Getting a Social Work License

How Do I Become Certified and Licensed as a Social Worker?

Becoming a social worker means completing the required education and, in most cases, becoming properly licensed. Social work licensure requires you to have fulfilled a list of mandatory prerequisites before you may practice. This list will usually include:

• Complete a relevant bachelor's degree. Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degrees are available, though you may also choose another related field that allows you to advance to a master of social work degree.
• Complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. In some cases, you may complete a master’s degree in a related field, such as psychology, political science, gender studies, or early childhood development.
• Complete a minimum number of fieldwork hours (usually part of a practicum or internship). 2,000 hours spread over 2-3 years is normal, but this varies by state.
• Pass the Association for Social Work Boards’ ASWB exam. There are four types: Bachelor's, Master's, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical.
• Apply for social work licensure in the state where you intend to practice. See the table below for common types of licenses.

In many cases, you can only practice as a social worker with a master's degree. However, a bachelor's degree may be sufficient in some states and instances, though it usually requires supervision. Refer to your state’s guidelines for clarification.

Social Work License Types and Acronyms

The following are some of the most common types of social work licenses and acronyms. The specific titles, requirements, scope of practice, and availability of social work licenses can vary by state. It’s important to check with your state’s licensing board for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What Social Work Specialty Certifications or Credentials Might Be Required?

When you become licensed as a social worker, you are eligible to operate in accordance with the specifications of that state. However, several voluntary certifications and credentials are also available so you can specialize in one or more areas.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers ten types of credentials:

• Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)
• Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)
• Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW)
• Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW)
• Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)
• Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW)
• Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW)
• Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC)
• Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (ACHP-SW)
• Certified Master Social Worker in Gerontology (CMSW-G)

Guide to Social Work Exams

Social work licensing exams assess various knowledge and practice areas, including theory, legal regulations, and ethics in practice. The minimum passing score for these exams varies based on your level of qualification and the advanced license you seek.

The Association of Social Worker Boards (ASWB)

Regardless of the type of ASWB exam you sit for, they all consist of a 170-question multiple-choice test. The only variation is the level of complexity of the questions and the subject matter that each exam will cover.

See the table below for more information on the four ASWB exam types:

Minimum passing scores are also different for each type of exam in each state, with more advanced exams requiring higher scores. It’s also important to note that minimum score adjustments are made each year. Typically, though, passing scores range between 90 and 150 depending on the exam and the year it was given.

Continuing Education and Recertification

Social work licensing renewal depends on the state, though most are due every two or three years. However, some licenses require annual renewal. The date you must renew also varies. Some stipulate that the license period begins on January 1, while others stipulate your birthday, and some renew from the anniversary of the initial application.

Renewals are subject to a number of continuing education hours. Again, this varies by state, but the general requirement is around 15 hours yearly.

State-by-State Social Work Licensure

States vary in their requirements to become, and to maintain, licensure to operate as a social worker. Each state is listed below with a summary of social work licensing details. You can double-check requirements and get further information by clicking on the link for your state’s regulatory board:

Alabama Social Work Licensing Requirements

• A bachelor's or master's degree accredited by the CSWE
• A licensed clinical social worker needs 24 months of supervised social work in the last 36 months
• Complete the application form
• Apply for license eligibility before taking the relevant 170-question exam
• Licensure by reciprocity permitted so long as your license is in good standing and your state of origin meets or exceeds Alabama's requirements
• 30 hours of continuing education over two years for renewal eligibility

Link: Alabama State Board of Examiners in Social Work

Alaska Social Work Licensing Requirements

• A CSWE-accredited bachelor's or master's degree
• 3,000 hours of part-time clinical social work
• Send the application form
• Apply for license eligibility before the relevant 170-question exam
• Licensure by credential is permitted if your license is current and in good standing. Provide proof of passing the ASWB in the last two years and demonstrate 1,500 hours of clinical practice
• 45 hours of ongoing training is required for renewal; six must be on substance abuse, while three must be on professional ethics. For the initial period, six hours of this must be on cultural topics related to Indigenous Alaskans, while every subsequent renewal requires three hours on this subject

Link: Alaska Division of Corporation, Business, and Professional Licensing

Arizona Social Work Licensing Requirements

• A CSWE-accredited bachelor's or master's degree
• 3,200 hours of part-time clinical social; 1,600 must be through clinical contact, 100 of which must be under supervision and 50 with an LCSW who has undergone necessary supervisory training. No more than 400 hours in psychoeducation
• Send the application form
• Apply for the license before sitting for the exam so you can become "license eligible"
• No formal reciprocity arrangement, but if you've held a license for a minimum of three years without disciplinary issues, and the state requirements of origin are equal to or greater than Arizona, you are eligible
• 30 hours of ongoing training is required for renewal, which is required every two years

Link: Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners

Arkansas Social Work Licensing Requirements

• A CSWE fully-accredited bachelor's or master's degree in social work or equivalent
• 4,000 hours of supervised social work for licensed certified (clinical) social workers over no fewer than 24 months
• Send the application form for provisional license. Also submit to background checks
• Reciprocity applicants must fill out an application form and ask ASWB to forward exam results. Granted on condition that the original state requires equal or higher standards than Arkansas
• Issue periods are two years; 48 hours of ongoing training is required in this period

Link: Arkansas Department of Health

California Social Work Licensing Requirements

• A CSWE-accredited social work bachelor's or master's degree
• License is only required for those working in a clinical setting and also requires an MSW degree
• 3,200 hours of supervised social work experience over two years
• Coursework is required on specific subjects
• Pass the state law and ethics exam
• Apply for license; if you're not a California resident, you will need to submit fingerprints
• No formal reciprocity arrangements, but you will need to fill out an application form and take an 18-hour training course in ethics and law
• Issue periods are for two years; 36 hours of ongoing education is required over those two years

Link: California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Colorado Social Work Licensing Requirements

• An accredited bachelor's or master's degree in social work
• License is required for social workers operating in a clinical setting
• Pass the ASWB generalist or clinical exam
• Clinical social workers require 3,360 hours of supervised experience over a two-year period; you will also need to pass the mental health jurisprudence exam and a clinical exam
• If you are an LSW in another state, you are able to apply for reciprocity on condition that you have no penalties and meet the state's criteria
• You must undergo 40 hours of ongoing education through the period of certification

Link: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies

Connecticut Social Work Licensing Requirements

• You must hold an accredited master's or doctorate
• Pass the ASWB master's exam
• Accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised experience, 100 of which must be face-to-face supervision
• Pass the ASWB clinical exam
• Licensure by endorsement is available to those licensed in another state so long as it is in good standing. 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience or 3 years of independent clinical social work must be demonstrated
• You must undergo 15 hours of continuing education every year with a minimum of two hours in veteran mental health and one hour on a cultural subject. Renewals are yearly

Link: Connecticut Department of Public Health

Delaware Social Work Licensing Requirements

• A CSWE-accredited bachelor's (non-clinical roles only) or master's degree (for clinical roles)
• 3,200 hours of supervised post-degree work. 1,600 of those under an LCSW
• Send the application form and supervisory reference
• Pass the relevant ASWB exam – both bachelor's and master's graduates require this
• Reciprocity is available as long as your license is current, there are no disciplinary issues, and you've practiced for five of the last seven years
• Issue periods are for two years and expire January 31 of every odd numbered year; 45 hours of ongoing training is required of you through the two-year period

Link: Delaware Division of Professional Regulation

Florida Social Work Licensing Requirements

• A CSWE-accredited associate's or bachelor's, while a master's degree is needed for licensing
• There are two types: CMSW (Certified Master Social Worker) licenses you to operate social work programs but you are not permitted to offer direct counseling. For that you need an LCSW license
• Two years of supervised experience minimum 1,350 hours
• Florida mandates 8 hours of coursework in law and regulation, 3 hours on HIV/AIDS, and 2 hours on domestic violence
• Pass the relevant ASWB exam
• There is no reciprocity in Florida, but endorsement is permitted to transfer license so long as the state from which you are transferring match Florida's requirements. You will need to undergo HIV/AIDS training
• Florida licenses last two years and you are required to document your continuing education

Link: Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling

Georgia Social Work Licensing Requirements

• A CSWE-accredited master of social work degree (MSW)
• Two years of supervised work experience. No minimum hours stipulated for LMSW while LCSW stipulates 3,000 hours over 36 months (120 contact hours)
• Pass the relevant ASWB exam
• No formal reciprocity or endorsement exists in Georgia though you can apply for an exam waiver by transferring your exam score
• Georgia licenses last two years and expire every September 30; 35 hours of continuing education is required across these two years

Link: Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists

Hawaii Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Complete a CSWE-accredited bachelor's or master's degree. Bachelor's graduates may only work under supervision
• 3,000 hours of clinical experience over anything between two and five years. A minimum of 2,000 hours must be through direct provision of clinical service
• Pass the ASWB exam relevant to your degree
• Reciprocity is offered to any state that matches or exceeds Hawaii’s requirements. Otherwise, you may need to make up the difference
• You must renew your license every three years on June 30. 45 hours of continuing education are required over those three years, but not during your first period of issue

Link: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing

Idaho Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Complete a CSWE-accredited bachelor's or master’s. However, only a master's degree permits clinical and private social work practice
• 3,000 hours of clinical experience within 2-5 years
• Pass the ASWB exam relevant to your degree
• Licensure by endorsement is possible so long as you have no disciplinary actions against you
• You must renew your license every year and undergo 20 hours of continuing education during that period

Link: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses

Illinois Social Work Licensing Requirements

• A bachelor's or master's degree accredited by CSWE
• A licensed clinical social worker requires a master's degree
• 3,000 hours of clinical experience for licensed clinical social workers, and three years of supervised experience for licensed social workers
• Pass the ASWB exam relevant to your area
• Licensure by reciprocity is possible; you must forward exam results and get your current license verified
• You must renew your license every two years on November 30 and undergo 30 hours of continuing education in that time

Link: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Indiana Social Work Licensing Requirements

• A CSWE-accredited bachelor's or master's degree
• You can work under supervision as a licensed bachelor's social worker but to work independently you need a master's degree; you also need a master's to work as a clinical social worker
• 3,000 hours of clinical experience for licensed clinical social workers
• Pass the degree-dependent ASWB exam
• Licensure by reciprocity is available in Indiana so long as you have no disciplinary actions against your license in another state
• Licenses are renewed every two years. 20 hours of continuing education are required every year

Link: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency Behavioral Health and Human Services

Iowa Social Work Licensing Requirements

• A CSWE-accredited bachelor's or master's degree; to work as a licensed social worker you will need a master's degree
• Two options: licensed master social worker (LMSW) and licensed independent social worker (LISW)
• LISWs require 4,000 hours of experience over a period of 2-6 years
• Pass the relevant exam
• Licensure by endorsement is available in Iowa so long as you meet the requirements of the state board
• Licenses are renewed every two years. 27 hours of continuing education are required over those two years

Link: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing

Kansas Social Work Licensing Requirements

• A CSWE-accredited bachelor's or master's degree. Licensed bachelor’s graduates will work under supervision
• Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Workers require 4,000 hours of experience. A minimum of 1,500 must be face-to-face
• Pass the relevant exam depending on your degree
• Licensure by reciprocity is available in Kansas but you must demonstrate that your current state's requirements match or exceed Kansas’ requirements
• You must renew every two years and undergo 40 hours of continuing education in that time

Link: Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board

Kentucky Social Work Licensing Requirements

• An accredited (CSWE) bachelor's or master's degree
• Only master's graduates are permitted to work independently
• Pass the degree-appropriate exam
• Licensed clinical social workers require 30 hours per week in a minimum of two years or more, or three years of 20 hours a week prior to taking the exam
• There is no formal reciprocity agreement for Kentucky, however so long as your qualification criteria from your current state meets or exceeds those of Kentucky, and you have at least 200 hours of supervised instruction, you will be eligible for consideration
• Renewal is every three years. LSWs require 15 hours of continuing education in that time while CSWs and LCSWs should complete 40 hours

Link: Kentucky Board of Social Work

Louisiana Social Work Licensing Requirements

• An accredited (CSWE) bachelor's or master's degree in social work
• Only those with an accredited MSW may work independently
• Pass the ASWB exam
• Licensed clinical social workers require 5,760 hours of supervised work experience, of which 3,840 must be from a clinical social worker
• There is no formal reciprocity agreement between Louisiana and any other state. So long as your license in the other state was issued with equivalent or better requirements, you may be eligible
• Renewal is annual, and no matter when you applied, the renewal date is August 31. 20 hours of continuing education is required every year, 3 of which must be professional ethics

Link: Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners

Maine Social Work Licensing Requirements

• An accredited BSW or MSW, or equivalent degrees in a related field
• Pass the ASWB exam relevant to your degree
• 3,200 hours of supervised work experience regardless of the level at which you are training, to include 96 hours of direct consultation. Those with a degree that didn't have a clinical social work element must put in 6,400 hours
• Reciprocity is permitted if your state of origin's standards matches or exceeds those of Maine. Out of state applicants must also submit extra documentation, and transfer your ASWB score to the Board
• Renewal is every two years with 25 hours of continuing education a condition of renewal

Link: State of Maine Professional & Financial Regulation

Maryland Social Work Licensing Requirements

• An accredited BSW or MSW
• Bachelor's graduates can practice under supervision and eventually work independently with sufficient experience (three years, 4,500 hours)
• Pass the relevant exam
• Licensed certified social workers and clinical social workers must undergo 3,000 hours of supervised work experience
• Clinical social workers must undertake an additional 12 credit hours of accredited clinical coursework
• Endorsement is possible so long as the conditions of your current license are equivalent to Maryland's requirements, and you have passed the exam. For those with under five years of experience, there is a list of extra steps you must take
• Renewal is every two years on October 31. LMSWs, LCSWs, and LCSW-Cs must undertake 40 hours of continuing education while 30 hours are required of LBSWs

Link: Maryland Department of Health – Board of Social Work Examiners

Massachusetts Social Work Licensing Requirements

• An accredited ASW (associate degree) BSW (bachelor's) or MSW (master's). All permit license to practice in various forms
• Take and pass the exam relevant to your degree level
• Clinical social workers require 3,500 hours of supervised experience over two years before applying for their license to practice independently
• License by reciprocity is possible from any ASWB member state. License qualifying criteria must match Massachusetts’ at minimum
• Renewal is every two years. LSWAs require 10 hours of continuing education; LSWs require 15 hours; LCSWs require 20 hours; LICSWs require 30 hours

Link: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Work

Michigan Social Work Licensing Requirements

• An accredited BSW or MSW degree. You can enter social work with an associate's degree, but you are not eligible for license
• Pass the relevant exam
• Both bachelor's and master's graduates require 4,000 hours of supervised experience over two years related to their qualification
• The state offers license by endorsement. Fill out the transfer form and forward your ASWB scores for consideration
• Renewal is every three years. In that time, both LBSWs and LMSWs require 45 hours of continuing education

Link: Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Minnesota Social Work Licensing Requirements

• An accredited BSW or MSW degree for licensure
• Pass the relevant exam; application to the board also requires a criminal background check
• A licensed graduate social worker must undergo 4,000 hours of supervision of a qualified master social worker; an independent licensed social work requires 8,000 hours
• The state offers license by endorsement so long as the standards in the two states match. You will need to pass your ASWB score on to the board. LSW and LSGW will need to undergo 100 hours of supervision
• You must renew your license every two years. All license holders must complete 40 hours of ongoing education to include two hours of professional ethics. Supervisors must complete six hours in supervision

Link: Minnesota Board of Social Work

Mississippi Social Work Licensing Requirements

• An accredited BSW or MSW. Only those with a master's can work as an LNSW or LCSW
• Pass the relevant exam and submit information for a criminal background check
• Licensed Certified Social Workers (LCSW) require 1,000 hours over two years of direct client contact under supervision
• The state offers license by reciprocity so long as your license is in good standing. Demonstrate that you have passed the ASWB exam
• Renewal is every two years during which time you must complete 40 hours of ongoing education to include 4 hours of ethics and 2 hours of cultural diversity

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

Missouri Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Possess an accredited BSW or MSW, though your career and license options are limited for BSW graduates who must operate under supervision
• Master's graduates may work as a LMSW, LCSW, or LAMSW (Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker)
• All types of licenses require 3,000 hours of supervised experience in 24-48 months
• Send the application form and criminal background check details
• Pass the ASWB exam
• Missouri offers reciprocity licensure so long as you meet their criteria and have no disciplinary activity in the last five years; send ASWB scores
• Renewal is every two years during which you are required to complete 30 continuing education hours. Unlike other states, this can include academic publication or presentations

Link: Missouri Committee for Social Workers

Montana Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Complete an accredited BSW or MSW degree program
• Licensing is not available for non-clinical social workers in Montana. All clinical social workers need a master's degree and license
• Complete 3,000 practice hours within two to five years, with a minimum 1,500 of direct client contact
• License application form and criminal background checks
• Pass the ASWB exam before getting the license
• Montana offers endorsement for transfers from any state so long as the qualifying criteria matches or exceeds Montana’s
• License renewals are annual. In that time, 20 hours of continuing education are required of all license holders. Up to 10 of these may be on non-clinical affairs such as academic writing or formal presentations

Link: Montana Department of Labor and Industry Board of Behavioral Health

Nebraska Social Work Licensing Requirements

• To work as a licensed social worker, you must complete a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW
• Certified master social workers require 3,000 of supervised training
• The state does not have licensed clinical social workers. Instead, it has licensed mental health practitioners and licensed independent mental health practitioners. These also need 3,000 hours of supervised training, 1,500 of which must be patient-facing
• Fill out the license application and complete criminal background checks
• Take the ASWB exam
• Nebraska does not offer reciprocity endorsement, though you may apply for transfer as long as you have one year of experience and the state of origin has equal requirements
• License renewals are every two years on September 1. Every license holder must complete 32 hours of continuing education over those two years

Link: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Nevada Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Both BSW and MSW permit you to work as a licensed social worker in Nevada
• Only an accredited MSW permits work as an independent social worker or a clinical social worker
• Pass the relevant exam before receiving a license
• Licensed independent social workers (LISW) must acquire 3,000 hours of internship / supervised training in between 2-5 years; clinical social workers also need 3,000 hours of which 2,000 must be in clinical diagnosis, and 1,000 under direct supervision
• Nevada permits endorsement for license holders whose license from their current state is in good standing. Those who have practiced for under five years will need to provide further evidence of supervised training and forward exam board scores
• Renewal is annual, and by the last day of the month of your birthday. However, continuing education differ from other states in that they are two-year cycles: social workers require 30 hours, 10 of which must be on the subject in which you practice. LISWs and LCSWs must train for 36 hours, with 12 in their practice field

Link: State of Nevada Board of Social Workers

New Hampshire Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Only MSW degree holders may work as a licensed clinical social worker in New Hampshire
• Pass the relevant exam
• Licensed clinical social workers must complete 3,000 supervised training hours within 2-4 years
• Send the application form (some of which is for your supervisor to complete), three professional references, and a background report
• No formal system of endorsement or reciprocity exists. For a transfer, you will need to fill out the correct form, verify your current license, and send your ASWB exam scores to the board
• Renewal is every two years with 40 hours of continuing education, 30 of which must be from Category A while up to 10 hours are from Category B (see licensure link below)

Link: New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

New Jersey Social Work Licensing Requirements

• BSW graduates can work as certified social workers while MSW graduates can work as licensed social workers and licensed clinical social workers
• Pass the exam relevant to your level of education
• Licensed clinical social workers require no less than 3,000 supervised training hours
• Send the application form and submit to any criminal background checks
• New Jersey has no formal reciprocity arrangement with any other state, but they will consider your application on a case-by-case basis. Complete the application, submit exam scores, and provide proof of minimum five years’ experience
• You must renew every two years. Continuing education requirements are 20 hours for CSWs, LSWs must log 30. Both of these must complete 5 ethics credits and 3 in social and cultural competence. LCSWs must complete 40 hours

Link: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs

New Mexico Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Bachelor's graduates can work as licensed social workers in New Mexico, though Master's degrees are preferred
• Submit the application and pass the jurisprudence exam
• Pass the relevant ASWB exam
• Complete the cultural coursework if you haven't already taken it
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers must complete 3,600 hours of supervised experience
• New Mexico permits reciprocity for those with at least five years of experience and who meet other board requirements. Send the ASWB test score and complete the state jurisprudence exam
• You must renew every two years by July 1. Thirty hours of continuing education are required for all levels, including six hours of cultural awareness education

Link: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department

New York Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Bachelor's graduates can work in social work but are not eligible for a license (this requires an MSW)
• Complete a course on child abuse prior to applying for a license
• Submit the application and pass the jurisprudence exam
• Pass the relevant ASWB exam
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers require three years of supervised experience and 2,000 hours of direct service
• New York permits endorsement so long as the standards of your current state matches New York, and you have passed the ASWB exam
• Renewal is every three years. LMSWs and LCSWs are required to fulfil 36 hours of continuing education courses. Self-study can be no more than 12 hours. New licensees are exempt for the first period of licensure

Link: New York State Education Department – Office of Professions

North Carolina Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Bachelor's graduates can work as certified social workers; master's graduates may work as certified master social workers (which do not require a license) or licensed clinical social worker/associate
• Both licensed clinical social workers and associates need 3,000 hours of paid employment and 100 supervised hours, reporting every six months on your practice and supervision
• Take and pass the relevant exam
• There are currently no formal reciprocity agreements between North Carolina and any other state. However, you may apply for consideration by providing evidence that you have met equivalent standards
• Renewal occurs every two years and you must undergo 40 hours of continuing education training, which must include 4 hours of ethics

Link: North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board

North Dakota Social Work Licensing Requirements

• BSW graduates may work as licensed social workers; licensed certified social workers and licensed independent clinical social workers require an MSW
• Fill out the application form and complete a criminal background check
• LICSWs need 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience. The first 1,500 hours must be under a qualified clinical social worker. 150 hours must be in-person, while up to 50 of those can be from group work
• Apply to the board and pass the exam relevant to your education and the licensure you seek
• Reciprocity is available to all out of state applicants so long as standards in your current state match or exceed North Dakota
• Renewal is by every December 31 of odd numbered years. All applicants are required to fulfil 30 hours of continuing education. Up to ten may be distance learning or self-directed education

Link: North Dakota State Board of Social Work Examiners

Ohio Social Work Licensing Requirements

• All social workers in Ohio must have a license
• Unlike other states, Ohio allows associate's degree graduates to enter social work, but only as a social work assistant
• Fill out the application form and a submit to a criminal background check
• Bachelor's and Master's graduates must pass the relevant ASWB exam
• Licensed Independent Social Workers (LISWs) require a master's degree and two years (3,000 hours) of supervised experience including a minimum 150 hours from a LISW-S (qualified supervisor)
• LISW-S require all the above and nine hours of designated supervisor training
• There is no formal reciprocity agreement with any other state, but you may be eligible. Forward ASWB exam score and details of supervised experience to the board
• Renewal is every two years. All licensees require 30 continuing education hours in that time. LISW-S must complete three additional hours of supervisory training

Link: Ohio Counselor and Social Work Board

Oklahoma Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Licensed social workers require either a bachelor’s or master's degree
• Complete the application form and criminal background checks, including fingerprints
• You will get a provisional license before taking the relevant ASWB exam
• Licensed Social Workers (LSWs) and LSWs with Administration Specialty (LSW-ADM) require 4,000 hours of supervised experience that others (LMSWs, LSWAs) do not
• LCSWs also need 4,000 hours of training experience, of which 3,000 must be client contact while 100 must be under supervision
• Oklahoma has a reciprocity agreement with a few other states. Even if you're coming from one that doesn't, you may apply for endorsement so long as standards are equivalent or better than Oklahoma’s. ASWB must be formally transferred
• Licenses are renewed every two years and subject to completion of 16 hours of continuing education in that time. Three of these hours must cover ethics

Link: Oklahoma Board of Licensed Social Workers

Oregon Social Worker Licensing Requirements

• Social workers require a master's degree in Oregon while bachelor’s degree graduates may work as a registered social worker (RBSW)
• Application form, criminal background checks, and fingerprints are required at all levels
• Pass the ASWB examination
• LMSWs and LCSWs must pass Oregon Statutes and Administrative Rules exam prior to the ASWB exam
• LCSWs require 3,500 hours of formal supervised training, of which 2,000 must come from client contact and 100 from supervisors with at least two years of experience
• There is no formal reciprocity agreement. However, if you follow all required steps and demonstrate you have acquired the relevant experience and passed the exam, endorsement is possible
• Licenses are renewed every year. The number of ongoing education hours will depend on which license you have. RBSWs need 20 hours, LMSWs require 30, while LCSWs require 40. CSWAs (associate) need none at all

Link: Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers

Pennsylvania Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Social workers require a CSWE-accredited bachelor's (BSW) or master's degree (MSW)
• Fill out the application form and submit to criminal background checks
• Pass the ASWB exam relevant to your education level
• LCSWs need 3,000 hours of supervised work experience in no longer than two years. Half of these must be in assessment, family therapy, and a number of other psychosocial therapeutic intervention
• Pennsylvania has no formal reciprocity agreement with other states. Endorsement is possible so long as equivalent standards are met, you have a letter from your home state acknowledging the license, and you provide proof of passing the ASWB exam
• Licenses are renewed every two years. LSWs and LCSWs must undergo 30 hours of continuing education, three of which must cover ethics

Link: Pennsylvania Department of State

Rhode Island Social Work Licensing Requirements

• You may operate in social work with an associate's degree but not in clinical roles, and your opportunities will be limited
• Two roles are available to MSW graduates: LCSW and LICSW
• Pass the relevant ASWB test
• LICSWs require 3,000 hours of clinical practice. Half must be in clinical work with real clients
• Licensure by endorsement is available to LCSWs and LICSWs in Rhode Island so long as your state of origin’s requirements are equivalent or better. Submit current license for verification and forward your ASWB score
• LCSWs and LICSWs must be renewed every two years. In that time, both types of licensure require thirty hours of continuing education. Three hours must be on cross-cultural topics while six can be earned supervising students. Twenty-two must be earned in person while up to eight hours may be online

Link: Rhode Island Department of Health

South Carolina Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Bachelor's graduates may apply for a social worker license (to work as a LBSW); only master's graduates may work independently
• Take and pass the relevant exam
• Clinical social workers (LISW-CP) and Advanced Practice (LISW-AP) require 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience within two to four years with 100 hours direct supervision and 20 hours of continuing education in ethics
• There are no formal reciprocity agreements for South Carolina. However, your application may be considered on an individual basis so long as you met equivalent standards in the other state
• Renewal is every two years and requires you to partake in 40 hours of continuing education. At least 20 of these must be from a fully trained social worker

Link: South Carolina Labor Licensing Regulation

South Dakota Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Associate's degree graduates may work as licensed social work associate (SWA). However, to work independently you need a bachelor's degree minimum
• Fill out the application form and a criminal background check
• Pass the exam relevant to your license type
• Certified Social Work, Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP) must complete two years of full-time / four years part-time supervised employment experience. Minimum four hours per month of supervision (or two hours for part-time training)
• Endorsement is permitted so long as your current state requirements match or exceed those of South Dakota
• Renewal is due January 1 on the second year after issue. 30 hours of continuing education is required in that time

Link: South Dakota Department of Social Services

Tennessee Social Work Licensing Requirements

• BSW and MSW graduates may work as licensed social workers in the state. However, LBSWs are not allowed to practice independently
• Complete the application form and submit details for a criminal background check
• Pass the relevant ASWB exam
• Licensed Advanced Practitioner Social Workers (LAPSW) require 3,000 hours of supervised experience within two to six years. A minimum of 100 hours must be face-to-face under supervision
• Reciprocity is permitted for Tennessee so long as standards match or exceed those listed by the board
• Renewal is every two years. All are required to take continuing education as a condition of renewal; however, requirements differ by license type. LBSWs require a minimum of 9 hours per year: 4 on social work minimum, 3 on ethics minimum. LMSWs require 12 minimum, with 7 hours minimum on social work and 3 minimum on professional ethics. LAPSWs and LCSWs must complete 15 hours with at least 10 on social work and 3 on ethics

Link: Tennessee Department of Health

Texas Social Work Licensing Requirements

• In Texas, both bachelor's (for LBSW) and master's graduates (for LMSW) may work as licensed social workers. Both may work independently, although this requires a specific type of license (LBSW-IPR, LMSW-IPR)
• Complete the application and fill out the criminal background details check
• Pass the ASWB and jurisprudence exams relevant to your qualification
• IPR applicants and LCSWs both require 3,000 hours of supervised experience. 100 of these should be direct supervision
• Texas has no formal reciprocity. However, if you have a license in good standing, you may be able to bypass most of the steps above
• Renewal is every two years. All applicants must take 30 hours of continuing education in those two years. If you do more, you can carry over a maximum of ten hours to the next renewal

Link: Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council

Utah Social Work Licensing Requirements

• While bachelor’s degree graduates may work as social workers in Utah, only those with a master's degree can work in clinical practice and as an independent
• Fill out the application and submit details to criminal background check
• Pass the degree-relevant ASWB exam
• Social Service Workers require 2,000 hours of work experience over two years, supervised by a licensed professional. LCSWs require 4,000 hours, of which 1,000 must be in mental health training
• Utah offers license by endorsement and has no formal reciprocity agreements. Ensure you meet the standards required in Utah and submit your ASWB exam result
• Renewal is every two years. Continuing education is required depending on your license type. For LCSWs it is 40 hours. SSWs require 20 hours. Both must complete 3 mandatory hours of professional ethics and 2 hours of suicide prevention. No CE hours are required for CSWs

Link: Utah Division of Professional Licensing

Vermont Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Associate's and bachelor's graduates may work as social workers in the state. However, only master's graduates may seek licensure as a clinical or independent social worker
• Fill out the application and complete the criminal background details
• Pass the ASWB exam relevant to your license application and the state jurisprudence exam
• Clinical social workers require 3,000 hours of clinical work experience; a minimum 2,000 hours should be in psychotherapy
• Vermont allows out-of-state applicants to apply as long as the current state requirements equal that of Vermont's. Otherwise, applicants may apply under a five-year rule policy, meaning as long as you have five years of practice and no disciplinary issues, you are also eligible to apply. You must submit your ASWB exam scores
• Vermont license renewal is every two years. LMSWs must complete 10 hours of continuing education with 1.5 hours in ethics. LICWs require 20 hours of continuing education. 15 hours must be in-person and 1.5 hours in ethics

Link: Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation

Virginia Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Bachelor's degree grads in Virginia may apply for a social work license and work as a bachelor-level LSW
• Bachelor's LSWs and Licensed Clinical Social Workers require 3,000 hours of supervised experience
• Fill out the application and submit to a criminal background check
• Pass the ASWB exam relevant to your license type
• Virginia allows licensure by endorsement subject to submission of exam scores and details of experience, as long as you meet the state's other criteria
• Licenses in Virigina must be renewed every two years. Continuing education varies: LSWs must complete 15 hours while LCSWs must complete 30 hours. In both cases, 2 hours must be in ethics, regulation, and law

Link: Virginia Department of Health Professions – Board of Social Work

Washington Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Only those with a graduate degree in Washington State may apply for a social worker license
• LASWs require 3,200 hours of supervised experience, 800 of which must be face-to-face with clients. Up to 50 hours must be with an LASW or LICSW, while up to 40 can be with a mental health provider outside of social work. LICSWs require 4,000 hours: 1,000 hours must be face-to-face, 130 hours under direct supervision, and 70 hours under a LASW or LICSW
• Application may require a criminal background check and fingerprints
• Pass the degree-relevant ASWB exam to the license you seek
• Washington State offers no formal reciprocity with any other state. However, endorsement is likely as long as you match the state's requirements and transfer your ASWB exam
• Licenses in Washington are renewed every year; the anniversary of renewal is your birthday. All LASWs and LICSWs must complete 36 hours of ongoing education every two years. 6 of those hours must be on legal and ethics subjects

Link: Washington State Department of Health

Washington, DC Social Work Licensing Requirements

• All social workers require a license in Washington, DC. However, associate degree graduates may work as LSWAs under supervision
• Only LISWs and LICSWs must undergo training hours. In both cases, 3,000 hours are required
• Pass the ASWB exam relevant to your license
• Fill out the application and the criminal background check details
• No reciprocal arrangement with any state, but endorsement is possible. You can transfer subject to documentation, get the current license verified, and transfer the ASWB score
• License renewals are by July 31 in every odd-numbered year. 40 hours of continuing education hours are required for all applicants. 6 hours must cover ethics while 2 hours must cover LGBTQ+

Link: DC Department of Health

West Virginia Social Work Licensing Requirements

• West Virginia requires all social workers to hold a license. To operate, you need at least a bachelor's degree
• Pass the ASWB relevant to your license
• Complete the application form and fill out details for a criminal background check
• LICSWs require 3,000 hours or two years of social work experience. Acquire this experience either through social work employment or related experience
• West Virginia has no formal reciprocity with other states. You must fulfill education and experience requirements as listed by WV and transfer the ASWB score
• You must renew your license every two years and undergo 40 hours of continuing education. A minimum of 20 hours must be from Category I programs while up to 20 hours may be Category II (mostly self-study)

Link: West Virginia Board of Social Work

Wisconsin Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Bachelor's graduates are able to apply for certified social work roles, but not licensed roles. Only master's graduates are license-eligible
• Pass the ASWB exam relevant to your education level
• LCSWs must also pass a state law exam
• Complete the application and submit to background checks
• LCSWs require 3,000 hours of training in no less than two years. A minimum of 1,000 hours should be from direct client contact
• Wisconsin permits reciprocity with other states and will usually automatically accept any candidates from states with equivalent standards
• Licenses are renewed every two years at the end of February in odd-numbered years. 30 hours of continuing education are required over that time

Link: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

Wyoming Social Work Licensing Requirements

• Bachelor's graduates and higher may work as social workers, though associate's degree graduates may work in support roles. Only master's graduates may work as licensed social workers
• Submit the application and extra details
• Pass the relevant ASWB exam for your certification or license level
• LCSWs must undertake 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work with a minimum of 1,200 in client contact
• Wyoming permits reciprocity for CSWs and LCSWs so long as your current license is in good standing and the standards required of the current state match or exceed Wyoming's
• Licenses are renewed every other year with an expiration date of the applicant's birthday. 45 hours of continuing education are required during each two-year phase

Link: Wyoming Mental Health Professionals Licensing Board

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Liz Norris, LPCC

Liz Norris is a highly skilled and compassionate Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who has devoted her career to helping individuals achieve mental wellness and lead fulfilling lives. After receiving her master's degree in counseling, Liz worked in various clinical settings, including community mental health clinics and private practices. Throughout her career, Liz recognized the importance of providing resources and support to aspiring counselors and psychologists. This led to her involvement with CounselingPsychology.org, a website dedicated to helping individuals navigate the journey towards becoming a mental health professional. Liz is a mother of three who enjoys writing, tennis, and volunteering in her community.

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