New Jersey Social Work License Requirements

• There are three levels of New Jersey social work licensure.
• You can become a certified social worker (CSW) with a bachelor of social work degree.
• Renewing a social work license requires 40 hours of continuing education in 2 years.

New Jersey has three different social work licenses, but unlike many states, only licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) require supervised practice hours to earn a license. This can make it an appealing state for new social workers to live in. Learn how to earn New Jersey social work licensure, from the required education to the application process, to start an exciting new career path today.

New Jersey State Board of Social Work

New Jersey social work licensure is supervised by the Board of Social Work Examiners, part of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. The board determines eligibility for licensing and the types of licenses, reviews applications and issues or renews licenses, and investigates and acts upon complaints.

New Jersey Social Work Education Requirements

You need a degree in social work from an accredited program or one in candidacy for accreditation to meet New Jersey social work requirements. (If you earned a degree in a related subject and have one year of experience, both completed before April 6, 1995, you may be eligible for a CSW license.)

You can earn New Jersey social work licensure as a CSW with a BSW degree, without any experience requirement. The two higher-level licenses both require a master's degree, as well as other credentials.

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW)

A BSW takes around four years and includes fieldwork as well as classroom education. The curriculum includes generalist studies in social work, human development, social determinants of wellbeing, cultural competence, assessment, and case management.

Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)

If you have a BSW, you may be eligible to complete an MSW in one year. Most MSW programs accept students with any related bachelor's degree, such as sociology or psychology. Like the BSW, the MSW requires fieldwork, but with a higher level of responsibility and independence. However, you always work under the supervision of a licensed social worker.

Requirements for Initial New Jersey Social Work Licensure

Depending on your education, background, and goals, you have a choice of three New Jersey social work licensure categories. Some military experience may count for some of these requirements. Apply to the Board to request consideration for military experience or training.

Certified Social Worker (CSW)

This license authorizes you to conduct assessment, planning, administration, research, and advocacy. It also allows you to engage in social work counseling but not clinical counseling, that is, diagnosing and providing counseling for a mental health condition. The New Jersey social work licensure requirements include:

• An online application that includes an official transcript
• A BSW from an accredited program or a degree in a related field and one year of social work experience, both completed before April 5, 1995
• A completed form for a criminal background check
• A $75 application fee and $120 license fee

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

The next level of New Jersey social work licensure is a licensed social worker. At the LSW level, you can conduct supervised clinical counseling. You need an MSW and a passing grade on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) master's examination. You can begin your application in your final term of your master's program. Other requirements include:

• An online application that includes an official transcript
• A confirmation from your program's dean or registrar that you are in your final term (if you have not yet graduated)
• If not already on file, a completed form for a criminal background check
• A passport-style photograph
• A $75 application fee and $120 license fee

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

A licensed clinical social worker is the only level of New Jersey social work licensure that authorizes you to independently practice clinical counseling, diagnosing and counseling for mental health conditions.

You must:

• Have an MSW
• Pass the ASWB clinical examination
• Document 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work in no less than two years and no more than four years.

The board strongly recommends that before you begin to accrue your required supervised hours, you submit a Proposed Plan of Supervised Clinical Experience. Other specifics include:

• Documentation that at least 1,920 of the required 3,000 supervised hours consist of face-to-face client contact, half of which must include psychotherapeutic counseling. The remaining 1,080 can include supervised hours or other social work.
• At least 12 credits of graduate-level work in clinical counseling
• Your official job description on letterhead or equivalent
• Confirmation that your supervisor has completed the 20-hour supervisory course
• A $75 application fee and $160 license fee

Transferring Your Social Work License to New Jersey

New Jersey social work licensure does not include reciprocity, but if you are an LCSW in another state, you can apply using your existing credentials, a detailed C.V./resume, a copy of your license, an official transcript, and your official ASWB scores. You must also pay the applicable application and license fee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work in New Jersey

Do social workers need to be licensed in New Jersey?

Yes, social workers need to be licensed in New Jersey. The entry-level license requires a BSW degree, and other licenses require an MSW.

How long does it take to become a licensed social worker in New Jersey?

It takes four years to become a licensed social worker in New Jersey by earning a BSW degree. There are no experience or licensing examination requirements for the entry-level certified social worker (CSW) position.

What's the difference between CSW and LSW in New Jersey?

An LSW is authorized to provide clinical counseling under supervision, while a CSW is not permitted to perform any clinical counseling. A CSW requires a BSW, while an LSW must have a master's degree and pass the ASWB masters examination.

What license is best for social workers in New Jersey?

The license that is best for social workers in New Jersey depends on your goals and education. The CSW license is best for entry-level social workers, since it requires just a BSW degree. However, you have a much more limited scope of practice than an LSW or an LCSW. LCSWs often earn the highest pay.