Looking to become a social worker in Tennessee? 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 Tennessee’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 Tennessee, 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 Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) is granted to social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. The designations Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) all require education at at least the master’s level.
Licensed Baccalaureate 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 Council on Social Work Education. 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. An LMSW may provide preventive and treatment services pertaining to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.
The Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must both 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 LAPSW must complete a minimum of two years (3,000 hours) of full-time, non-clinical work experience under supervision before they can sit for the Advanced Generalist exam. 100 hours of this experience must be under direct supervision. A LAPSW may practice non-clinical social work in an agency, organization, or independent setting. The candidate for LCSW must earn their work experience in a clinical setting rather than a non-clinical setting. Candidates for an LCSW must also pass the ASWB clinical level exam to qualify for licensure.
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
LAPSW/LCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: See Above
- ASWB Exam: See Above