Social Work Licensure
Licensure is an important part of the field of social work. It ensures that all social workers are held to the same high standards and can provide their clients with approved counseling and outstanding practice. In order to lawfully practice social work in any of the 50 states, a social worker must obtain a license from the state they will work in. The rules for licensure vary in each state. There are several different types of social work licensure, all of which depend on your degree and the amount of experience you have.
Licensed Social Workers (LSW) possess a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school, or a bachelor’s degree in another subject and sufficient experience working in the field of social work under the direct supervision of a licensed social worker. This is the most basic type of social work licensure that you can gain.
To become a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) you must posses a master’s degree in social work from an accredited school and pass the licensing exam in your state of practice. With a master’s or doctorate your may also qualify for the exam to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker you will be able to provide individual, marital, couple, family, and group counseling and psychotherapy from a social work approach. You will also be qualified to assess, diagnose and treat mental and emotional conditions and addictions.
Earning your Master of Social Work degree online from The University of New England School of Social Work helps you prepare for a career as a licensed social worker. It’s a comprehensive program that fits into your schedule. In addition, the UNE School of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). It is the premier accrediting body for social work programs in the United States. The CSWE can help you learn more about social work licensure, exams, and the licensing procedure in your state.
There are licensure exam resources available online. These websites are NOT managed by the University of New England. The University of New England does not review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these sites.
For Social Work Exam Review resources click the link below:
POSTED BY: ec_admin - November 16th, 2009 at 11:20pm ( 6 )
Rose - January 21st, 2011 at 03:36pm
I am a Florida resident so how does the Clinical goes for those of us living out-of-state. I thought a Clinical was relevant for an MSW?
University of New England Admissions - February 17th, 2011 at 08:53pm
Rose, many of our applicants are concerned about the field placement and, hopefully, this email will help address some of those concerns. The field placements are completed in the student’s local area. Approximately, seven months prior to the practicum, students will complete an online field orientation. This orientation introduces students to the goals and expectations of the practicum. It will also help in determining future career goals and professional desires to ultimately find and secure a placement. The student will also be arranging an appointment with their field advisor via phone or video conference to assist in the process as well; tips on interviewing with placements and finding a field instructor. Although it is up to the student to find their placement, the field advisor will be there to offer guidance and support. UNE’s vision for the field practicums is all about finding the right fit for the student’s needs.
Heather W. - September 21st, 2011 at 02:25am
Hi. I plan to become a licensed independent social worker. Would your program, upon completion, place me on this track? Basically, would I be eligible to sit for the LICSW exam following the 3000 hours required in my state of South Carolina?
Kathe Baud - October 4th, 2011 at 12:53am
Is it possible to do a Research Masters Degree in Social Work?
Thanks.
Laura - January 29th, 2012 at 02:48am
I currently hold a BA in Psychology and am interested in the MSW degree. Upon graduation, will I be eligible to take the licensure exam for the state of CT? Ct has so many restrictions pertaining to out of state degrees.
Thank you
Elizabeth - February 12th, 2012 at 08:05pm
What is the difference between accredition by CSWE and CACREP?