According to the Association of Social Work Boards, "the purpose of licensing and certification in social work is to protect the public by setting and enforcing standards for social work practice." States and jurisdictions define by law what is required for the varying categories of social work licensure. To view ASWB members' websites, statutes and administrative rules, click here and follow the instructions provided.
Depending upon where you seek your licensure, you may find you the following categories:
- Bachelors: Baccalaureate social work degree upon graduation
- Masters: Master’s degree in social work (MSW) with no post-degree experience
- Advanced Generalist: MSW with two years post-master’s supervised experience
- Clinical: MSW with two years post-master’s direct clinical social work experience
If you are considering becoming a licensed social worker, we recommend the following:
- Review the requirements of where you want to practice. To view ASWB members' websites, statutes, and administrative rules, click here and follow the instructions provided.
- Visit ASWB's site for everything you need to know about taking an ASWB social work licensing exam.
- Email TSSW_CLL@tulane.edu to see when our next LMSW/LCSW exam prep course will be.
If you are staying in New Orleans, please see the licensing requirements.
See ASWB licensure exam pass rates for graduates of Tulane University School of Social Work.
