How to Become a Social Worker 

The steps for how to become a social worker are fairly clear but will vary depending on your state. On this page we outline the general path to take to become a social worker and then connect you to our state license pages for exact specifics for how to become a social worker in your state. It’s that easy!

A degree in social work is a wonderful thing because it qualifies you for so many different positions and allows you to do so much across the field. The position you can hold will depend almost entirely on the level of education achieved.

How to Become a Social Worker with a High School Degree in Two Steps!

• Step 1:  Graduate with your High School Degree

In some states it is possible to become a social work case worker or to work at the Department of Social Services, with a High School Degree. To find out if you can become a social worker with a high school degree in your state please go to our State Social Work License Information page and click your state on the map.

• Step 2: Apply for a job in social work.

For social work job resources please visit our Social Work Jobs page.

How to Become a Social Worker with a Bachelors Degree in Three Steps!

• Step 1:  Graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work or related field.

In all states it is possible to become a social worker with a bachelors degree in social work from an accredited university. In some states it is possible to become a social worker with a degree in a related field.

Jobs at the bachelors level include working as social case workers in agencies, Department of Social Service protection, investigation, advocacy, and prevention services, as well as other non-clinical jobs.

To find out the specific requirements of your state  you can visit our State Social Work License Information page and select your state on the map.

For information on the ASWB Bachelors exam and for help with studying please go to our Social Work Exam Information page.

• Step 2:  Take the Association of Social Work Board social work Bachelors exam

Depending on your state, after graduation with a BSW or related degree you may be required to take a social work bachelors examination given by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

To find out the specific requirements you can visit our State Social Work License Information page and select your state on the map.  For information on the ASWB Bachelors exam and for help with studying please go to our Social Work Exam Information page.

• Step 3: Apply for a job in social work.

 For social work job resources please visit our Social Work Jobs page.

 How to Become a Social Worker with a Masters Degree in Three Steps!

• Step 1:  Graduate with your Social Work Masters Degree or related field

In all states it is possible to become a social worker with masters degree in social work but not all states allow degrees from related fields. A Masters degree qualifies you for all bachelors and high school level jobs in addition to clinical positions. If you wish to practice independently or to earn a license then a masters degree is required.

The specifics will depend on your state. To find out the specific requirements you can visit our State Social Work License Information page and select your state on the map.

• Step 2:  Take the the Association of Social Work Board Masters exam

Depending on your state, after graduation with a MSW or related degree you may be required to take a social work Masters examination given by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

For information on the ASWB Masters exam and for help with studying please go to our Social Work Exam Information page.

• Step 3: Apply for a job in social work.

For social work job resources please visit our Social Work Jobs page.

 How to Become an LCSW or Licensed Social Worker in Five Steps!

The process to become an LCSW or licensed social worker is the same as the process of becoming a social worker with a masters degree, with one added step.

• Step 1:  Graduate with your Social Work Masters Degree

• Step 2: Take the the Association of Social Work Board Masters exam

Depending on your state, after graduation with an MSW or related degree you may be required to take a social work Masters examination given by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). To find out if this is a requirement in your state you can visit our State Social Work License Information page and select your state on the map.

• Step 3: Apply for a job in social work.

For social work job resources please visit our Social Work Jobs page.

• Step 4: Find a qualified social work supervisor

Find a qualified, board approved social work supervision that offers supervision for the license that you wish to obtain. To find a social work supervisor in your state you  can search here: Social Work Supervision.

• Step 5: Take the Appropriate Clinical or Generalist ASWB Social Work Exam

After completing your supervision you will be required to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam. To find out which exam please look at the license table for your state and your license here by selecting your state on the map  Social Work License Information.

For information about the ASWB exam, please go to our  Social Work Exam Information page.

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