Licenses
The social work profession affects public health, safety, and welfare. It is regulated in the same way that medicine and nursing are—by state and provincial regulatory authorities.
A social work board
- Establishes the rules and regulations of the profession and the standards for licensure
- Issues licenses to those social workers who have met its professional standards
- Requires that social workers maintain their licensed status in good standing
- Investigates complaints and, when necessary, decides whether a social worker continues to deserve a license
In short, the mission of regulatory bodies is the protection of the public. And that public includes anyone who is the recipient of social work services.
Getting your first license
Licensing is for all social workers, not just clinical social workers. Most states and provinces offer multiple categories of licensure, recognizing different scopes of practice.
Getting licensed in another state or province
Because social work licenses are issued at the state and provincial level, social workers need to apply to practice legally in a new jurisdiction—whether they’re practicing in person or via electronic practice.
Apply for a license
To apply for a license, you typically need to visit your state or provincial board website.
Determine what you need
Every state and province has requirements for getting a license. Be sure you know what you need before you start the application process.