North Carolina Social Work License Requirements & Programs: Become a Social Worker in NC
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
By Janice Monti
Are you interested in helping North Carolina’s most vulnerable people, families, and communities? The state’s colleges and universities offer 25 social work degrees to prepare you for this potentially rewarding career.
Aspiring social workers should become familiar with their state’s rules governing social work practice. The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB) is the regulatory authority for social workers in the state.
This guide explains Board licensure requirements and highlights the state’s social work programs.
In This Article
Education Required to Become a Social Worker in North Carolina
In North Carolina, a bachelor of social work (BSW) prepares you for entry-level positions in the field, but you need a master’s in social work (MSW) for Board licensure.
Most licensed clinical social work positions in North Carolina require at least an MSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). However, graduates with a BSW may qualify for employment as certified social workers.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Earning a BSW prepares you for entry-level employment in non-clinical positions such as caseworkers, family service aids, and mental health assistants. Completing a BSW often takes four years, and a minimum of 120 credits.
CSWE-accredited BSW programs offer courses in human behavior and development, social work practice, social welfare policy, research, cultural diversity, and ethics. All programs require a great deal of field work.
A BSW qualifies you for the certified social work credential in North Carolina. The degree also serves as a stepping stone to graduate school, which can lead to higher levels of licensure and broader professional opportunities.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The MSW is the minimum educational degree required for clinical social work positions. Admission requirements vary by program, but most schools require a BSW or a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
An MSW takes around two years of study. If you hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited school, you may qualify for advanced standing status. With advanced standing, you can complete your master’s with as few as 30-48 credits, compared to approximately 60 credits required by traditional programs.
Common specializations include mental health, substance use and addictions, child and family, and school social work.
After earning your MSW and working for a minimum of 3,000 hours in clinical practice, you may apply for the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential. MSW graduates also qualify for the certified master social worker (CMSW) credential, which does not require prior work experience.
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Steps for Becoming a Licensed Social Worker in North Carolina
You must follow certain steps to obtain and maintain a North Carolina social work license. The state authorizes several different types of licensure, based on different educational, examination, and experience requirements:
- certified social worker (CSW)
- certified master social worker (CMSW)
- licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
- licensed clinical social worker associate (LCSWA)
- certified social work manager (CSWM)
Certified Social Worker (CSW)
You may become a CSW in North Carolina after earning a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program with no prior social work experience. The certification process requires these steps:
- Submit an application to the NCSWCLB after completing your BSW; include three letters of reference, an official sealed transcript, and an application fee of $145.
- Request approval to sit for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s exam after the NCSWCLB reviews and approves your application.
- Register for the ASWB bachelor’s exam and submit a $230 exam fee.
- Take your exam on the scheduled day at an approved test site near you. You have four hours to complete the 170-multiple choice questions on the exam.
- Receive your CSW certificate. The NCSWCLB gets your exam scores approximately two weeks after you take the exam. After successfully passing the exam, the Board will issue your CSW certificate.
Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
CMSW candidates must earn an MSW before applying. The CMSW does not require prior work experience. The steps for CMSW licensure are similar to those for the CSW:
- Submit an application packet to the NCSWCLB, including three letters of reference, official transcripts, and a $145 application fee.
- Request approval to take the ASWB Master’s exam after the NCSWCLB reviews and approves your application.
- Register for the ASWB Master’s exam and submit a $230 exam fee after receiving approval for your exam request.
- Take your exam on the scheduled day at an approved test site near you. You have four hours to complete the 170-multiple choice questions on the exam.
- Receive your CMSW credential. The NCSWCLB will receive your exam scores approximately two weeks after you take the exam. After successfully passing the exam, the Board will issue your CMSW credential.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA)
The LCSWA allows you to work under supervision until you get the clinical experience needed for LCSW license eligibility. LCSWA licensure in North Carolina requires at least an MSW degree.
- Submit an application packet to the Board, including three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a $145 application fee.
- Complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of post-graduate paid employment in clinical social work, including at least 100 hours supervised by an LCSW who is in good standing with the Board and has been practicing as an LCSW for at least two years.
- Document and report your supervision and practice experience to the board every six months.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
An LCSW license requires an MSW, doctor of social work, or Ph.D. in social work degree. Once you earn your graduate degree, you can follow these steps to obtain LCSW licensure.
- Apply for LCSW licensure, but only after earning your LCSWA license and completing 3,000 hours of post-graduate paid employment in clinical social work.
- Register for the ASWB Clinical Exam and pay the $260 application fee. Do so after obtaining NCSWCLB approval.
- Pass the ASWB Clinical exam within two years after getting your LCSWA license.
- Obtain an LCSW license after you pass the ASWB exam. Submit an application with the required $145 fee, your final Six-Month Review form, and documentation showing that you completed the required amount of continuing education hours.
- Practice as an LCSW after the Board approves your application and grants your license.
Certified Social Work Manager (CSWM)
Social workers in administrative or managerial positions may apply for the CSWM certification. Holders of BSW, MSW, DSW, or Ph.D. degrees from CSWE-accredited schools are all eligible for this credential.
- Complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of post-graduate paid employment in administrative social work, including at least 100 hours supervised by a social work administrator. You must complete hourly experience requirements in 2-6 years.
- Submit an application packet to the Board including all CSWM certification forms, three professional references, official transcripts, and a $145 application fee.
- Sign up for the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam and pay the $260 registration fee
- Take your exam on the scheduled day at an approved test site near you. You have four hours to complete the 170-multiple choice questions on the exam.
- Await your CSWM certification. The Board will receive your exam scores, document your completion, and then award your CSWM certification.
Social Work License Reciprocity in North Carolina
The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board does not have reciprocity agreements with other states.
However, licensed social workers practicing in other states may apply for licensure by substantial equivalency if the requirements for their current license correspond to those in North Carolina.
Social workers who want to practice in North Carolina must submit an application packet to the NCSWCLB documenting that they meet the criteria for licensure by substantial equivalency.
The licensure board conducts a thorough case-by-case review of each application. Applicants must verify their current license and arrange for the transfer of ASWB exam scores to the licensing board.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information
A North Carolina social work license needs renewal every two years. The renewal process for all license types requires a total of 40 hours of continuing education, including four hours of ethics, completed within the two-year period.
Renewal fees depend on the type of license. CSWs must pay $70 to renew their license; CMSWs pay a $90 fee. Biennial renewals for both LCSW and CSWM cost $150. LCSWAs pay a $140 renewal fee for two years but cannot exceed two renewal cycles.
BSW Programs Available in North Carolina
- Appalachian State University — Boone, NC (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $2,121 per semester in-state; $10,619 per semester out-of state
- Barton College — Wilson, NC (On Campus, Online, Hybrid)
- Available Concentration: Child Welfare
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $17,800 per semester
- Campbell University — Buies Creek, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $38,480 per year
- East Carolina University — Greenville, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $557 per credit hour in-state; $864 per credit hour out-of-state
- Elizabeth City State University — Elizabeth City, NC (On Campus)
- Available Concentration: Gerontology
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $500 per semester in-state; $2,500 per semester out-of-state
- Fayetteville State University — Fayetteville, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $42 per credit hour in-state; $208 per credit hour out-of-state
- Johnson C. Smith University — Charlotte, NC (On Campus, Online, Hybrid)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $9,752 per semester
- Livingstone College — Salisbury, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $7,958 per semester
- Mars Hill University — Mars Hill, NC (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $37,270 per year
- Meredith College — Raleigh, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $1,086 per credit hour
- Methodist University — Fayetteville, NC (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentration: Child Welfare
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $38,936 per year
- North Carolina A&T State University — Greensboro, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $148 per credit hour in-state; $710 per credit hour out-of-state
- North Carolina Central University — Durham, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $155 per credit hour in-state; $699 per credit hour out-of-state
- North Carolina State University — Raleigh, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $9,108 per year in-state; $31,980 per year out-of-state
- Shaw University — Raleigh, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $492 per credit hour
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Charlotte, NC (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Child Welfare, Gerontology
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $159 per credit in-state; $747 per credit out-of-state
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro — Greensboro, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $184 per credit in-state; $840 per credit out-of-state
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke — Pembroke, NC (On Campus)
- Available Concentration: Child Welfare
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $146 per credit in-state; $312 per credit out-of-state
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington — Wilmington, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $185 per credit hour in-state; $794 per credit hour out-of-state
- Warren Wilson College — Asheville, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $39,300 per year
- Western Carolina University — Cullowhee, NC (On Campus)
- Available Concentration: Child Welfare
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition:$3,618 per semester in-state; $5,618 per semester out-of-state
- Winston-Salem State University — Winston-Salem, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition:$142 per credit in-state; $586 per credit out-of-state
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MSW Programs Available in North Carolina
- Appalachian State University — Boone, NC (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Community and Organizational Practice; Individuals and Families
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $304 /credit in-state; $1,1,38 /credit out-of state
- East Carolina University — Greenville, NC (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $205/ credit in-state; $883 / credit out-of-state
- Fayetteville State University — Fayetteville NC (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Substance Use; Military Behavioral Health
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $191 /credit in-state; $806 /credit out-of-state
- Johnson C. Smith University — Charlotte, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $9,752 /semester
- North Carolina A&T State University and University of North Carolina at Greensboro (collaborative) — Greensboro, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full-Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $299 /credit in-state; $1,084 /credit out-of-state
- North Carolina Central University — Durham, NC (On Campus)
- Available Concentration: Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, and Communities
- Enrollment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $263 /credit in-state; $983 /credit out-of-state
- North Carolina State University — Raleigh, NC (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full-Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $380 /credit in-state; $1,286 /credit out-of-state
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Direct Practice; Community, Management, and Policy
- Enrollment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $811 /credit in-state; $1,841 /credit out-of-state
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Charlotte, NC (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Child Welfare; School Social Work
- Enrollment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $242 /credit in-state; $1,027 /credit out-of-state
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke — Pembroke, NC (On Campus, Online, Hybrid)
- Available Concentrations: School Social Work; Substance Use and Addiction Recovery
- Enrollment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $238 /credit in-state; $963 /credit out-of-state
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington — Wilmington, NC (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Substance Use Disorders and Addictions; School Social Work; Child Welfare
- Enrollment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $262 /credit in-state; $1,062 /credit out-of-state
- Western Carolina University — Cullowhee, NC (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Addictions Studies; Child Welfare; Culturally-based Native Health; School Social Work
- Enrollment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $5,241 /semester in-state; $10,600 /semester out-of-state
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North Carolina Social Worker Jobs and Salary Information
According to May 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, social work salaries in North Carolina vary considerably depending on specialization, with average annual earnings ranging from $51,000 to $71,130.
The largest number of social workers in the state — over 11,000 people — find employment in child, family, and school positions. Yearly incomes for these positions range from $36,850 for the lowest paid to over $64,000 annually for the highest earners in these fields.
Healthcare social workers rank among the highest-paid, earning average annual salaries of $62,540. Postsecondary social work educators are the top earners in the field, reporting annual incomes above $71,000 a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a social work license in North Carolina?
Social workers in North Carolina must meet strict requirements to obtain state licensure. Prospective social workers must hold the appropriate degree from a CSWE-accredited program and pass the ASWB exam for their level before they can practice in the state. The best way to learn about education, licensure and experience requirements is to check out the NCSWCLB website.
What are the different types of social work licensure in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers the certified social work (CSW) designation, the certified master social worker (CMSW) license, the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) license, the licensed clinical social work associate (LCSWA) license, and the certified social work manager (CSWM) license. Social workers with a BSW may qualify for the CSW or CSWM credentials. However, the CMSW, LCSW, and LCSWA require a master’s degree.
How long does it take to become a social worker in North Carolina?
Social workers may enter the field after earning a four-year BSW degree, but clinical social work positions in North Carolina require an MSW, which often takes two more years of study. Professionals seeking a DSW or Ph.D. in social work may need four or more years of study beyond the master’s to earn their terminal degree.
How much are social workers paid in North Carolina?
Several factors impact how much North Carolina’s social workers earn, including their educational and licensure level, employment setting, and years of experience. Based on BLS data for May 2021, average salaries range from just over $51,000 for child, family, and school social workers to over $62,000 for healthcare social workers.
