Social Work Licensure in South Carolina

Find Education Requirements in South Carolina for one of the following:

• LBSW
• LMSW
• LISW-CP
• LISW-AP

With a rich and varied history stretching back to the original 13 colonies, South Carolina has been pivotal in some of the biggest periods of American history. South Carolina was actually the first colony to rebel against the king of England. In addition to its rich history, South Carolina has tremendous natural beauty including its beautiful Atlantic coastline. South Carolina is also a great 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. Remember, that the best way to stay informed with current regulations is the state’s website on licensure. Here is the website for the State of South Carolina: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/SocialWorkers/

There are four different kinds of social work licenses in South Carolina: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker – Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) and Licensed Independent Social Worker – Advanced Practice (LISW-AP).

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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Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)

• If you wish to attain the title Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) in South Carolina, you must first get a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
• No field experience is required for this license.
• Finally, you must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s Level Exam.
• To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 40 contact hours of continuing education.
• Learn about The Bachelors Degree in Social Work (BSW)

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

• If you wish to attain the title Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in South Carolina, you must first get a Master of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
• No field experience is required for this license.
• Finally, you must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Exam.
• To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 40 contact hours of continuing education.
• Learn about South Carolina Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW)

Licensed Independent Social Worker – Clinical Practice (LISW-CP)

• To become a Licensed Independent Social Worker – Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in South Carolina, you must first get your Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college. They will also accept degrees from the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work
• You will need to provide verification of 3,000 hours of clinical supervised practice with 100 hours of supervision and either 20 hours of continuing education contact or 15 academic contact hours in professional ethics.
• You must then receive a passing score on an Association of Social Workers ASWB Clinical Level Exam.
• To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 40 contact hours of continuing education.
• Learn about The Doctorate Degree is Social Work (DSW)

Licensed Independent Social Worker – Advanced Practice (LISW-AP)

• If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Independent Social Worker – Advanced Practice (LISW-AP) in South Carolina, you must first get a Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
• You will need to provide verification of 3,000 hours of clinical supervised practice with 100 hours of supervision and either 20 hours of continuing education contact or 15 academic contact hours in professional ethics.
• Once you have completed and sent in application you may apply with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for their Advanced Generalist Level exam. Once you pass the test you will be eligible to receive your new title Licensed Independent Social Worker – Advanced Practice in the state of South Carolina.
• To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 40 contact hours of continuing education.