Looking to become a social worker in Louisiana? You’ve come to the right spot! While there are similarities in licensing requirements from state to state, each state is unique. In addition to providing the essentials below, you can click the link we have provided for Louisiana’s official licensing body. There you can find additional information on potential requirements like background checks, state-to-state license transfers, and continuing education requirements. We hope this handy guide assists in your efforts to become a certified social worker in your state!
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In Louisiana, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designation Registered Social Worker (RSW) is granted to social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. The designations Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) require education at at least the master’s level.
Registered Social Worker (RSW) is the basic licensing level. The RSW must have a bachelor of social work, bachelor of arts, or bachelor of science degree from an undergraduate social work program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or a master’s degree of social work from a graduate social work program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. The candidate for licensure at the LMSW level must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. The board may issue Certified Social Worker (CSW) certification to an applicant who meets all requirements for the LMSW except for passing the examination approved by the board. The CSW who does not pass the examination for the LMSW within three years from the date of issuance of the original certification may apply for the RSW credential.
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must have a master of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. The applicant shall submit documentation verifying at least 5760 hours of post graduate social work practice on a form provided by the board as well as submit documentation verifying at least 3840 hours of supervised post graduate social work experience in accordance with the board’s supervision rules and on the form provided by the board.
Twenty (20) hours of social work continuing education is required annually prior to the renewal of a license, certification, provisional certification or registration. The collection period for continuing education is June 1 of last year through June 30 of the current year. LCSWs are required to obtain ten (10) of the twenty (20) hours in the area of clinical social work to include diagnosis and treatment annually. All social workers are required to obtain three (3) hours in the area of social work ethics every two years. LCSW-BACS are required to obtain three (3) hours in the area of clinical supervision every two years to maintain Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS) designation.
RSW Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s
- ASWB Exam: Bachelor’s-Level
- Supervision: N/A
LMSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: N/A
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical