Social Worker Requirements By State

Social workers connect vulnerable people with social services. They also advocate for children and help clients navigate the healthcare system. In every state, social workers must hold a license to practice. Social worker requirements vary by state. Professionals may need up to 4,000 hours of field experience.

Individuals considering a social work career should understand their state’s social worker licensure requirements. This guide explores social worker requirements by state.

Candidates for social work jobs need at least a college degree. Some positions require a master’s degree. Social work degree-seekers learn about social work practice and macro and micro social work. Other topics include case management and client assessment. Students also develop communication and counseling skills, learning to create treatment plans.

Social work students often specialize in an area such as clinical social work or substance abuse. Additional options include child and family services and healthcare. Still other social work specializations include criminal justice, school social work, and veterans services.

Prospective students should choose an accredited program. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits social work programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. CSWE evaluates programs based on factors including curricula and social worker field requirements. Other factors are faculty qualifications and student learning outcomes. In every state, social worker requirements include a degree from a CSWE-accredited program.

In addition to holding a social work degree from an accredited program, social workers must meet their state’s field experience and examination requirements. Depending on their state and the license they are seeking, candidates may need several years of supervised experience.

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) administers national licensure exams for social workers. ASWB offers undergraduate and graduate exams, along with an advanced generalist exam and a clinical social worker exam. Each exam includes 170 multiple-choice questions, which test-takers complete on the computer.

The examinations test for competencies necessary for entry-level social work practice. ASWB conducts surveys of professional social workers to develop exam questions. The bachelor’s and master’s exams cost $230 each. The advanced generalist and clinical exams each cost $260.

Candidates apply with their state social worker licensure board before signing up for the exam. Test-takers receive a passing or failing grade. After passing the exam, candidates can fulfill additional social worker requirements and obtain licensure.