How Do I Obtain a License in Social Work?

---

What Licensing Provides

Although there are many jobs within Social Services that only require the completion of a degree program and certification, many states also require licensing. The individual states have the right to define what the profession is and how it should be performed within their boundaries. Government agencies have a responsibility to the public to provide quality services within the fields their employees were hired to practice. Licensing is a regulatory step taken by most states to minimize abuse of the social worker’s position and ensure that counseling is provided by qualified practitioners.

To obtain a license in social work, you must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree program in social work, psychology, sociology or a related field. Advanced licensure can be obtained with a Master’s in Social Work or a doctoral. Licensing is different than registration or certification as licensing usually has more challenging requirements, but as a licensed social worker, you will be building solid credentials for pursuing your career in the human services.

How to Get a License in Social Work

There are several types of licenses in social work, all reflecting on your degree of education, training, and supervision. Many states require a LBSW (Licensed Baccalaureate or Bachelor Social Worker) for an entry level position. As well as completion of a degree program, to get your license in social work, you must have completed a minimum number of hours in social worker experience under the supervision of a Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW). Upon receiving your license, you may also be required to work under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Those who have completed a Master’s Degree Program in Social Work are eligible for obtaining their LMSW. Licensing generally includes completion of a standard test and a minimum amount of post-graduate social work experience.

It takes planning and dedication to get your license in social work at the clinical level. Applicants for their LCSW must have earned their MSW and have completed several years as professional social workers. They must also pass a standard exam. Those who acquire their Clinical Social Worker license are eligible to work in a clinical setting.

How to Get a License in Social Work with State by State Legislation

Not all jobs in social work require licensing, and not all states have the same licensing requirements. While the first requisite is nearly always the degree of formal education, examinations and the general screening process might be different. The license you pursued in one state may not be transferable to another, although your standard test scores might be accepted.

Once you get your license in social work, you will be expected to renew it as mandated by state law for as long as you practice within the state. Social work is considered an ongoing education, with opportunities to provide counseling for young children to adults, work in health care or education, or administer to specific needs. You acquire the experiences to become a valuable part of the decision making policies to help solve societal problems. The reward is the feeling that you can make a difference.