Social Work Licensure in New Jersey

Find Education Requirements in New Jersey for one of the following:

• CSW
• LSW
• LCSW

Situated in the Mid-Atlantic region between Pennsylvania and New York, the state of New Jersey has a long and storied history. One of the original thirteen colonies that struggled for independence from England, New Jersey has been a part of the US since the very beginning. In addition to its rich history New Jersey also has a vibrant culture and is home to more scientists and engineers per square mile than anywhere in the world! New Jersey is an excellent choice for a state to start your licensed Social Work career in. It is important to remember that there can always be updates or changes to a state’s rules and regulations. It is critical to stay informed about the current regulations in the state’s website on licensure. Here is the website for the State of New Jersey:

There are three different kinds of social work licenses in New Jersey: Certified Social Worker (CSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Do you know your education options? Begin or continue a degree – AS, BS, MSW, MS, PhD, Cert. Online and campus locations. Know your degree choices!

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Certified Social Worker (CSW)

• If you wish to attain the title Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in New Jersey, you must first get a Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
• To become licensed you must apply for your license and there is no exam requirement for this level of licensure.
• To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 20 contact hours of continuing education.
  • Learn about The Bachelors Degree in Social Work (BSW)

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

• If you wish to attain the title Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in New Jersey, you must first get a Master of Social Work or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
• Finally, you must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination.
• To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 30 contact hours of continuing education.
  • Learn about New Jersey Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey, you must first get your Master of Social Work degree or Doctorate of Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college. The educational requirement also specifies 12 semester hours of graduate level classes. They must be in one of the following areas of focus: Models of psychotherapy or clinical practice; clinical supervision and consultation; human behavior and the social environment; diagnosis and assessment; or interventions with special populations.
• To attain your license, you will need to log 1,920 hours of face-to-face with client Social Work practice. It must occur within a three year period which must be consecutive years and in a clinical practice setting.
• You must then receive a passing score on an Association of Social Workers ASWB Clinical Level Exam.
• Once you pass the test you will be eligible to receive your new title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Jersey.
• To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 40 contact hours of continuing education.
  • Learn about The Doctorate Degree is Social Work (DSW)