What Do I Need to Become a Social Worker?

You want to become a social worker, but you have no idea where to start.

The process seems confusing, with so many degrees, licenses, and specializations to choose from. It’s easy to feel lost, overwhelmed, and unsure if you’re even on the right path.

But once you understand the steps clearly, the journey becomes much easier to follow.

Let’s walk through What Do I Need to Become a Social Worker?—everything you need to study, qualify, and succeed in this career.

1. Research Whether Social Work Is Your Ideal Career

To decide if social work is right for you, think carefully about what it takes, especially the education. You can choose to study social work at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Which one you pick will depend on your career goals and how much time you’re willing to spend in school.

It’s also important to look into the different areas of social work and the types of jobs you can get. Some social work programs provide extra training to help you work with specific groups, like students or military members.

If you’re not yet sure which group you want to work with, that’s perfectly okay. As you explore your options, see how social work careers can grow and if they offer long-term opportunities.

Finally, understanding what social workers do and where they work, how much they earn, and future job demand can help you decide if this career is right for you. You can speak with local social workers to learn about their salaries or check the national average on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website.

2. Complete Bachelor's Degree Requirements

You can start a social work career with a bachelor’s degree, but clinical roles require a master’s degree in social work. Without a master’s, your career choices may be more limited. That’s why many people choose to go for a Master of Social Work (MSW). 

The type of undergraduate degree you need depends on the graduate program you apply to. Not every program asks for a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), but some, like advanced standing MSW programs, do require it.

If you finish your bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work, you can still study social work in graduate school. Students without a BSW can join a graduate program, which usually takes two years to finish if you study full-time. 

Both BSW and MSW programs need approval from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Most states require you to graduate from a CSWE-approved program to get licensed and work as a social worker.

3. Discover Your Graduate Education Choices

Once you complete your bachelor’s degree in any field, you can pursue a master’s degree in social work. Many programs exist, so choose one that aligns with your career and personal life.

Begin by asking yourself: Do I want to study part-time or full-time? Think about your finances, whether you’ll study full-time or part-time, and how quickly you want to finish the program before deciding.

When deciding how to enroll, also think about whether you want to study online or go to classes in person. Things like where you live, your work hours, your family or personal responsibilities, and how you like to learn will affect your choice. 

If you want to study at a university in another state but can’t move because of your job, an online program from that university could be a good option.

If you pick an online program, remember that some require you to join live classes at specific times every week. You should make sure you have the right technology, like a laptop and webcam, to attend these sessions. Other online programs mix live classes with lessons you can do on your own time.

Think carefully about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of program before choosing. Many online programs demand the same level of motivation, engagement, and organization as in-person classes.

4. Select a Certified MSW Program

Once you’ve researched and chosen your study approach for a Master of Social Work (MSW), ensure you select an accredited program. Programs approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) meet the standards and best practices used in social work. This means they will teach you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed after graduation.

Also, most states require you to graduate from a CSWE-accredited program to qualify for a social work license. Having this license is usually needed for many social work jobs.

An MSW degree can open up many job opportunities that might not be available without this advanced education. You can work in many places like hospitals, nonprofit organizations, schools, and more. You often need an MSW to get certain social work licenses, which are required for many social work jobs.

5. Pass the ASWB Examination

Most states require you to pass the ASWB licensing exam to become a licensed social worker. Some states also require you to pass a jurisprudence exam, which tests your knowledge of laws related to social work. Before you can register for the ASWB exam, you might need permission from your state’s social work board. 

It’s a good idea to check with your state board to learn about the exact exam rules for your state. The ASWB offers different levels of social work exams based on your education and career goals. These levels include bachelor’s, master’s, advanced generalist, and clinical exams. 

Each exam has a minimum education requirement you must meet before taking it. Every exam has 170 multiple-choice questions, but the difficulty and topics change depending on the exam level. The license you get will determine what kind of social work you are allowed to do.

6. Get Licensed as a Social Worker in Your State

To become a licensed social worker, complete your education, pass the required exams, and get a state license. These licenses make sure that social workers meet important standards and are qualified to do their jobs.

Each state has its own rules and systems for certification and licensing. So, you should look up the specific rules for the state where you want to work.

If you want to know the social work license rules for your state, you can check our social work licensure requirement list by state. This list gives details about the types of licenses, supervision needed, continuing education, and more. 

Remember, the requirements can be different in each state and may change over time. They also might vary depending on your background. Therefore, it’s important for students to carefully research and decide which license and path suit them best.

Here are short explanations of three common social work licenses:

• LBSW: This means Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker. To get this license, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work and meet your state’s specific licensing requirements.
• LMSW: This means Licensed Master Social Worker. To get this license, you must complete a master’s degree in social work and meet your state’s requirements.
• LCSW: This means Licensed Clinical Social Worker. To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), earn a master’s in social work, complete clinical training, and get licensed per your state’s rules.

7. Start Your Journey in Social Work

Once you get your required license from your state, you can begin your career in social work. There are many different job options in this field, and social workers can work in many places and take on different roles. The career path you choose should match your interests, passion, and skills.

Here are some common career options in social work:

• School Social Worker:

School social workers help students with both personal and school-related problems. They work as a link between schools and families. They may support special needs students, help manage behavior issues, or assist with juvenile justice and child protection cases.

• Substance Abuse Social Worker:

Social workers who focus on substance abuse help people dealing with drug or alcohol problems. They often serve as a link between doctors, the person recovering, and their family or community. These workers usually work in rehab centers, nonprofit groups, jails, or private clinics.

• Mental Health Social Worker:

These social workers support people who are facing mental health challenges. If you want to work in this area, keep in mind that many jobs require a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. 

Mental health social workers provide personal therapy, group therapy, and help in emergencies. They usually work in hospitals, mental health clinics, rehab centers, and similar places.

• Medical Social Worker:

Medical social workers help patients and their families in healthcare settings. They support people who are going through tough times emotionally and financially because of medical issues. You can find them working in hospitals, hospices, rehab centers, and nursing homes.

8. Meet Ongoing Learning Requirements

To keep your social worker license active and up to date, you’ll need to complete continuing education based on your state’s rules. These rules vary depending on where you live. Some states require a set number of continuing education hours, while others mandate specific courses.

It’s important to look into what your state requires to keep your license valid. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) provides detailed information on license renewal rules. If you want to continue your education further, you can go for a doctoral degree in social work. 

There are two main options: the Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in social work. The DSW is usually for those who want advanced training after their MSW to continue working in the field. The Ph.D. is better for those who want to teach or do research in universities. 

You can also earn professional credentials from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). These programs help social workers grow their knowledge and improve their skills in specific areas of social work.

To sum up, if you’re asking, “What Do I Need to Become a Social Worker?” the answer starts with completing the required education. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) can qualify you for many entry-level positions, but it’s not the final stop. 

After getting a BSW or any bachelor’s degree, you can go for an MSW if you want higher-level jobs. Next, you’ll need to get your state license by passing exams and meeting local requirements. Once licensed, you’re ready to begin your professional career. To keep your license active, you must complete continuing education as required by your state.

Organizations like Pakistan Sweet Home provide safe homes for orphans, offering care and support to vulnerable children. As a trusted orphanage NGO, they play a vital role in helping children build better futures. Their work shows how social workers and dedicated homes for orphans can make a lasting impact.

Give Orphans a Reason to Smile

Donate Now