North Carolina Social Work License Requirements
North Carolina’s social work license holders are stepping into a field with amazing growth potential. The state will likely become the nation’s seventh-largest by the early 2030s, with a population reaching 11.7 million people. This population surge creates a real need for qualified social work professionals in all specializations.
The job outlook for healthcare social workers in North Carolina looks particularly promising, with a projected 16.6% growth rate from 2022-2032, well above the national average of 10%. Mental health social workers can expect 15.1% growth (compared to 12% nationally), while child, family, and school social workers will see 14.2% growth (versus 5% nationally). Social workers’ annual salaries range from $52,000 to just over $68,000. Learning about North Carolina’s social work license requirements will help you start your rewarding career.
The state requires all clinical social workers to have a license and doesn’t offer reciprocity with other states. Your career path usually starts with getting your MSW and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (LCSWA). This applies whether you want to become a Certified Social Worker (CSW) or aim for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) status.
This piece covers everything you should know about getting your social work license in North Carolina. You’ll learn about education requirements, exam preparation, renewal procedures, and what the future holds for your career.
Types of Social Work Licenses in North Carolina
North Carolina provides four distinct social work credentials through the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB). These include three voluntary certifications for non-clinical practice and two mandatory licenses for clinical work.
Certified Social Worker (CSW)
The CSW stands as the entry-level certification for social workers in North Carolina. This voluntary credential requires a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. You must also pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s level examination. A CSW lets you practice non-clinical social work in settings like child welfare, case management, and residential counseling. The original application fee costs $145. You’ll need to pay a biennial renewal fee of $70 and complete 40 continuing education hours (including 4 in ethics) every two years.
Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
The CMSW certification makes advanced non-clinical practice possible with a Master of Social Work (MSW), DSW, or PhD in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution. You need to pass the ASWB Master’s level examination but don’t need prior experience. This credential works great for roles beyond direct counseling, such as case management, program development, community outreach, or policy analysis. You’ll pay $145 for the application and $90 for biennial renewal, plus complete 40 continuing education hours (4 in ethics).
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA)
The LCSWA works as a transitional license toward full LCSW status. This mandatory credential applies if you want to practice clinical social work but haven’t completed the LCSW licensure experience requirements. You must have an MSW, DSW, or PhD in social work from a CSWE-accredited school. The ASWB Clinical level exam isn’t needed right away, but you’ll need to pass it before getting your LCSW license. LCSWAs must report their supervision and practice to the Board every six months. The license costs $145, with a $140 biennial renewal fee and 40 continuing education hours. Note that this license expires after six years (two renewal cycles).
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
The LCSW remains the only credential that allows independent clinical social work practice in North Carolina. State law makes this license mandatory for anyone practicing clinical social work. You’ll need an MSW, DSW, or PhD in social work, at least 3,000 hours of post-MSW paid clinical employment within 2-6 years, and 100 hours of supervision (up to 25 hours in group settings). Passing the ASWB Clinical level examination is required. The application costs $145, with a $150 biennial renewal fee and 40 continuing education hours. Licensed professionals can provide clinical services including biopsychosocial prevention, treatment, diagnosis of mental and emotional disorders, and psychotherapy.
Eligibility and Exam Requirements
Getting your social work license in North Carolina means meeting specific education, exam, and supervised experience requirements. The standards vary based on the credential you want, with clinical practice licenses having stricter requirements.
Education requirements by license type
You need a degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program to get any social work credential in North Carolina. Here are the specific requirements:
- CSW: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree
- CMSW: Master of Social Work (MSW), Doctor of Social Work (DSW), or PhD in social work
- LCSWA: MSW, DSW, or PhD in social work
- LCSW: MSW, DSW, or PhD in social work
The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB) reviews all educational credentials during the application process. Keep in mind that you need an LCSW credential to practice clinical work legally—this includes diagnosis, treatment of mental disorders, and psychotherapy.
ASWB exam levels explained
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) offers four licensing exams used in North Carolina:
- Bachelor’s Level Exam: Required for CSW certification; costs $230
- Master’s Level Exam: Required for CMSW certification; costs $230
- Advanced Generalist Level Exam: Required for CSWM certification; costs $260
- Clinical Level Exam: Required for LCSW licensure; costs $260
You’ll need NCSWCLB approval before taking any ASWB exam. After approval, you can register with ASWB and schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. The exams follow the Analysis of the Practice of Social Work, and ASWB updates content outlines regularly.
LCSWA holders working toward their LCSW license must pass the Clinical Level exam before getting their LCSW license. Also, you’ll need to pass this exam to renew your associate license if you can’t complete your supervised practice hours within the original two-year LCSWA period.
Work experience and supervision hours
Each credential has different work experience requirements:
- CSW and CMSW: No prior experience needed
- LCSW: 3,000 hours of post-MSW paid clinical employment over 2-6 years[151]
LCSW candidates need 100 hours of supervision from a qualified supervisor[142][151]. This means one hour of supervision for every 30 hours of clinical practice[142][151]. Group supervision can only count for up to 25 hours of the total requirement[151].
LCSWA licensees must submit their supervision and practice documentation to the Board every six months using the mandatory six-month review form[142]. The Board allows up to 50 hours of supervision through technology, but these sessions must have both visual and audio components throughout.
CSWM candidates need their 100 supervision hours from a certified social work administrator who has at least five years of administration experience in a social work or mental health setting[151].
License Renewal and Continuing Education
You need to understand the renewal process and continuing education (CE) requirements to keep your North Carolina social work license active. The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB) has created guidelines that help professionals stay current with their knowledge and skills.
Renewal timelines and fees
North Carolina social work credentials expire biennially (every two years) on June 30th. You must complete all renewals online through the NCSWCLB website starting April 1st, 2025. Each credential type has different renewal fees:
- CSW: $70
- CMSW: $90
- CSWM: $150
- LCSWA: $140 (cannot be renewed beyond 6 years/2 renewal cycles)
- LCSW: $150
The renewal cycle runs from the date of issue or last renewal until the expiration date. Start gathering your continuing education documentation early to avoid any last-minute issues.
Continuing education hour requirements
You need to complete 40 hours of continuing education during each two-year cycle for standard biennial renewals. Some exceptions apply:
- Your original licensure cycles under two years need 30 hours
- LCSWA licensees get pro-rated requirements if they apply for LCSW before their two-year expiration
The NCSWCLB doesn’t pre-approve CE courses or providers, except distance learning activities. All CE activities might face an audit, so keep verifiable proof of attendance and credit hours. Contact hours only include actual instruction time, not breaks.
Ethics training and online CE options
The 40 required CE hours must include 4 hours of ethics training related to social work practice and ethical decision-making. Shorter renewal periods get quarterly adjustments for ethics requirements. You still need at least 1 hour of ethics training for periods of 6 months or less.
You can complete up to 20 hours through distance learning activities. These online courses need pre-approval from:
- Association of Social Work Boards’ Approved Continuing Education Committee (ASWB-ACE)
- North Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-NC)
Live/synchronous webinars that have verifiable interactive dialog count the same as in-person training. The NASW Social Work Online CE Institute, Yourceus, and certain Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) recorded webinars offer approved online CE options.
Reciprocity and License Transfer to North Carolina
Planning to move to North Carolina with your social work license? You’ll need to understand the state’s unique transfer process. North Carolina does not automatically accept licenses from other states or jurisdictions.
Equivalency Review Process
North Carolina uses an “equivalency” review instead of formal reciprocity. The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB) checks if your existing credentials match North Carolina’s standards. Your original license must be active, in good standing, and obtained through examination.
The Board looks at each application case by case and reviews:
- Your education credentials
- Examination scores
- Work experience documentation
- Verification of your current license
This review shows if your qualifications match the requirements for a North Carolina social work license level.
Pending Social Work Licensure Compact
North Carolina plans to join the Social Work Licensure Compact in 2025. The state legislation (SB155 and HB231) passed the House with a unanimous vote of 116-0. When fully implemented, this compact will:
- Let licensed clinical social workers practice in all participating states
- Make it easier for social work professionals to relocate
- Help more people access qualified social workers in member states
- Help military spouses keep their licenses when moving between states
- Build a complete data system to track licenses and any problems
Governor Josh Stein signed the Social Work Licensure Compact into law on June 13, 2025. However, multistate licenses won’t be available for 12-24 months while the system is set up.
Steps for out-of-state applicants
To apply as an out-of-state social worker, you should:
- Make sure your current license is active and in good standing
- Fill out the application for your desired license level
- Get verification of your existing license from your current jurisdiction
- Have your ASWB exam scores sent directly to the NCSWCLB
- Pay all application fees
- Meet any extra requirements for your license type
The Board will review your credentials to determine which North Carolina license level you qualify for.
Career Outlook and Salary for NC Social Workers
Social workers with a North Carolina social work license can earn different salaries based on their specialty and experience. A clear picture of what you can earn helps you plan your career path better.
Average salaries by specialization
Social workers in North Carolina earn different amounts depending on their field. Healthcare social workers top the list with yearly earnings of $63,110 ($30.34/hour). Other specialized social workers come close at $63,770 ($30.66/hour). Mental health and substance abuse social workers take home about $53,940 yearly ($25.93/hour). Child, family, and school social workers earn $50,420 per year ($24.24/hour).
The core team members with more experience earn around $67,668 yearly. Healthcare social workers at the top of their field can earn up to $87,830 per year.
Job growth projections
The social work field in North Carolina grows faster than the national rate. The state expects a 14% growth in social work jobs from 2022-2032. This means about 1,230 new jobs each year. The national growth rate sits at just 7%.
Your location in North Carolina affects your pay and job options. Cities like Charlotte pay median salaries of $55,000, while rural areas typically pay around $45,000.
Factors that affect salary
Here’s what shapes your earning potential as a North Carolina social worker:
- Education level: An MSW can boost your salary by $13,000 compared to a BSW
- Experience: You can earn about $419 more each year you work
- License type: Getting your LCSW can increase your pay by 10-20%
- Employment sector: Hospital jobs ($56,000) pay better than family services ($45,000)
- Geographic location: City jobs pay more than rural positions
Your earning potential grows with your North Carolina social work license and experience. Top professionals can earn $78,610 or more.
Start Your Path to Social Work License Requirements
A social work license in North Carolina opens up exceptional opportunities in a field that’s growing faster than ever. This piece has helped you find the range of credentials at your disposal—from entry-level CSW certification to the advanced LCSW license that lets you practice independently. You’ve also learned what you need to know about education requirements, examination processes, and supervision hours for each credential.
Getting licensed takes steadfast dedication and careful planning. Your credential will stay active when you understand the renewal process and continuing education requirements. Note that 40 clock hours of continuing education, including 4 hours of ethics training, must be completed during each two-year cycle.
Social workers face some hurdles when moving between states since North Carolina doesn’t offer automatic reciprocity. All the same, the Social Work Licensure Compact legislation signed in 2025 will make interstate practice available to more people.
Job prospects look bright for North Carolina social workers, with growth rates well above national averages in all specializations. Advanced credentials, experience, and smart career moves will substantially boost your earning potential.
Getting and keeping your North Carolina social work license might look daunting at first. Each completed step—from education to examination to supervised practice—brings you closer to serving your community while building a stable and rewarding career. Meeting these professional standards will benefit you and the clients you’ll serve throughout your social work career.