Social Work License Requirements
How to Meet the Social Worker License Requirements in Your State
Although there are many excellent opportunities for individuals with only a master’s in social work, becoming a licensed MSW graduate is another step to consider. Thinking about your educational and professional goals can help you decide if you wish to pursue licensing.
Some agencies require clinicians to have their licensed social worker (LSW) credential in addition to their MSW degree. Depending on your state’s requirements and licensing options, this licensing exam may be completed during the last semester of the MSW program if you have completed the required courses and a supervised internship.
If you have plans to work in private practice and accept third-party payments, you may need a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential if that is part of your state’s licensed social worker requirements. This is a second license in addition to the LSW license that requires post-MSW, supervised clinical experience, and the completion of a clinical licensing exam.
Social Worker Licensure Requirements Across States
Please note that each state has different requirements and names for the LSW and LCSW social worker licenses. In our online MSW program, you can meet Pennsylvania Social Work License requirements, along with requirements in other states. Review information for each state using the links in the table below, noting variations in laws and policies relating to social work license requirements by state.
States determine social workers’ scope of practice and the titles they can use. Consequently, titles vary. For example, the LCSW license signifies different things in different states. Additionally, most states have processes for reciprocity and the transfer of licenses from another state, although some will require you to go through the full application process as a new applicant.
State Resources
The following links provide detailed information about each state’s social work license requirements and guidelines. If you have additional questions about how to become a licensed MSW graduate, call 1-844-386-7321 to speak with one of our program managers.
| Social Work License Requirements by State | Determination1 |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Alaska | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Arizona | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Arkansas | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| California | Program does not meet state licensing board educational requirements2 |
| Colorado | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Connecticut | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Delaware | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| District of Columbia | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Florida | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Georgia | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Hawaii | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Idaho | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Illinois | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Indiana | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Iowa | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Kansas | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Kentucky | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Louisiana | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Maine | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Maryland | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Massachusetts | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Michigan | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Minnesota | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Mississippi | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Missouri | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Montana | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Nebraska | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Nevada | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| New Hampshire | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| New Jersey | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| New Mexico | Program does not meet state licensing board educational requirements3 |
| New York | Program does not meet state licensing board educational requirements4 |
| North Carolina | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| North Dakota | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Ohio | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Oklahoma | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Oregon | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Pennsylvania | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Rhode Island | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| South Carolina | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| South Dakota | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Tennessee | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Texas | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Utah | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Vermont | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Virginia | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Washington | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| West Virginia | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Wisconsin | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
| Wyoming | Program meets state licensing board educational requirements |
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Sources
- Note: All determinations are accurate as of August 1, 2024 and are reviewed annually.
- California regulations require applicants with an out-of-state degree to provide “Proof of completion of 12-Hours California Law and Ethics Course.”
- New Mexico regulations require “verification the applicant has completed one of the following: three credit hour course in New Mexico cultures listed on the applicant’s transcripts; a board approved course, workshop or seminar in New Mexico cultures; proof of previously passing the New Mexico cultural examination.”
- New York regulations require that applicants complete at least 60 graduate course credits. The current Widener MSW program ladder is 57 graduate course credits total. New York residents interested in pursuing licensure may take an additional 3-credit elective to meet New York’s education requirements. Complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider.