Looking to become a social worker in South Carolina? 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 South Carolina’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!
In South Carolina, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution. There are three levels of licensure with an option of distinguishing between two LISW options. The designation Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) is granted to social workers with bachelor’s degrees. The designations Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) both require education at at least the master’s level.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) is the basic licensing level. The LBSW 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 CSWE. The candidate for the LBSW licensure must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board, then the LBSW is prepared to assume the beginning level professional role in public and private social service agencies.
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. An LMSW provides a wide range of services. In South Carolina, an LMSW cannot practice in a private or independent practice setting but can only practice in settings such as social, medical or governmental agencies. All clinical services in independent or private practice must be provided by LISW-CPs.
The Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and hold a current LMSW license. The LISW must have received three years or more of full-time supervised experience. The candidate must choose between the designations LISW-CP (clinical practice) and LISW-AP (advanced practice). The candidate must then pass the appropriate exam (clinical or advanced-generalist) as prescribed by the Board.
LBSW 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
LISW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical
