Social workers in New Jersey are required to be licensed by the State Board of Social Work Examiners. For more about the eligibility requirements, license process and to download the necessary forms, visit http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/sw/Pages/default.aspx  

There are three levels of licensure for social workers:

• Certified Social Worker (CSW) - provides social work services, such as assessment, mental health consultation, counseling, client advocacy, planning and community organizing. CSW's can also work in administration, public policy and research. 

You are elilgible to apply for a CSW if you have received a baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited educational program or in candidacy for accreditation, by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); or you have an official transcript indicating that you acquired a baccalaureate degree prior to April 6, 1995, from an accredited institution of higher education in one of the following fields: guidance and counseling, human services, marriage and family counseling, psychology, sociology, vocational/disability rehabilitation. Click here for additional information.

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) - may provide all of the social work services mentioned above, plus clinical social work services, (when supervised by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker).  

Requirements:  A Master’s Degree in Social Work from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or in candidacy for accreditation by the CSWE.  Completion of the masters level examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards. For additional details for LSW requirements click here.

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - may provide all of the social work and clinical social work services mentioned above, and may engage in clinical supervision of LSW's looking to pursue an LCSW.

Requirements: A Master’s Degree in Social work from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or in candidacy for accreditation by the CSWE. Candidate must have an LSW and have completed two years of full time supervised clinical social work experience (post graduation). Two years of full time supervised clinical social work experience means: 1,920 hours of face to face client contact within a three consecutive year period, supervised by an LCSW. Click here for additional details on LCSW requirements.