Looking to become a social worker in Vermont? 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 Vermont’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 Vermont, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with a master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designations Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) both require education at at least the master’s level.
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 Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) 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. Candidates for the LICSW license must complete 3,000 hours of independent clinical social work experience. The LICSW must then pass the clinical-level exam as prescribed by the Board within five years prior to applying for licensure. The LICSW may supervise Licensed Master Social Workers.
Social workers in the state of Vermont are governed by the “advisor” model of regulation, created by the legislature. Two licensed members of the profession are appointed by the secretary of state to advise the director of the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) on matters relating to the profession. Their mission is public protection. The director and the advisors carry out this mission by: ensuring that applicants are qualified for licensure; setting standards for the profession by proposing statutes and adopting administrative rules; and, with the assistance of OPR staff, investigating complaints of unprofessional conduct, taking disciplinary action against a licensee when necessary to protect the public. Our website provides links to the laws governing this profession, as well as resources for applicants, licensees, consumers, and employers.
LMSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: N/A
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LICSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical
