Social work is a rewarding but difficult career path. The process for getting licensed takes time and effort because it’s there to make sure that only the right people for the job manage to get through. For the right candidates, however, it’s a rich, meaningful profession.
In this article, we describe the steps you will have to take to get licensed as a social worker.
Location Matters
Before we get into our list, it’s important to point out that the rules might be a little bit different where you live. Though the list below is filled with things that are generally true in most parts of the country, state laws may vary slightly in their requirements for becoming licensed.
Before you get too deeply involved in a social worker program, it’s a good idea to look into what sort of laws your state specifically has regarding the process.
Education
To become a licensed social worker, you will first need to complete either a BSW (bachelor’s in social work) or a MSW (master’s in social work) curriculum. You may be able to work within a social work agency without either degree, but to operate in a clinical capacity, you will need to complete the college coursework.
Both degrees are important stepping stones to beginning your career. However, education alone is not enough to earn your license.
Online MSW programs are a great way to get a high-quality education in social work that comes with a degree of built-in flexibility. As we will describe in more detail below, the MSW comes with the most opportunities, and may even feature more job advancements and salary increases.
Getting Licensed
Once licensed you can work in a clinical capacity and legally present yourself as a social worker. The path to getting your license will have ample room for variation in terms of how long each step takes. However, most states will have some version of the process described below in place.
Experience
Before you can submit for your license, you may first need to acquire supervised experience. Depending on where you live, it could range between 1-3 years. During this time, you will be required to meet regularly with a licensed social worker so that they can review your work and offer recommendations.
Social workers who are still working on their licensing requirements do get paid during their supervision period, and they will not usually have their activity monitored daily. Most of the time, they will already be acting in the capacity of a licensed social worker.
In some states, only job candidates with a BSW have to complete this step. In these locations, MSW job candidates can usually apply for their license immediately out of school.
Submit the Application
Regardless of your educational level, you will need to submit an application along with a fee to the state agency that provides social worker licenses. Usually, you will need to submit evidence of your educational background, along with proof that you completed your supervised experience.
Once your fee has been processed, and your application reviewed, you will be contacted about the next step.
Taking the Test
Once you have completed all of these steps, it’s time to take the licensing test. The test usually comes with another fee, although this too will depend on where you live. The test scores are sent directly to the state agency that handles social work licensing. Once you pass, you will receive your license in the mail. Congratulations, you are now eligible to begin a rewarding career as a licensed social worker!
