Looking to become a social worker in Nevada? 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 Nevada’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 Nevada, 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 Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is granted to social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. The designations Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) require education at at least the master’s level.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is the basic licensing level. The LSW must have a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university whose social work program is approved or accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The candidate must pass the bachelor’s-level exam, then is prepared to assume the beginning level professional role in public and private social service agencies. The license does not allow, however, independent practice.
The Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) must have a master of social work from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE as well as complete 3,000 hours of supervised, postgraduate social work approved by the Board. The candidate for licensure at the LISW level must then pass a masters-level exam as prescribed by the Board. He/she is then permitted to engage in social work independently or within an agency and supervise other persons engaging in the practice of social work.
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must have a master of social work from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE as well as complete 3,000 hours of supervised, postgraduate clinical work approved by the Board. The candidate must then pass the clinical-level exam as prescribed by the Board. He/she is then permitted to engage in social work independently or within an agency and supervise other persons engaging in the practice of social work.
The LSW (and LASW) must complete at least 30 continuing education hours every 2 years, of which, 2 hours must relate to ethics in the practice of social work and 10 hours must be in the field of practice of the licensee. The LCSW and LISW must complete at least 36 continuing education hours every 2 years, of which, 3 hours must relate to ethics in the practice of social work and 12 hours must be in the field of practice of the licensee.
LSW Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s
- ASWB Exam: Bachelor’s-Level
- Supervision: N/A
LISW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical