Social workers make a meaningful difference by providing needed support to individuals, families, and communities. They are experts in social services, problem-solving, advocacy, counseling, and more. Simply put, they work hard to improve the lives of others!
As highly-trained professionals, social workers are needed in a wide range of clinical and other settings. Their work makes a meaningful difference to those experiencing crisis, abuse, addiction, poverty, unemployment, mental health problems, and more.
If you are interested in combining your passion for helping others with the ability to travel, Trusted Health offers a wide range of career opportunities. Ready to embark on your journey to become a social worker? Let’s explore the path to licensure and break down the steps you’ll need to take to get there. A rewarding and adventurous career awaits!
Why Licensure Matters for Social Workers: Benefits and Advantages
Social work licensure is required in all 50 states. Licensure is important because it ensures that all social workers meet a certain standard of knowledge and skill before they can work independently.
If you choose to travel with Trusted as a social work allied health traveler, you will need licensure in the state that you desire to work in. Don’t miss our state-by-state social work licensing guide below!
General Requirements to Become a Social Worker
To become a social worker, you must begin with a high school diploma. Following that, here are your next steps:
- First, achieve a master’s degree in social work or MSW degree.
- MSW degrees are offered at a variety of colleges and universities. Your MSW degree should be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Achieving an MSW degree typically takes four to eight years. The MSW degree is required for most social work jobs.
- Next, Obtain licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
- Licensure is obtained after completing your MSW degree.
- We’ll break down the difference between these licenses below and discuss what each one entails.
- Lastly, obtain state-specific social work licensure.
- Each state has slightly different requirements for its social worker licenses. These requirements include education, clinical hours, experience, fees, and more.
- See our state-by-state licensure guide below for more info!
What Licenses Do You Need for a Social Worker?
No matter what state you choose to work in, you will need LCSW or LMSW licensure. These licenses are obtained by passing the respective national exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Here’s a little more about them:
How to Become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- After completing your MSW degree, you can take the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) exam.
- The LMSW credential allows you to work independently in various social work settings.
- The exam is 170 questions, and you will have four hours to complete it.
- The exam fee is $230.
- Click here for LMSW license requirements
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- If you desire to work in a clinical setting as a social worker, you will need to take the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam. This is also referred to as clinical social worker licensure.
- You will need two years of experience before being eligible for this exam. This credential allows you to work independently as a clinical social worker, providing therapy, counseling, and other mental health and clinical services.
- The exam is 170 questions, and you will have four hours to complete it.
- The exam fee is $260.
- Click here for LCSW license requirements.
Social Worker Licensure Requirements by State
It is essential to understand the state-specific requirements needed for social workers in your state. Remember, licensure requirements can change, so it’s best to regularly check the state board websites for the most up-to-date information.
Whether looking for a staff or travel position as a social worker, you’ll need to pay attention to state licensure. Without further ado, here is our comprehensive list of state-by-state requirements to assist you in planning your social work career.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
- SW Licensure Compact: No
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $100
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $100
- Renewal: $4.00, biannually
- More Information: Visit the Arkansas Department of Health website
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
- SW Licensure Compact: No
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $200
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $175
- Renewal: $300, biannually
- More Information: Visit the Florida Board of Social Work website
Georgia
Hawaii
- SW Licensure Compact: No
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $374
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $478
- Renewal: $177-$222. Every three years, occurring next in 2025.
- More Information: Visit the Hawaii Social Worker Program website
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
- SW Licensure Compact: Yes
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $120
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $120
- Renewal: $100, biannually
- More Information: Visit the Iowa Board of Social Work website
Kansas
- SW Licensure Compact: Yes
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $200
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $200
- Renewal:$75-$100, biannually
- More Information: Visit the Kansas Regulatory Board website
Kentucky
- SW Licensure Compact: Yes
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $100
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $225
- Renewal: $64-$200, every three years
- More Information: Visit the Kentucky Board of Social Work website
Louisiana
Maine
- SW Licensure Compact: Yes
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $95
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $95
- Renewal: $75, biannually
- More Information: Visit the Maine Board of Social Work website
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
- SW Licensure Compact: Pending
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $355
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $385
- Renewal: $335, biannually
- More Information: Visit the Minnesota Board of Social Work website
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
- SW Licensure Compact: No
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $294
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $294
- Renewal: $224, every three years
- More Information: Visit the New York Office of Professions website
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
- SW Licensure Compact: Yes
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $100
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $83
- Renewal: $83.50-$103.30, biannually
- More Information: Visit the Ohio Social Work Board website
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
- SW Licensure Compact: Yes
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $115
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $165
- Renewal: $25, annually
- More Information: Visit the Virginia Board of Social Work website
Washington
Washington, DC
- SW Licensure Compact: No
- Temporary/Limited Permit:
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $230
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $230
- Renewal:
- More Information: Visit the
West Virginia
- SW Licensure Compact: No
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $100
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $100
- Renewal: $200, biannually
- More Information: Visit the Washington DC Health website
Wisconsin
Wyoming
- SW Licensure Compact: No
- Initial Licensing fee for LMSWs: $300
- Initial Licensing fee for LCSWs: $350
- Renewal: $125, biannually
- More Information: Visit the Wyoming Licensing Board website
What Comes Next After Social Worker Licensure?
Upon obtaining social worker licensure, you can begin applying for jobs and get started in your career. Your work will be incredibly valuable and rewarding, and you will be able to make an important difference in people’s lives every day.
Once you begin working, you can gain additional skills or further specialize in an area of social work. Additional social worker certification and licensure opportunities are available. Social workers are able to find employment in a wide range of clinical and non-clinical settings– the sky is the limit! Enjoy the versatility that comes with this extraordinary career.
Find a Social Worker Job with Trusted Health
If you are interested in taking your social work skills on the road as a social work traveler, Trusted Health is here to support you every step of the way. You’ll have extraordinary experiences, travel the country, and earn a great living while doing it. Trusted Health proudly offers excellent pay packages, comprehensive benefits, and exceptional clinical support. Come see why travelers choose and stay with Trusted!
Check out Trusted's current travel Social Work jobs today!
