- California Social Work Schools
By SocialWorkGuide.org Staff
With the largest population in the U.S., and as the third-largest state by area, California offers many opportunities to aspiring social workers looking to begin their careers. Individuals considering social work or becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the Golden State can consult this guide for state-specific licensure requirements.
California's Board of Behavioral Sciences regulates and sets the requirements for social workers in the state. Below, we provide an outline of how to become a social worker in California based on these regulations.
In This Article
- How to Become a Social Worker in California
- Steps for Becoming a Licensed Social Worker in California
- Social Work License Reciprocity in California
- Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information
- California Social Worker Jobs and Salary Information
- Social Work Associations in California
- Frequently Asked Questions
Featured Online Social Work Programs
How to Become a Social Worker in California
Educational Paths
Aspiring professionals can consider two educational paths to become social workers in California. All candidates should set their career aspirations as early as possible to best plan out their educational path. Social workers with terminal degrees in the field receive higher pay and can pursue more diverse roles upon entering the job force.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
In California, the lowest level of education required to become a social worker is a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree. If you plan to take this path, choose a college or university with a bachelor of social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). BSW programs prepare students for entry-level, professional, and generalist social work practice, along with graduate social work education. Students learn to practice as professional social workers with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
BSW programs include classroom education and field education to prepare students to apply their classroom training to professional work settings. Once you receive your BSW, you become eligible to begin working as a social worker in California. Bachelor's-level social workers commonly find work as case managers, child welfare social workers, and residential counselors.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Students who earned their bachelor's degree in social work or other fields can pursue master of social work (MSW) degrees from CSWE-accredited colleges and universities. If you have received a BSW before applying to graduate school, you may be eligible for advanced standing, which allows you to earn an MSW in one year. While all accredited social work graduate programs combine classroom learning with field education, each school offers different areas of focus, electives, and field education placement opportunities.
Social workers looking to work in the field (rather than perform research or teach at the university level), can earn a master's as a terminal degree. Once you earn your MSW, you possess the highest level of education necessary to perform all social work jobs in California. Master's-level social workers find employment as school social workers, social work supervisors, and medical social workers.
Steps for Becoming a Licensed Social Worker in California
In California, individuals with BSW and MSW degrees can find employment as social workers without holding social work licenses. However, if you are interested in pursuing a clinical career in social work in California, you must obtain an MSW and become registered as an LCSW.
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1. Become registered as an associate clinical social worker.
To become an associate clinical social worker (ASW), each applicant must possess a master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. Candidates who received their master's degrees in other states each need to complete an 18-hour course on California law and professional ethics before becoming registered as an ASW. After obtaining these qualifications, aspiring social workers are ready to complete an ASW application, which costs $75 as of March 2020.
Along with the application itself, you must provide a photograph, a check or money order for the fee amount, fingerprints, verification of education, and proof of the required California law and professional ethics coursework. After registering as an ASW, you have six years to complete the additional coursework, work experience, and supervision necessary to apply for an LCSW. You may choose to use the ASW weekly tracking log to keep track of your experience as an ASW.
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2. Obtain at least 3,200 hours of supervised work experience.
As an ASW, you need to accrue at least 3,200 hours of supervised work experience over 104 weeks. At least 2,000 of those hours must occur in the areas of clinical psychological diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and counseling; 750 must take place performing face-to-face individual or group psychotherapy.
(Video) How to Get Your Social Work License: Requirements, Exam, and Supervision (LBSW, LMSW, LCSW)All candidates must spend a minimum of 52 weeks in individual supervision, 13 of which must be overseen by an LCSW. Group supervision and client-centered advocacy can supplement some of the other required hours remaining. Each applicant must submit a supervisory plan, with your supervisor's information, to the board.
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3. Complete the additional required coursework.
Applicants must also complete coursework in child abuse assessment and reporting; human sexuality; alcoholism and other chemical substance dependency; spousal or partner abuse assessment detection, and intervention; aging, long-term care, and elder/dependent adult abuse; and California law and professional ethics.
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4. Take and pass the California Laws and Ethics examination.
You can find the exam handbook and study guide on the board's website. You can register to take the exam on the PSI Exams Online website.
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5. Apply for LCSW licensure to the board.
Once you have accumulated the necessary experience as an ASW and taken the required coursework, you can apply for licensure to the board. All supervised experience must be accounted for and verified by your supervisor. Out-of-state applicants must submit to fingerprinting. Candidates must also include a 2x2 photograph.
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6. Take and pass the ASWB clinical examination.
After the board has approved your application, they will approve you to apply for and take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical-level exam. Once approved, you can register on the ASWB website. As of March 2020, the exam costs $260 and consists of 170 multiple-choice questions. Candidates who fail the exam can retake it in 90 days.
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7. Apply for an initial license.
After passing the ASWB exam, each applicant submits a request for initial license form, along with an additional prorated fee of no more than $100 to the board for approval.
Featured Online Social Work Programs
Social Work License Reciprocity in California
California became the 50th state to require the ASWB exam for licensure in 2016. While the state does not maintain a reciprocity agreement with others, an out-of-state social worker can easily transfer their license with this online form. These applicants must also take an 18-hour course in California law and ethics, along with the other required coursework of all applicants.
Out-of-state applicants who have maintained licensure as clinical social workers for at least four years qualify to become LCSWs in California. Those who have held licenses as clinical social workers for less than four years need to verify that they have completed at least 3,200 hours of supervised work experience and 104 weeks of supervision.
If the licensing body in your state does not maintain equivalent requirements, the board accepts time actively licensed as a clinical social worker in your state at a rate of 100 hours per month, for a maximum of 1,200 hours. You document this along with the verification of licensure/registration/certification in another state form.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information
Social workers in California must renew their license every two years. Licensees must complete 36 hours of continuing education before each renewal period. New licensees complete only 18 continuing education hours during their first two years of licensure. You can renew your license online or with a paper application.
California Social Worker Jobs and Salary Information
California employs more social workers than any other state, with more than 78,000 social workers employed as of May 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Child, family, and school social workers make up the highest numbers of employment for the field in the state. Social workers in California receive some of the highest pay in the nation, especially those working as healthcare social workers and mental health and substance abuse social workers.
The long-term outlook for social workers in California also appears promising. On average, BLS projects a faster-than-average growth rate in social work in California from 2016-26, with the fastest growth in the sub-field of healthcare (20.9%).
| Type | Number Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 32,630 | $59,990 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 19,020 | $79,620 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 14,970 | $65,020 |
| Social Workers, All Other | 12,210 | $71,020 |
Source: BLS
California Social Work Associations
The National Association of Social Workers - California Chapter
The California chapter of NASW offers information about regional chapters within the state, upcoming California conferences, and continuing education opportunities.
The California Association of School Social Workers
This association promotes the development of school social work in the state and works to facilitate professional growth and development opportunities for school social workers to empower children and families in the state's school systems.
The California Society for Clinical Social Work
This organization promotes the highest level of education for California's clinical social workers by offering professional development opportunities, advocating for the field, and connecting members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I begin practicing independently once I become registered as an associate clinical social worker?
No. Becoming registered as an ASW is only the first step in the process of practicing clinical social work in California. You must complete the entire process outlined above to become an LCSW and practice independently in California. Individuals who attempt to practice independently as ASWs will receive disciplinary action from the board.
For the 3,200 hours of work experience required, can I count the experience I gained years ago?
Yes. As long as you received an ASW registration number, you can count experience as far back as six years from the date the board receives your LCSW application.
What kinds of qualifications are required of the person supervising my experience?
Only licensed mental health professionals may supervise ASWs. They must maintain licensure for a minimum of two years and possess a current California license to qualify as supervisors.
What kind of degree do I need to practice social work in California?
Each social worker needs a BSW or an MSW to practice professionally in the state. To become an LCSW in California, you need a master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
FAQs
Do social workers need to be licensed in CA? ›
California does not require a license to be employed as a social worker. There is only one social work license in California, an LCSW, which allows individuals to perform clinical social work and psychotherapy.
What degree do you need to be a social worker in California? ›To become a licensed social worker in California, you must have earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited school of social work; this includes associate clinical social worker (ACSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) requirements.
How long does it take to become a social worker in California? ›It will take a prospective licensed social worker four years to complete a bachelor's degree and two years to complete a master's. Afterward, it will take 104 weeks or more to achieve clinical social work licensure in California.
Can I be a social worker without a degree? ›You cannot become a social worker without an approved qualification – a BA degree or postgraduate masters in social work. However, you may be able to find a job as a social work assistant without a degree.
What qualifications do you need to be a social worker? ›Social workers must have a degree in social work (BA), or master's degree in social work. A master's degree is a two-year-long postgraduate course for those with a degree in a different subject. Some universities offer part-time studying. Experience is an important part of social work qualifications.
Can I transfer my Lcsw to California? ›While the state does not maintain a reciprocity agreement with others, an out-of-state social worker can easily transfer their license with this online form. These applicants must also take an 18-hour course in California law and ethics, along with the other required coursework of all applicants.
What is the difference between a LCSW and a Lmsw? ›In essence, the LMSW path is for social workers who are interested in effecting change on a macro level or working in case management roles, while the LCSW path is geared toward social workers who want to effect change with individuals through therapeutic interventions.
How much do Lcsw make in California? ›The average Licensed Clinical Social Worker salary in California is $84,860 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $78,279 and $94,298.
How many hours do you need for Lcsw in California? ›What is the breakdown for the experience required to become a LCSW? California law requires 3,000 hours of supervised post-degree professional experience, including 104 supervised weeks, in order to qualify for LCSW licensure.
What is the difference between a social worker and a therapist? ›Therapists may place a heavier emphasis on psychological approaches, whereas social workers often focus on a client's overall social and socioeconomic circumstances. Professionals in both fields work toward developing positive solutions for their clients.
What can I do with a BSW in California? ›
- Social Worker Assistant. ...
- Social Worker II - Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) ...
- Public Health Social Worker IV. ...
- Mental Health Associate- Unlicensed. ...
- Older Adult Care Manager. ...
- Case Manager. ...
- Case Manager. ...
- Entry-Level Behavioral Therapist - San Diego CA.
- Residential mental health and substance-abuse facilities: $41,300.
- Individual and family services: $48,550.
- Outpatient care centers: $54,380.
- Psychiatric and substance-abuse hospitals: $57,840.
- You will need to have a formal education. ...
- You will have to pay for your formal education. ...
- You may need a license to practice as a social worker. ...
- You may have a heavy workload. ...
- You may have long hours. ...
- You may need to be on call. ...
- You may be in dangerous situations at times.
Earning your LCSW credential is a four-step process. As an ACSW you must work under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Once you've gained 3,000 hours and at least 104 weeks of supervised work experience as an ACSW you'll be prepared to start the application process to become an LCSW.
Is social work degree hard? ›The social work degree what you may not know, things to consider before deciding to enter this career. - Academically it is hard compared to other normal courses, you have to remember it is a professional course and I believe the first year does count.
Can you be a social worker with a diploma? ›To practise as a social worker, you must be registered with Social Work England. To register with Social Work England, you first need to successfully complete an approved degree or postgraduate programme in social work. Courses take three or four years full time.
Can you study social work part-time? ›A social worker's main role is to help vulnerable people overcome their problems. If you don't have the time to commit as a full-time student and want to study Social Work, here are the universities that offer part-time social work courses.
What is the most common entry level degree necessary for social workers? ›A bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) is the most common minimum education requirement however, a degree in a related field such as psychology, sociology, and public health administration may also qualify you for some entry-level jobs in the field.
Do social workers work 9 5? ›This may remind you of the reason that you became a social worker. Many social work jobs operate outside of the traditional 9-5 Monday-Friday business hours. Those that do have a typical contract may find their work extending beyond these hours.
What qualifications do you need to be a social worker for children? ›- a minimum 2:1 level 6 degree qualification, for example, a degree with honours or a graduate certificate.
- a minimum 2:2 honours degree plus a higher degree (level 7 or above), for example, a master's degree or a Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma.
What can you do after MSW? ›
- Project Coordinator.
- Professor/Lecturer.
- Program Coordinator.
- Junior Research Fellow.
- District Consultant.
- Documentation and Communication Officer.
- Humanitarian Values and PMER Officer.
- Senior Manager - Human Resources.
What is an LCSW? Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) hold a master's degree in social work and are licensed to provide diagnoses and counseling services to individuals suffering from mental, behavioral, and other emotional issues.
Why do social workers need a license? ›Social work licensure protects the public by ensuring that social workers possess the proper education and training to provide ethical and competent services. Each state's regulatory board grants social workers their licenses, so criteria for licensure and levels of licensure vary by location.
Can a Lcsw diagnose? ›Once licensed, they can work without supervision in mental health settings. LCSWs diagnose patients, form treatment plans, and meet with clients to implement treatment.
How do you become a clinical social worker? ›- Complete a Bachelor's Degree.
- Pursue a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) or MSW-equivalent program.
- Complete a LCSW Licensing and Examination Requirements.
- Apply for LCSW State Licensure.
- Renew Your License.
- Advance Your Career Through Continued Learning.
Typically self-employed, an Independent Social Worker takes on cases from local authorities or the children's courts, carrying out specialist assessments or providing an expert opinion where one is required. ISWs generally have significant experience and knowledge.
Can Lcsw make 6 figures? ›Social workers have the potential to make nearly six figures in some segments of the career field. But they also have the potential for building up six figures of student loan debt.
What state pays social workers the best? ›Oregon has a median salary of $67,057 and Oregon has the highest median salary among all 50 states for social workers. The median salary for social workers in Oregon is $67,057.
What state pays the highest for LCSW? ›Best-Paying States for Clinical Social Workers
The states and districts that pay Clinical Social Workers the highest mean salary are California ($83,000), District of Columbia ($76,100), Oregon ($75,730), Hawaii ($73,410), and Connecticut ($71,850).
They provide individual, group, family, and couples therapy; work with clients to develop strategies to change behavior or cope with difficult situations; and refer clients to other resources or services, such as support groups or other mental health workers.
What is the difference between Acsw and ASW? ›
While confusing, the correct BBS acronym is "ASW". "ACSW" refers to the NASW credentialing designation of Academy of Certified Social Workers, a separate process.
What is an ASW in California? ›The ASW license allows you to perform clinical social work under the supervision of a current licensed mental health professional.
Is a DSW called Doctor? ›A DSW is not a doctor like a physician. DSW-holders possess doctoral degrees, indicating graduate-level training that prepares them to take on advanced leadership and administrative roles at organizations and agencies. While DSW-holders address mental health issues, they do not perform the same functions as an MD.
Can social workers diagnose? ›Social workers are not expected or trained to diagnose mental illnesses.
What is the difference between social work and social worker? ›Social workers provide services in a variety of workplace settings, from hospitals and community centres to schools and social service agencies. Social service workers, on the other hand, tend to be employed in a range of settings, from group homes and shelters to income maintenance and youth programs.
Is BSW a degree? ›What is the BSW? A BSW degree is an undergraduate degree that tends to take a generalist approach to social work so that you can gain a broad understanding of the profession and pursue a number of different paths after graduation.
Is BSW a good course? ›The BSW scope and career options are plenty as a BSW course trains a candidate to be more mature and sensitive towards society and help people who are barely making it through the day, assisting people in getting jobs which can help a family survive in these tough times.
What is BS social work course? ›The BSSW curriculum, which includes field practice (internship) experiences, is geared toward preparing students to become highly competent social workers who advance human rights, engage in practice-informed research and policy practice, engage diversity in practice, and effectively encounter and strategically work ...
What is the difference between a LCSW and a Lmsw? ›In essence, the LMSW path is for social workers who are interested in effecting change on a macro level or working in case management roles, while the LCSW path is geared toward social workers who want to effect change with individuals through therapeutic interventions.
How much do Lcsw make in California? ›The average Licensed Clinical Social Worker salary in California is $84,860 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $78,279 and $94,298.
What is the difference between Acsw and Lcsw? ›
Earning your LCSW credential is a four-step process. As an ACSW you must work under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Once you've gained 3,000 hours and at least 104 weeks of supervised work experience as an ACSW you'll be prepared to start the application process to become an LCSW.
What is the difference between a social worker and a therapist? ›Therapists may place a heavier emphasis on psychological approaches, whereas social workers often focus on a client's overall social and socioeconomic circumstances. Professionals in both fields work toward developing positive solutions for their clients.
Can a Lcsw diagnose? ›Once licensed, they can work without supervision in mental health settings. LCSWs diagnose patients, form treatment plans, and meet with clients to implement treatment.
What is LCSW degree? ›What is an LCSW? Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) hold a master's degree in social work and are licensed to provide diagnoses and counseling services to individuals suffering from mental, behavioral, and other emotional issues.
How do you become a clinical social worker? ›- Complete a Bachelor's Degree.
- Pursue a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) or MSW-equivalent program.
- Complete a LCSW Licensing and Examination Requirements.
- Apply for LCSW State Licensure.
- Renew Your License.
- Advance Your Career Through Continued Learning.
What Field of Social Work Pays the Most? Social workers tend to earn the most working for the federal government. Federal social workers help guide research and develop social services, healthcare, and education policies. They earn median annual salaries of $82,490, as of May 2020, according to the BLS.
Can Lcsw make 6 figures? ›Social workers have the potential to make nearly six figures in some segments of the career field. But they also have the potential for building up six figures of student loan debt.
Where do MSW make the most money? ›| Location | Employment | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 630 | $66,080 |
| California | 14,970 | $65,020 |
| Connecticut | 1,920 | $64,590 |
| New York | 11,540 | $63,520 |
What is the breakdown for the experience required to become a LCSW? California law requires 3,000 hours of supervised post-degree professional experience, including 104 supervised weeks, in order to qualify for LCSW licensure.
Can I transfer my Lcsw to California? ›While the state does not maintain a reciprocity agreement with others, an out-of-state social worker can easily transfer their license with this online form. These applicants must also take an 18-hour course in California law and ethics, along with the other required coursework of all applicants.
What can you do after MSW? ›
- Project Coordinator.
- Professor/Lecturer.
- Program Coordinator.
- Junior Research Fellow.
- District Consultant.
- Documentation and Communication Officer.
- Humanitarian Values and PMER Officer.
- Senior Manager - Human Resources.
A DSW is not a doctor like a physician. DSW-holders possess doctoral degrees, indicating graduate-level training that prepares them to take on advanced leadership and administrative roles at organizations and agencies. While DSW-holders address mental health issues, they do not perform the same functions as an MD.
Can social workers diagnose? ›Social workers are not expected or trained to diagnose mental illnesses.
Can I do social work with a psychology degree? ›With a psychology degree, you're well placed to pursue careers in both arts and scientific fields, depending on your personal interests. There are many options within public and private healthcare, education, mental health support, social work, therapy and counseling.