW – CC); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• LSW-C: Bachelor of social work
• LMSW-CC: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: To qualify for a LCSW credential, candidates can fulfill two options for supervised work:

• Candidates with a graduate degree in a clinical concentration must complete two years of social work experience with 96 hours of consultation in a clinical setting
• Candidates with a graduate degree with a non-clinical consultation should have completed four years of social work experience with 192 hours of consultation in a clinical setting

Continuing Education Requirement: All social workers should take part in 25 continuing education hours for renewal every two years. Those with the LSW-C qualification should participate in at least six hours of social work ethics and at least six relating to psychosocial assessment. All other social workers must complete at least four hours of social work ethics education.

License Renewal Information: License renewal fees cost $70 in Maine.

Maryland Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners

Types of Licenses: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (LCSW-C)

• LCSW-C: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: The board requires individuals pursuing a LCSW qualification to engage in two years, or at least 3,000 hours, of supervised social work experience. They must complete this in 2-6 years. For the LCSW-C qualification, at least 1,500 of those hours should occur with face-to-face contact. Candidates should also participate in 100 hours of direct supervision.

Continuing Education Requirements: Most social workers must complete 40 continuing education credits every two years; LBSWs need only 30 credits. All social workers in Maryland should enroll in at least three credits of ethics-related continuing education.

License Renewal Information: Fees for renewal of social work licensure are:

• LCSW-C: $275

Massachusetts Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers

Types of Licenses: Licensed Social Worker Associate (LSWA); Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

• LSWA: An associate degree — or at least 60 credits of college education —in the fields of social work, psychology, or counseling; a bachelor’s degree in any field; at least 1,000 hours of education in social work theory and methods in courses and programs approved by the board

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Licensed social workers should participate in at least 3500 hours of work supervised experience for at least two years. Candidates for the LICSW qualification must engage in 3500 hours of clinical social work services for at least two years after being licensed as a LCSW.

Continuing Education Requirements: The board sets different continuing education hours for each qualification, which social workers must complete every two years:

• LSWA: 10 continuing education hours
• LSW: 15 hours
• LCSW: 20 hours
• LICSW: 30 hours

License Renewal Information: The fees for license renewal in Massachusetts vary:

Michigan Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Michigan Board of Social Workers

Types of Licenses: Registered Social Service Technician (RSST); Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)

• RSST: Associate degree in social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Both LBSW and LMSW candidates must complete 4,000 hours of supervised experience after completing their degrees.

Continuing Education Requirements: LBSWs and LMSWs should participate in 45 hours of continuing education every three years to renew their license. This includes five hours of ethics-related courses and two hours of courses relating to pain management.

License Renewal Information: Social workers across all levels must pay $81 to renew their license in Michigan.

Minnesota Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Minnesota Board of Social Work

Types of Licenses: Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW); Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW); Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

• LGSW: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Most social workers must participate in supervised practice.

• For LSWs and LGSWs in non-clinical practice, this involves a one-time requirement of 100 hours of supervision for the first 4,000 hours of practice
• For LGSWs and LISWs, supervised practice is required until they earn the LICSW qualification. This includes 200 hours of supervision over 4,000 to 8,000 hours of practice. Out of those hours, at least 1,800 must be direct clinical client contact.
• LISWs in non-clinical practice and LICSWs do not need to undertake supervised practice.

Continuing Education Requirements: All licensed social workers should complete 40 continuing education hours, with the following specifications:

• Two hours in social work ethics
• Four hours in cultural responsiveness
• 12 hours in clinical content for LICSWs
• Six hours of supervision content for licensing supervisors

License Renewal Information: Social workers in Minnesota need to renew their license every two years. The fees for renewal depend on the type of license:

• LICSW: $325

Mississippi Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Social workers pursuing the LCSW qualification should engage in two years of supervised practice. They must participate in at least 1,000 hours in direct client contact, completing the whole process in 2-3 years.

Continuing Education Requirements: All social workers must enroll in 40 hours of continuing education. Specifications include:

• Four ethics hours
• Two cultural diversity hours
• One mandated reporting hour

License Renewal Information: LSWs must pay $75 to renew their license. LMSWs and LCSWs should pay $110 to renew.

Missouri Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Missouri Division of Professional Registration Committee for Social Workers

Types of Licenses: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker (LAMSW)

• LAMSW: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: LCSW and LAMSW candidates must dedicate 3,000 hours to supervised experience in 24-48 months.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers of all qualifications in Missouri should engage in 30 continuing education hours. That includes three hours of ethics, two hours of suicide prevention, and three hours related to diversity and inclusion.

License Renewal Information: All social workers must pay $65 to renew their license every two years.

Montana Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Montana Board of Behavioral Health

Types of Licenses: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Education Requirements: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Candidates need 3,000 hours of supervised experience in 24 months after graduating. At least half of those hours should have included direct client contact.

Continuing Education Requirements: LCSWs in Montana should complete 20 hours of continuing education credit annually to renew their license. At least two of these hours should relate to suicide prevention.

License Renewal Information: Licensed clinical social workers owe $149 at the time of renewal.

Nebraska Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Types of Licenses: Certified Social Worker (CSW); Certified Master Social Worker (CSMW); Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP); Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP)

• CSW: Bachelor of social work
• CSMW: Master of social work
• LMHP: Master of social work
• LIMHP: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: To use the title of licensed clinical social worker in Nebraska, individuals need to hold both an LMHP and CSMW license. Both qualifications involved supervised work experience.CMSW candidates must carry out 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience under a provisional certificate. To qualify for the LMHP and LIMHP credentials, candidates should also fulfill 3,000 hours of supervised mental health supervised experience.

Continuing Education Requirements: The renewal period for licensure in Nebraska lasts two years. During this time, licensees and certificate holders need 32 hours of continuing education, including four hours relating to ethics. LIMHPs should also enroll in at least six hours relating to diagnosis and treatment of major mental disorders.

License Renewal Information: The cost to renew a license depends on the type of credential:

• CSMW without LMHP or LIMPH: $125
• CMSW with LMHP or LIMPH: $50

Nevada Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers

Types of Licenses: Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: To qualify for both LISW and LCSW licensure, candidates must participate in 3,000 hours of supervised work after obtaining their graduate degree. They can gain this experience through an internship, to which they should dedicate at least two years.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers in Nevada must fulfill their continuing education requirements every two years.

• LSWs and LMSWs enroll in 30 hours of continuing education, including two hours of suicide prevention, two hours of cultural competency, and four hours relating to ethics
• LCSWs and LISWs complete 36 continuing education credits. That consists of two hours of suicide prevention, two hours of cultural competency, and four hours relating to ethics

License Renewal Information: Renewal costs vary, depending on the level of license:

• LSW and LMSW: $125
• LCSW and LISW: $187.50

New Hampshire Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice

Types of Licenses: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: These licensed social workers carry out 3,00 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience over the course of two years. They should also engage in 100 hours of supervision, or one hour per week of individual face-to-face sessions.

Continuing Education Requirements: To renew their license, social workers in New Hampshire must complete 40 hours of continuing education credit and 40 hours of collaboration.

License Renewal Information: LICSWs owe the board $298 to renew an active license every two years.

New Jersey Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners

Types of Licenses: Certified Social Worker (CSW); Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Aspiring clinical social workers in New Jersey must engage in 3,000 hours of direct supervision in 2-4 years after graduation. A minimum of 1,920 hours should involve face-to-face client contact, and half of those 1,920 hours must involve psychotherapeutic counseling.

Continuing Education Requirements: All New Jersey social workers complete continuing education hours every two years to renew their license. All social workers must enroll in five hours in ethics, three hours in social and cultural competence, and one hour in prescription opioid drugs. The total number of hours varies for each type of social worker:

• CSW: 20 hours
• LSW: 30 hours
• LCSW: 40 hours, including 20 credits directly related to clinical practice

License Renewal Information: Renewal fees have been waived for the 2023 fiscal year. However, normally these fees are:

New Mexico Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners

Types of Licenses: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

• BSW: Bachelor of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: To become a licensed independent social worker, candidates need at least 3,600 hours of supervised work experience and 90 hours of supervision completed in 2-5 years after graduating with a master’s degree. Candidates must document one hour of supervision for every 40 hours worked.

Continuing Education Requirements: All social workers must enroll in 30 continuing education hours. At least six of these hours should relate to cultural awareness.

License Renewal Information: Renewal fees depend on licensure level:

New York Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: New York State Office of the Professions

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Those aiming to pursue LCSW licensure must have at least three years of full-time supervised post-master’s clinical social work experience. For those working part time, the supervised experience should not exceed six years.

Continuing Education Requirements: Both LCSWs and LMSWs must enroll in at least 36 hours of continuing education credit every three years to renew their credentials.

License Renewal Information: The license renewal process for New York social workers costs $179.

North Carolina Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board

Types of Licenses: Certified Social Worker (CSW); Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Certified Social Work Manager (CSWM)

• CSWM: Bachelor or master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Individuals working toward their LCSW qualification must engage in at least two years of post-graduation clinical work and a minimum of 100 supervision hours. Candidates should carry out at least one hour of supervision for every 30 hours of practice; they can complete up to 25 of these hours in a group setting.CSWM candidates should participate in at least 100 hours of supervision regularly, which includes up to 50 hours of group supervision.

Continuing Education Requirements: All social workers must complete continuing education to renew their license every two years. Specifically, they need 40 hours of credit, including four hours in ethics.

License Renewal Information: Fees for renewal vary, depending on the level of licensure:

North Dakota Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Aspiring clinical social workers in North Dakota should have 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work practice. They should complete these hours in a maximum of four years after graduating with a master’s degree.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers in South Dakota need at least 30 credits of continuing education every two years to keep their license active, including at least two credits in ethics.

License Renewal Information: All licensed social workers must pay $75 to renew their license.

Ohio Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board

Types of Licenses: Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW); Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision (LISW-S)

• LISW-S: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: To earn designation as a LISW, candidates must complete two full years and 3,000 hours of supervised work experience. Aspiring LISWs must complete one hour of individual or group supervision for every 20 hours of supervised work or 150 hours of supervision total.

Continuing Education Requirements: All licensed social workers should accrue 30 hours of continuing education every two years. That requirement includes three hours relating to social work ethics.

License Renewal Information: Renewal for LSWs costs $83.50; renewal for LISWs costs $103.50.

Oklahoma Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers

Types of Licenses: Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA); Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Social Worker with Administrative Specialty (LSW-ADM); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• LSWA: Bachelor of social work
• LSW-ADM: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Individuals who pursue qualifications as an LSW or LCSW must take part in supervised work experience. This process involves 4,000 hours of supervised experience and 100 hours of direct supervision. LCSWs should also have at least 3,000 hours of direct contact with clients as part of their supervised work.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers enroll in at least 16 hours of continuing education each two-year renewal period to maintain their license.

License Renewal Information: Licensees pay $100 every 24 months to renew their social work credentials.

Oregon Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers

Types of Licenses: Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW); Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• RBSW: Bachelor of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: The LCSW designation in Oregon requires candidates to complete 3,500 hours of supervised postgraduate experience, including 2,000 hours directly working with clients. LCSW candidates should also participate in 100 hours of supervision, with up to 50 hours of group supervision. Candidates must complete these requirements in two years.

Continuing Education Requirements: All social workers must enroll in continuing education every two years to maintain their license. The specifications, however, vary:

• RBSW: 20 continuing education credits in total, including three ethics credits, three cultural competency credits, and two credits covering suicide risk, assessment, treatment and management
• LMSW: 30 continuing education credits in total, including four ethics credits, four cultural competency credits, and two credits covering suicide risk, assessment, treatment and management
• LCSW: 40 continuing education credits in total, including six ethics credits, six cultural competency credits, and two credits covering suicide risk, assessment, treatment and management

License Renewal Information: Fees for renewal depend on many factors, including whether a licensee has an active, semi-retired, or inactive status. For social workers who hold active licensure, the fees for renewal cost:

Pennsylvania Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Social workers aiming for their LCSW credential must complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience. Additionally, they should complete at least two hours of supervision for every 40 hours of supervised work experience. They can complete up to half of the required supervision hours in a group setting.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers at every level in Pennsylvania must complete 30 clock hours of continuing education every 24 months. This should consist of at least three hours related to ethical issues and two hours covering child abuse recognition and reporting.

License Renewal Information: The renewal fee for all social workers in Pennsylvania, regardless of license, costs $95.

Rhode Island Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Rhode Island Board of Social Work Examiners

Types of Licenses: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Independent Social Worker (LICSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: LICSW candidates must engage in 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised practice, including 1,500 hours of direct clinical work with clients. These candidates should also participate in at least one hour of supervision for every 20 hours of client contact. To qualify for LICSW licensure, candidates should complete this process in 2-6 years.

Continuing Education Requirements: In Rhode Island, licensed social workers should take 30 continuing education credit hours every two years to maintain their license. At least three of these hours should pertain to ethics and three should relate to cross-cultural practice.

License Renewal Information: The fee to renew a social work license costs $70.

South Carolina Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners

Types of Licenses: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Independent Social Worker – Clinical Practice (LISW-CP); Licensed Independent Social Worker – Advanced Practice (LISW-AP)

• LISW-CP: Master of social work
• LISW-AP: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: To apply for LISW licensure, candidates should complete 3,000 hours of practice under clinical supervision within 2-4 years of graduation. They should also participate in at least 100 hours of direct clinical supervision.

Continuing Education Requirements: All licensed social workers in South Carolina must enroll in 40 continuing education hours every two years to maintain licensure.

License Renewal Information: The renewal fee for all active licensure costs $90 for all social workers in South Carolina.

South Dakota Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners

Types of Licenses: Social Work Associate (SWA); Social Worker (SW); Certified Social Worker (CSW); Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice (CSW-PIP)

• SWA: Bachelor of social work
• SW: Bachelor of social work
• CSW-PIP: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Social workers must complete either two years of full-time or four-years of part-time supervised experience to qualify for the CSW-PIP license. During that time, they should also engage in four contact hours of direct supervision each month.

Continuing Education Requirements: All licensed social workers in South Dakota should complete 30 continuing education hours over the two-year renewal period.

License Renewal Information: The cost for renewal depends on the level of licensure:

• CSW-PIP: $210

Tennessee Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Tennessee Board of Social Workers

Types of Licenses: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Advanced Practitioner Social Worker (LAPSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• LAPSW: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Both LAPSW and LCSW candidates must complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience within 2-8 years. They should participate in 100 hours of direct supervisor contact, with one supervision hour to every 30 practical work experience hours. Candidates can participate in a maximum of 40 hours of group supervision.

Continuing Education Requirements: Tennessee sets specific continuing education requirements for each licensure level every calendar year:

• LBSW: Nine continuing education hours, including three in professional ethics and four in social work
• LMSW: 12 continuing education hours, including three in professional ethics and seven in social work
• LAPSW and LCSW: 15 continuing education hours, including three in professional ethics and 10 in social work

License Renewal Information: The biennial cost to renew social work fees depends on the type of license:

• LMSW, LAPSW, and LCSW: $95

Texas Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners

Types of Licenses: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Master Social Worker – Advanced Practitioner (LMSW-AP); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Independent Practice Recognition (IPR)

• LMSW-AP: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Individuals pursuing either the LMSW-AP or LCSW credentials must gain supervised work experience to qualify for licensure. They should complete 3,000 of supervised work and 100 hours of direct supervision over 24-40 months.

Continuing Education Requirements: Licensed social workers in Texas should complete at least 30 hours of continuing education credits every two years. Those hours should include six hours in professional ethics and three hours in cultural diversity and competency.

License Renewal Information: The fee for renewal varies:

• LBSW and LMSW: $141
• LMSW-AP and LCSW: $163

Utah Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Utah Division of Professional Licensing

Types of Licenses: Social Service Worker (SSW); Certified Social Worker (CSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• SSW: Bachelor of social work, or a bachelor’s degree in another area

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Supervised Experience Requirements: For individuals with a bachelor’s degree not related to social work, the board requires 2,000 hours of supervised social work experience. LCSW candidates should also complete 4,000 hours of supervised clinical social work. At least 1,000 of those hours should relate to mental health therapy.

Continuing Education Requirements: The licensure renewal period lasts two years. During this time, social workers must complete continuing education hours. The specific requirements depend on the level of licensure:

• SSW/CSW: 20 hours, including six hours in professional ethics, law, or technology, and two hours in suicide prevention
• LCSW: 40 hours, including six hours of professional ethics, law, or technology, and two hours in suicide prevention

License Renewal Information: Social workers need to pay a fee to renew their license every two years:

• CSW/LCSW: $93

Vermont Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation

Types of Licenses: Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: For social workers to qualify as LICSWs in Vermont, candidates should complete 3,000 hours of supervised practice, including 2,000 direct service hours in psychotherapy. Candidates must also participate in at least one hour of face-to-face supervision for every 30 hours of supervised practice.

Continuing Education Requirements: The license renewal period for social workers in Vermont lasts two years. During this time, LMSWs need 10 hours and LICSWs need 20 hours for their continuing education requirements. For both licenses, at least 1.5 hours should relate to ethics of social work practice.

License Renewal Information: Social workers in Vermont must pay $150 every two years to renew their license.

Virginia Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Virginia Board of Social Work

Types of Licenses: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW); Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: LCSWs must complete 3,000 hours of post-master’s degree work experience, including 1,380 hours of face-to-face clinical contact with clients. They should also meet with their supervisors 1-4 per week for a total of 100 hours. The state requires LCSW candidates to complete these obligations in 2-4 years.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers in Virginia must renew their qualifications every two years to maintain licensure. The renewal process involves enrolling in the following continuing education credits:

• LBSW/LMSW: 15 hours, with at least three hours pertaining to ethics and standards of practice
• LCSW: 30 hours, with at least six hours pertaining to ethics and standards of practice

License Renewal Information: Fees for renewal differ, depending on the license:

Washington Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Washington State Department of Health

Types of Licenses: Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW); Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

• LASW: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Washington state requires both LASWs and LAWs to complete supervised experience for full licensure.

• Licensed advanced social workers should complete at least 3,200 hours of surprised work experience, including 800 hours of direct client contact. They should also fulfill 90 hours of direct supervision, including 50 hours with a licensed social worker and 40 hours with a licensed mental health practitioner.
• Independent clinical social workers must complete 4,000 hours of supervised work experience over at least three years. This must include 1,000 hours of direct client contact and 130 hours of direct supervision with a LICSW and a licensed mental health practitioner.

Continuing Education Requirements: Each year social workers in Washington must complete 18 hours of continuing education. These 18 hours should include six hours of suicide assessment and treatment and six hours of professional ethics and law.

License Renewal Information: All social workers in Washington must pay $116 to renew their license every year.

West Virginia Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: West Virginia Board of Social Work

Types of Licenses: Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW); Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Only LAWs in West Virginia must complete supervised work experience to gain full licensure. Requirements include 3,000 hours of supervised practice and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. Candidates can complete up to half of these direct supervision hours in a group setting.

Continuing Education Requirements: All social workers must engage in 30 continuing education hours during each two-year license renewal period. At least two of these hours should pertain to mental health conditions of veterans and their families.

License Renewal Information: For all licensees, the fee to renew their state credentials every two years costs $76.

Wisconsin Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

Types of Licenses: Certified Social Worker (CSW); Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW); Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• CAPSW: Master of social work
• CISW: Master of social work

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Supervised Experience Requirements: Aspiring LCSWs must fulfill 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience, including 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact. CISWs must also complete 3,000 hours of supervised social work practice to qualify for licensure.

Continuing Education Requirements: Social workers at all levels should engage in at least 30 hours of continuing education every two years. At least four of these hours should relate to ethics and professional boundaries.

License Renewal Information: All social workers in Wisconsin must pay $60 to renew their license.

Wyoming Social Work License Requirements

State Licensing Board: Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board

Types of Licenses: Certified Social Worker (CSW); Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

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Supervised Experience Requirements: To qualify for the LCSW credential, candidates need 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and at least 100 hours of face-to-face individual clinical supervision. Within the 3,000 hours of supervised work experience, LCSW candidates should complete 1,200 direct client contact hours. The board requires that candidates complete these requirements in 18-36 months.

Continuing Education Requirements: All social workers should enroll in at least 45 continuing education credits during the two-year renewal period. The board also requires that these hours include:

• Three hours related to professional ethics
• Three hours related to suicide assessment and intervention

License Renewal Information: In Wyoming, certified social workers must pay $100 to renew their license without a background check. LCSWs must pay $125 to renew.

Types of Social Work Licenses

You can obtain several social worker licenses . Licensed social worker definitions and requirements also vary by state. Which one you pursue depends on yourdepends on your location, degree, and career trajectory.

Each social work license qualifies you for different jobs within the field. For example, a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed master social worker have different career options — LCSWs can run a private practice and diagnose mental health conditions while LMSWs cannot.

Licensed Baccalaureate of Social Work (LBSW)

A licensed baccalaureate of social work certification is the first step toward becoming a practicing social worker. LBSWs work in supervised clinical and nonclinical settings but cannot provide clinical services.

To get an LBSW, you must earn a bachelor’s social work degree from an accredited program, pass the ASWB exam, and fulfill your state’s requirements. All states require supervised practice prior to earning an LBSW, typically between 2,000-4,000 hours.

Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW)

Earning your MSW license allows you to practice as a non-clinical social worker. LMSW allows you to become a social worker in most states, and it’s often a step toward clinical practice. LMSWs may provide case management in social service agencies or work in policy or community development.

Getting an LMSW license requires up to 4,000 hours of generalized social work practice following graduation from an accredited master’s social work program. Candidates must apply for licensure in their state and meet all state requirements, including passing the ASWB exam.

Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)

The LGSW license allows master’s or doctoral graduates to practice social work in a couple of states. Licensed graduate social workers can provide clinical social work services but only under supervision of a clinical social worker.

LGSWs may choose to teach social work education at both the community college level. For some professionals, this license can help prepare them for jobs as independent clinical social workers later in their careers. To become LGSWs, candidates need an accredited graduate degree in social work and pass the ASWB master’s exam.

Licensed Master Social Worker – Advanced Generalist (LMSW – AG)

The LMSW – AG license is the most highly regarded nonclinical license. It demonstrates advanced experience in nonclinical, macro social work. These licensed social workers have completed two years of non-clinical supervised practice in addition to the hours earned in the LMSW.

The LMSW – AG is a terminal license for nonclinical social workers. Advanced Generalists apply social work processes to improve community health through interventions, policy development, and research. Earning the LMSW – AG requires passing the ASWB exam for generalists. Many states have more stringent guidelines for the license, including additional practice hours and exams. Candidates must be graduates from an accredited master’s program.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

LCSW is the terminal license for clinical social workers. Licensed clinical social workers provide clinical assessments, treatment, and interventions. LCSWs frequently maintain a private practice where they diagnose mental health conditions and provide psychotherapy. They also work in treatment centers, group homes, or government agencies. It is the only license in most states that allows social workers to provide clinical services.

The LCSW license requires 4,000 hours of supervised clinical practice. LCSWs must possess a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited program, pass the ASWB clinical exam, and meet continuing education requirements in their state.

Social Work License Reciprocity

Professional license reciprocity allows you to transfer your license to another state. There is no nationally recognized system of social work license reciprocity, but most states provide reciprocity if all social work requirements are met. Generally, licensed social workers do not need to repeat requirements to transfer their license. Most states accept original ASWB exam scores. Social workers may need to provide evidence of supervised professional experience, so it is important to maintain thorough records.

Social work licenses vary by state, so you may not be able to directly transfer your title. If there are differences between the state licensure requirements and your experience, the licensing board requires you to complete those requirements before granting licensure. You may need to take specific courses in ethics or state law and provide a letter of recommendation from your previous licensing board. You also need to fulfill state insurance requirements.

Take the next step toward your future in social work.

Explore schools offering programs and courses tailored to your interests, and start your learning journey today.

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How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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Home / Social Work Careers / How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Licensed clinical social workers make up the largest group of mental healthcare providers in the country, according to the  American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work . Using personalized treatment plans and prevention strategies, licensed clinical social workers help their clients — young and old — to cope with hardships that stem from or affect their mental and emotional health. Empathy, dependability, communication, cultural awareness and critical thinking can be powerful tools in this field of work. If you have any one of these traits and enjoy working with people, a career in clinical social work could be a good fit for you.

Simmons University

Simmons school of social work (ssw).

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months . GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

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Here is an overview of the steps you can to take to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW):

Steps to Become a LCSW

1. earn a bachelor’s degree.

While there are some social work jobs open to candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, a  bachelor’s in social work  (BSW) is the minimum educational requirement for many positions.  BSW program  graduates can go on to work as community organizers, case managers, probation officers, and more. The four-year degree program which combines coursework and fieldwork provides students with an understanding of social work values, ethics and policies.  But if you’re aiming for clinical social worker licensure, a BSW isn’t necessarily required. You will however be required to obtain at least a master’s in the field.

2. Earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)

Like  BSW programs , CSWE-accredited  master’s in social work (MSW) programs  include a number of required core courses. Once those core courses are completed, students have the opportunity to select courses that focus on a specialty area of their choosing. If you want to work as a LCSW, some MSW specialization tracks you can consider are behavioral health, mental health and substance abuse, and the obvious, clinical social work. MSW programs can also prepare students to work in management positions within the field.

You can pursue a  master’s in social work (MSW) program online  or on-campus. There are also  online LCSW programs  to consider. Some universities offer hybrid versions of the degree as well. It all depends on your personal commitments and learning style.

When looking for the best MSW program for you, carefully review admissions requirements as well as course offerings and descriptions. Making sure your program is accredited by the  Council on Social Work Education  (CSWE) should also be on your checklist.

If you already have a bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, there are master’s programs designed for students just like you, that allow you to build on the knowledge and skills acquired during your undergraduate education. These programs are called  advanced standing MSW programs .

There are other advanced social work degrees available to professionals in the field such as a  Ph.D. in social work  and a  Doctor of Social Work , but neither of these degrees are required for clinical social work licensure. They involve heavy research and prepare graduates to work in leadership roles.

3. Complete Additional Supervised Clinical Experience Hours

All future LCSWs must complete additional hours of post-MSW clinical hours to meet licensure requirements in their state. Experiences may vary by state, but typically include diagnoses, assessments and treatments, face-to-face individual and group therapy, client advocacy, consultation, evaluation and research. Be sure to check with your intended to practice state’s social work licensure requirements.

4. Obtain Social Work Licensure in Your State

After earning a master’s degree in social work, passing the applicable  social work exam from the Association of Social Work Board  (ASWB), and meeting any additional state requirements for social work licensure, graduates are then able to obtain a LCSW license in their state. Licensure for LCSWs typically requires two years of supervised experience after earning your master’s. Depending on your state,  a clinical exam may be required  as well.

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

University of Denver

Master of social work (msw).

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Fordham University

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

•  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
• There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
• Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Howard University

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Case Western Reserve University

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

• CSWE-accredited
• No GRE requirement
• Complete in as few as one and a half years

Should I Become a LCSW?

The LCSW profession can be a demanding one. But it can also be rewarding. The role of a  social worker  is crucial in many facets of our society today. Whether you end up working in a hospital, mental health clinic, community center, private practice, or prison, your daily efforts ultimately help to improve the overall quality of life for members of your community.

Your duties will likely vary depending on the setting in which you are practicing and the individual or group you are working with. But if you enjoy flexibility in the workplace, that may not come as a huge challenge to you. One day you might find yourself in meetings advocating for improved services for vulnerable populations, and another day, you may be required to visit the home of a family.

Overall,  employment of social workers is projected to grow 9%  from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  As demand for healthcare increases during this time period, the demand for social work services will also increase, but by specialization.

Certification

As previously mentioned, becoming a clinical social worker requires licensure from your state licensing board. The  Association of Social Work Boards  allows the public to access information in regards to social work regulations and license information. You’ll also be able to find specific information for licensing in your very own state on their website. Familiarizing yourself with your state’s license requirements is crucial as every state’s requirements differ. The National Association of Social Workers also provides credentials and certifications for professionals in this field.  Learn more about what they offer on their website.

Below are some commonly asked questions about the field of clinical social work:

LCSW stands for licensed clinical social worker. They are social workers who have gone on to obtain their master’s in social work (MSW) and complete the requirements in their state to obtain their professional license. By obtaining their MSW and license, they can work in a variety of environments, explore different specializations, and even  open up their own private practice .

A licensed clinical social worker  provides treatment to clients with mental and emotional issues  that are affecting their daily lives. They work with their clients to listen to their needs and provide the support and resources needed to cope with those issues. LCSWs also have the ability to diagnose and treat the issues of their clients, although this may vary by state. This can be in the form of providing therapy, providing referrals, and working with other professionals like doctors to come up with an effective treatment plan for their client.

LCSWs can work in an array of settings. Some work in offices for research purposes, and others may visit their clients in schools, their home, community centers, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and more. The work environment of an LCSW differs depending on their area of specialization.

There are other online resources to help you figure out how to become a licensed clinical social worker in your state. One of those resources provides information on how to  become a LCSW in your state  which allows you to select your state and review education requirements and LCSW exam requirements (if applicable).

Unlike a doctor, an LCSW cannot prescribe medication. LCSWs have the ability to provide psychotherapy to their clients, however, their training focuses on connecting their clients with the skills and resources needed to meet their needs. LCSWs can easily collaborate with doctors and psychiatrists to develop comprehensive treatment plans for clients. In those cases, doctors or psychiatrists may be responsible for prescribing medication. While those in the field of psychiatry can go on to medical school and earn their Doctor of Medicine, the master’s in social work (MSW) is the highest level of education that LCSWs obtain. But depending on an LCSW’s career goals, they may decide to complete a  DSW program  down the line.

As of May 2021, the  median annual wage for social workers was $50,390 , according to the BLS. The salary of an LCSW varies based on factors such as their employer, specialty, and the amount of time they work. Many social workers tend to work full-time, but some may be on call.

Department Website

Students must complete the Oakland University General Education Requirements, General College of Arts and Sciences Requirements , College of Arts and Sciences College Exploratory Requirement , Major Requirements, and an appropriate number of free elective classes to meet the overall credit requirement for the degree (in most cases a minimum of 124; some degrees may require a greater number).

As a general rule, no more than eight credits of coursework used to satisfy one major, minor or concentration may be applied toward another, but exceptions to this rule may be allowed with the written approval of the program coordinators.

Schedule of Classes

Specific offerings for each semester may be found in the Schedule of Classes .

General Education Requirements

In order to graduate on-schedule without taking additional courses, it is highly recommended that students meet with an Undergraduate Academic Adviser concerning the selection of all of their general education courses.

Each candidate for an Oakland University baccalaureate will need to satisfactorily complete approved courses in each of the following areas: Foundation, Exploration, Integration, Writing, U.S. Diversity and Capstone. For details, refer to the General Education Requirements  section of the catalog.

Requirements for the major in social work, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program

Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work degree program is based on the following criteria: a minimum overall GPA of 2.80 and completion of all program prerequisite courses: SOC 1000   / SOC 1010   ,  PSY 1000   , PS 1100   , BIO 1002   /  BIO 1200   , with a grade of C or higher; completion of  SW 2301    with a grade of B or higher; experience in the human services field (employment or volunteer work including work completed for SW 2301   ); two letters of reference and a personal written statement from students.

To earn a major in social work, students must complete a pre-core set of courses and a minimum of 48 credits in the core social work curriculum. To remain in good academic standing while in the program, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the combined major courses: SOC 2010   , SOC 2020   , SW 3101   ,  SW 3102   , SW 3201   ,  SW 3203   , SW 3302   / SOC 3302   , SW 4103   , SW 4203   , SW 4970   , SW 4971   , as well as an overall GPA of 2.80.

1. Required courses

• SOC 1000 - Introduction to Sociology (4) or SOC 1010  -  Introduction to Sociology through Health and Medicine (4)    
• SW 2301 - Introduction to Social Work (4)
• BIO 1002 - Human Biology (4) or Biology I (4)    
• PSY 1000 - Introduction to Psychology (4)
• PS 1100 - Introduction to American Politics (4)

2. Corequisites (may be taken concurrently with major coursework)

• AN 1111 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (4)

One sociology/criminal justice/social work elective selected from

• AN 3610 - Racial and Ethnic Relations (4)
• CRJ 1100 - Introduction to Criminal Justice (4)
• CRJ 3300 - Alcohol, Drugs and Society (4)
• SOC 3100 - Interpersonal Relationships (4)
• SOC 3110 - Human Sexuality (4)
• SOC 3210 - Sociological Perspectives on Aging (4)
• SOC 3223 - Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (4)
• SOC 3227 - Police and Society (4)
• SOC 3300 - Alcohol, Drugs and Society (4)
• SOC 3400 - Sociology of Family (4)
• SOC 3410 - Family and Community Processes (4)
• SOC 3420 - Sociology of Religion (4)
• SOC 3600 - Social Stratification (4)
• SOC 3610 - Racial and Ethnic Relations (4)
• SW 3112 - Substance Abuse Theory and Practice I (4)
• SW 3312 - Death and Dying (4)
• SW 3313 - Child Welfare (4)

Core - 48 credits

• SOC 2010 - Introduction to Methods of Social Research (4)
• SOC 2020 - Social Statistics with Computer Applications (4)
• SOC 3302 - Social Welfare Policies (4) or SW 3302  -  Social Welfare Policies (4)    

The following courses require formal acceptance into the social work program:

• SW 3101 - Human Behavior and Social Environment l (4)
• SW 3201 - Human Behavior and Social Environment ll (4)
• SW 3203 - Fundamentals of Social Work Practice (4)
• SW 3102 - Foundations for Multicultural Social Work (4)
• SW 4103 - Social Work Practice I (4)
• SW 4203 - Social Work Practice II (4)
• SW 4950 - Social Work Internship I (2)
• SW 4970 - Social Work Seminar I (4)
• SW 4951 - Social Work Internship II (2)
• SW 4971 - Social Work Seminar II (4)

Plus one diversity course selected from

• AN 3610 - Racial and Ethnic Relations (4) or SOC 3610  -  Racial and Ethnic Relations (4)    
• WGS 1000 - Introduction to Women and Gender Studies (4)
• WGS 3010 - Introduction to LGBTQ Studies (4)

BIO 1002   , BIO 1200   , PSY 1000    and PS 1100    may be used to fulfill general education requirements. Either AN 3610   , SOC 3610    or WGS 1000    may be used to fulfill the university’s U.S. diversity requirement and the social work diversity requirement.

Students using this catalog to meet social work requirements may also use any course subsequently approved as satisfying the sociology or criminal justice elective or the diversity elective and published in a later catalog.

• 336-625-1679
• 336-625-4246

Levels and Eligibility Requirements

Four levels of credentialing are available through the Board; three voluntary certifications for non-clinical social work practice (CSW, CMSW, CSWM), and one license (LCSW, LCSW-A) which is  required  for clinical social work practice in the state of North Carolina. Each credential may be issued for a period not to exceed 2 years but is renewable as described below. [ See the glossary at the end of the page for acronym definitions.]

The Social Worker Certification and Licensure Act is both a title protection and practice protection act, though practice protection is currently limited to  clinical social work  practice. Use of any of the Board’s designated credential titles without being properly credentialed through this Board is a violation of the Social Worker Certification and Licensure Act. The title, “social worker” or any variant thereof is also protected under this Act (with exemption for government employees using the State Personnel Social Work Series).

CREDENTIAL TYPES AND RELATED INFORMATION:

• LEVEL A – CERTIFIED SOCIAL WORKER   (CSW)

EDUCATION:    BSW from CSWE accredited undergraduate school.

EXAMINATION:    ASWB  Bachelor level   examination.

EXPERIENCE:    No prior experience required. APPLICATION FEE:    $145

BIENNIAL RENEWAL: $70 and documentation of 40 clock hours of CE (4 in ethics) every 2 years.

• LEVEL B – CERTIFIED MASTER SOCIAL WORKER   (CMSW)

EDUCATION:    MSW, DSW, or PhD in social work from CSWE accredited school. 

EXAMINATION:    ASWB  Master level  examination or ACSW examination.

BIENNIAL RENEWAL: $90 and documentation of 40 clock hours of CE (4 in ethics) every 2 years.

3a. LEVEL C – LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (LCSW)  – [ MANDATORY for clinical practice ]

EDUCATION:    MSW, DSW or PhD in social work from CSWE accredited school. 

EXAMINATION:    ASWB  Clinical level   exam.

EXPERIENCE:    Minimum of 3,000 hours of post MSW paid clinical employment appropriately supervised clinical practice)  accumulated in no less than two (2) years, nor more than six (6)   years.

SUPERVISION:    Minimum of 100 hours of supervision from a LCSW, MSW with an additional 2 years post LCSW clinical social work practice, on a regular basis: at least one (1) hour of supervision for every thirty (30) hours of clinical practice. A maximum of twenty-five (25) hours may be group supervision.

APPLICATION FEE:    $145

BIENNIAL RENEWAL: $150 and documentation of 40 clock hours (4 in ethics) every 2 years.

3b. LEVEL C – LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER ASSOCIATE (LCSWA) –  For social workers who have not satisfied the experience requirements for LCSW licensure.  [For more information, refer to the LCSW ASSOCIATE LICENSE tab.]

EDUCATION:    MSW, DSW, or PhD in social work from a CSWE accredited school.

EXAMINATION:    None required for initial licensure; however, LCSWA licensees must pass the ASWB Clinical level exam prior to issuance of the LCSW license. Once a LCSW Associate licensee has documented two years of clinical practice to the Board, the Board can grant examination eligibility.

EXPERIENCE:    While no experience is required to receive this license, Associate licensees working toward the LCSW requirements must document their supervision and practice to the Board every 6 months as required by regulation. Acceptable experience must be post MSW paid clinical employment.

BIENNIAL RENEWAL: $140 and documentation of 40 clock hours of CE (4 in ethics) every 2 years, but cannot exceed 6 years (2 renewal cycles).

• LEVEL H – CERTIFIED SOCIAL WORK MANAGER   (CSWM)

EDUCATION:    BSW, MSW, DSW, or PhD in Social Work from a CSWE accredited school. 

EXAMINATION:    ASWB  Advanced Generalist level   examination

EXPERIENCE:    Three thousand (3,000) hours of post degree paid employment accumulated in no less than two (2) years, no more than six (6) years.

SUPERVISION:    Minimum of 100 hours of supervision on a regular basis, by a Social Work Administrator certified by the Board on at least one level and who has a minimum of five years administration experience in a Social Work or Mental Health setting. A maximum of fifty (50) hours may be through group supervision.

NOTE :  Educational requirements are based on a social work degree from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Applicants whose social work degree was obtained outside of the United States or its territories must contact CSWE at 1725 Duke Street │Suite 500 │ Alexandria VA 22314-3457 or visit their website at  www.cswe.org  to determine educational equivalency.

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES AND TRAINING CREDIT:

Where applicable, military and veteran applicants may receive credit for experience obtained through their military occupational specialty (MOS, AOC, AFSC or Rating). Experience must be documented (DD Form 2586 and relevant Board verification forms) and determined as substantially equivalent to that required under the NC Administrative Code.

RECIPROCITY WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS:

The Board does not automatically grant licensure by reciprocity to individuals licensed, certified, or registered as a social worker in another jurisdiction; however, through the application process, substantial equivalency is assessed and certification or licensure may be granted. For  certification/licensure through substantial equivalency  at all levels, an applicant must be current and actively certified, registered or licensed  by examination  as a social worker, by a similar board of another country, state or territory whose certification, registration or licensing standards are substantially equivalent to those required in the North Carolina Social Worker Certification and Licensure Act. [N.C. Gen. Stat 90B].

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND:

The North Carolina General Statute 9OB-11(a) provides that: “The Board may, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, refuse to grant or renew, may suspend or may revoke the certification/licensure of any person certified/licensed under this Chapter on the following grounds:

• Conviction of a misdemeanor under this Chapter; or
• Conviction of a felony under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States; or
• Gross unprofessional conduct, dishonest practice, or incompetence in the practice of social work; or
• Procuring or attempting to procure a certificate or license by fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation; or
• Any fraudulent or dishonest conduct in social work; or
• Inability of the person to perform the functions for which he or she is certified or licensed, or substantial impairments of abilities by reason of physical or mental disability; or
• Violations of any of the provisions of this Chapter or Rules of the Board.

Applicants with prior criminal history should be prepared to submit with their application, a certified copy of court records related to any and all criminal history;  AND   a cover letter of explanation and impact of the/those events on the social worker both personally and professionally.

Glossary of Acronyms:

ACSW — Academy of Certified Social Workers (Obtained through the National Association of Social Workers) AFSC — Air Force Specialty Code

ASWB — Association of Social Work Boards

AOC — Area of Concentration-Officer

BSW — Bachelor of Social Work academic degree CE — Continuing Education (post degree)

CMSW — Certified Master Social Worker CSW — Certified Social Worker

CSWE — Council on Social Work Education CSWM — Certified Social Work Manager

DSW — Doctor of Social Work academic degree LCSWA — Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate LCSW — Licensed Clinical Social Worker

MOS — Military Occupational Specialty Training and Experience MSW — Master of Social Work academic degree

PhD — Doctor of Philosophy academic degree

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 1043 Asheboro, NC 27204

Physical Address

1207 S. Cox Street, Suite F Asheboro, NC 27203

Phone Numbers

Office: 336-625-1679 Fax: 336-625-4246 EMAIL US

This website is considered a primary source for North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB) data. Credentialing information is current (updated in real time) and is the same information the Board provides through other means, such as telephone, fax, mail, or email.

All information provided by the NCSWCLB on this web site is made available as a service to the public. While every attempt is made to ensure that the information contained herein is both accurate and current, the Board makes no guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy or reliability of the content of this website or the content of any other website to which it may link. It is the responsibility of the user to assess the accuracy and reliability of the information obtained from this website; and the Board assumes no responsibility for, nor shall the Board be liable for errors contained herein or for any damages resulting from the use of information obtained from this website.

If you believe that information obtained from this site is inaccurate or out-of-date, or you encounter technical problems when using or accessing this site, please notify the Board’s Administrative Office

Contact Information:

Physical address:.

1207 S. Cox Street, Suite F Asheboro, NC 27203 Phone: 336-625-1679 Fax: 336-625-4246

NCSWCLB Mailing Address:

Business hours:, monday – friday: 9am - 5pm.

Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed

The profession of social work is devoted to helping people function optimally in their environment by providing direct and indirect services to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Time and talents of social workers are also devoted to studying and helping to solve social problems in American society. Bachelor’s degree programs in social work prepare students for careers in public and private agencies such as child welfare agencies, housing agencies, rehabilitation agencies, the mental health field, and other helping fields. After completing your bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW), social workers are encouraged to take the state board test to be licensed (LBSW). After licensing, social workers are able to find employment in numerous agencies and with the state government.

Students should complete the Associate of Arts degree prior to transfer and should be aware that it may be necessary to take additional credit hours depending on the requirements of the intended transfer institution. Since admission to social work programs is competitive, completion of the recommended courses alone does not guarantee admission. These course recommendations are intended for students who are undecided about a transfer school. Students who have selected a transfer school should consult the catalog of that school and an academic advisor for requirements appropriate to the first two years of study.

Symbol(s) Translation:

(T►) - Kansas Regents System Wide Transfer Course  ($) - Special Funding Identifier 

PROGRAM MAP - Social Work (AA)    

Pathway Code: SOWO

Kansas general education core requirements (35 hours).

Successfully completing 35 hours of approved coursework in the following designated categories will fulfill the requirements of meeting the Kansas System-wide General Education Core.

Basic Skills - English, Communications and Math (12 hours)

Complete 6 credits of English, 3 credits of Communications and at least 3 credits of a College-level Math course that’s most appropriate for the transfer pathway.

• ENG2211 - Composition I (T►) 3 hour(s)
• ENG2212 - Composition II (T►) 3 hour(s)
• COM2711 - Public Speaking (T►) 3 hour(s) (or COM2725 - IPC)
• MTH4420 - College Algebra (T►) 3 hour(s) (or other approved Math course)

Natural and Physical Laboratory Sciences (5 hours)

Complete 5 credits of Lab Science coursework from approved  Lab Science Elective(s)    .

• BIO4111 - Principles of Biology (T►) 5 hour(s) (Recommended)

Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours)

Complete 6 credits from two different disciplines from approved  Social Science Elective(s)     . ( ANT, CRJ, ECO, GEG, MIN, POL, PSY, SOC). 

The following are the recommended electives for this pathway:

• PSY6711 - General Psychology (T►) 3 hour(s)
• SOC6811 - Principles of Sociology (T►) 3 hour(s)

Arts & Humanities (6 hours)

Complete 6 credits from two different disciplines from approved Humanities Elective(s)     . ( ART, COM, ENG, FOL, HIS, LIT, MUS, PHO, REL, THE ) - Studio and Performance courses cannot be included.

• LIT2511 - Introduction to Literature (T►) 3 hour(s)

U.S. History Option

• HIS6411 - United States History to 1877 (T►) 3 hour(s)
• OR   HIS6412 - United States Since 1865 (T►) 3 hour(s)

Additional Institution Core Requirements (6 hours)

To satisfy degree requirements to meet the Kansas system-wide general education core, complete 6 hours of additional approved electives applicable to the transfer pathway.

The following courses are recommended for this pathway:

• PHO6460 - Ethics (T►) 3 hour(s)
• ECO6113 - Principles of Macroeconomics (T►) 3 hour(s)

Pathway Electives (27 hours)

The Associate of Arts degree requires a minimum of 27 hours of Pathway Electives. Students should work with their advisor and transfer institution to determine the most appropriate courses to complete within this block.

These courses should be completed for this pathway.

• CAP1516 - Computer Applications (T►) 3 hour(s)
• POL6612 - State & Local Government (T►) 3 hour(s)
• PSY6712 - Developmental Psychology (T►) 3 hour(s)
• SOC6821 - Introduction to Social Work (T►) 3 hour(s)
• SOC6816 - Social Problems (T►) 3 hour(s)
• SOC6817 - Human Sexuality 3 hour(s)
• SOC6823 - Marriage & Family Relations (T►) 3 hour(s)

Physical Science Elective  Approved by Advisor

• PHS4511 - Physical Science (T►) 5 hour(s)
• OR   PHS4530 - Introductory Astronomy (T►) 5 hour(s)
• OR   PHS4535 - Descriptive Astronomy (non-lab) (T►) 3 hour(s)

Criminal Justice Elective Option

• CRJ5411 - Introduction to Criminal Justice (T►) 3 hour(s)
• OR   CRJ5435 - Juvenile Delinquency & Justice 3 hour(s)

In addition to the recommended transfer electives, PSY6720 - First Year Experience (FYE) is highly recommended as an elective for students enrolled in this pathway.

• PSY6720 - First Year Experience 1 hour(s) (Recommended Elective)

Minimum Hours for a Degree 62*

*A minimum of 62 hours is required to earn a Cowley degree; however additional credit hours may be outlined on the transfer pathway to meet the program requirements for a transfer institution. 

Depending on skill level and assessment scores, students may be required to take the necessary basic skill or prerequisite courses prior to enrolling in the program courses.

School of Social Work

School Social Worker Licensure Preparation Program (SSWL)

School social worker licensure overview.

Portland State University’s School of Social Work is a commissioned approved K-12 School Social Worker License preparation service for persons interested in becoming licensed school social workers in the State of Oregon.    The School of Social Work is NOT a licensing board, nor does it provide licenses to MSW students.  The School of Social Work is an approved site for K-12 School Social Worker License preparation.  We ONLY provide the educational requirements towards candidacy for the SSW licensure in the State of Oregon. 

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER LICENSURE PROCESS FOR CURRENT MSW STUDENTS

MSW students interested in enrolling in the SSWL will apply through an intent to enroll form and be registered to a SSWL Canvas site.  Students will have access to the licensing requirements through a guided process.  This is a self-paced and self-monitored service leading to the application for licensure with The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practice Commission (TSPC). 

The MSW program in the School of Social Work offers applicants the opportunity to complete the educational requirements necessary to meet the licensing standards. 

• Students must complete at least nine months of experience in a K-12 school setting AND at least nine months of direct practice experience with children, youth, and families. This is typically accomplished through an internship in the generalist or advanced year.  
• Students must take three school social work focused electives as part of their educational requirements:         - SW 564 Social Work in Schools        - SW 510 (537) US & Oregon Law and Policy for Social Workers, and        - One SW elective of your choice in advanced practice from an approved list .
• Students are required to pass a knowledge, skills and abilities assessment as part of the licensure preparation process.
• Lastly, students will demonstrate competence in 11 social work practice areas through a curated professional portfolio.

Once a student completes all the required steps satisfactorily, the MSW program will certify the student meets the SSWL requirements outlined by TSPC.  The student can then proceed to the College of Education licensing office.

COE Licensure Checklist for MSW graduates  

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER LICENSURE PROCESS FOR DEGREED PROFESSIONALS

The School of Social Work MSW Program provides a verification of equivalency (VOE) review service for professionals working as MSW's in schools or have previous social work experience working in schools. Professionals must demonstrate how they meet the educational and work experience requirements of the SSWL program and submit a curated professional portfolio of social work standards met. These requirements are set by The Oregon Teachers Standards and Practice Commission (TSPC). If you are interested in moving forward with a VOE review process, please submit your application packet through SSWL VOE Application - Google Form and follow the prompts.  

The VOE portfolios are reviewed on the first of the month and may take up to 30-60 days to complete.  If you are seeking a letter of support to renew your restricted license, you must complete the VOE process as well. If you currently hold a School Social Work License (or equivalent certification) from another state, you can apply for your Oregon license directly through TSPC .

School Social Worker License (TSPC) >> Oregon School Social Work Association (OSSWA) » Oregon School Social Work Association Facebook » School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) »

Contact [email protected] » School Social Worker Licensure 

open Auxiliary Sites

• Field Education
• Child Welfare Stipend
• SERVE: Indigenous Social Workers for Change Stipend
• Interdisciplinary Research on Substance Use (IRSU)
• Public Behavioral Health MSW Training Program (PBH)
• Adult Protective Services MSW Training Program (APS)

open Colleges

• Arts and Letters
• Fowler College of Business
• Engineering
• Graduate Studies
• Health and Human Services
• SDSU Library
• Professional Studies and Fine Arts
• Weber Honors College

open Other Locations

• SDSU Georgia
• SDSU Global Campus
• SDSU Imperial Valley
• SDSU Mission Valley
• School of Social Work

Undergraduate

Minor in social work.

The minor in social work consists of 24 units to include:

• PSY 101   – Introductory Psychology (3) 
• SOC 101   – Introductory Sociology: The Study of Society (3)
• SWORK 110   – Social Work Fields of Service (3)
• SWORK 120   – Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare (3)
• SWORK 350   – Cultural Pluralism (3)
• SWORK 360   – Perspectives on Human Behavior and the Social Environment (3)
• SWORK 370   – Social Policies and Social Issues (3)
• SWORK 400   – Social Work Practice: Child Welfare (3) (Prerequisite SWORK 370)
• SWORK 410   – Social Work Practice: Family Issues (3) (Prerequisite SWORK 370)
• SWORK 430   – Alcohol and Other Drug Problems: Prevention and Intervention (3)
• SWORK 496   – Experimental Topics (1-4)
• GERO 520   – Analysis of Programs for the Aging (3)

Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and general education requirements, if applicable.

A minimum or six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.

SDSU Social Work

Quick Links

• Administration & Lecturers
• Cal State Apply
• College Intranet

GOBankingRates

10 Jobs That Aren’t Worth Their Education Requirements

Posted: January 20, 2024 | Last updated: March 9, 2024

It's important to determine if a job will be a good fit . It's sometimes clear a role won't be rewarding when you consider salary and education requirements.

GOBankingrates identified 10 Jobs that require significant education or training but may not be rewarding in terms of salary and career prospects. To determine which jobs aren't worth their education requirements, GOBankingRates analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The study looked at median salary and compared it with education requirements and job outlook. Here are 10 jobs you might want to reconsider .

Grant Cardone: Here's How To Become Rich If You're Earning an Average Salary Also: Ramit Sethi Shares 3 Tips for Becoming Rich on an Average Salary

1. Historian

• Median Salary : $64,540
• Education Required : Master's or PhD
• Concerns : There are limited job opportunities, often in academia or museums, with modest salaries.
• Job outlook : 3% growth

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2. Librarian

• Median Salary : $61,660
• Education Required : Master's in Library Science
• Concerns : This is a shrinking job market due to digitization, with relatively low salaries for the level of education.

3. Social Worker

• Median Salary : $55,350
• Education Required : Master's in Social Work
• Concerns : Despite the critical nature of their work, social workers often receive modest salaries.  
• Job outlook : 7% growth

4. Anthropologist

• Median Salary : $63,940
• Education Required : PhD in anthropology
• Concerns : Academic positions are scarce and often don't pay high salaries despite lengthy education.
• Job outlook : 4% growth

5. Academic Researcher

• Median Salary : $60,410
• Education Required: Master's or PhD in a relevant field
• Concerns : This is a highly competitive job market with relatively low pay and unstable positions.
• Job outlook : -4% decline

• Median Salary : $61,810
• Education Required : Bachelor's degree and sometimes a master's degree
• Concerns : Teachers often report salaries that do not align with their education and responsibilities.
• Job outlook : 1% growth

7. Journalist

• Median Salary : $55,960
• Education Required : Bachelor's degree
• Concerns : This is a highly competitive field with declining job opportunities due to changes in technology and media consumption.
• Job outlook : -3% decline

8. Graphic Designer

• Median Salary : $57,990
• Concerns : This is an oversaturated market with many freelancers. It can be challenging to find stable, well-paying positions.

9. Dieticians and Nutritionists

• Median Salary : $66,450 per year
• Education Required : Bachelor's degree and often a master's degree in nutrition or dietetics, along with licensure
• Concerns : Despite their essential role in healthcare and wellness, dietitians and nutritionists do not typically command high salaries, especially in public health or community settings.
•  Job outlook : 7% growth

10. Mental Health Therapist

• Median Salary : $56,570
• Education Required : Master's degree and licensure
• Concerns : While the job is important, it often does not pay a high salary, especially in non-profit or community settings.
• Job Outlook : 15% growth

This list is a general overview and does not apply to everyone in these professions. Many people find these careers fulfilling and successful, and job markets can vary by location and over time.

Methodology: To find 10 jobs that aren't worth their education requirements, GOBankingRates consulted the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Each occupation's median annual salary, sourced from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, was compared with education requirements and job outlook. All data is current as of January 22, 2024.

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