Pennsylvania Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in PA

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Pennsylvania faces a critical shortage of social service providers of all kinds, including social workers. Opportunities for social workers in Pennsylvania continue to grow for those who meet state practice standards and regulations.

Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about the state’s educational requirements, licensing options, and career and salary prospects.

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Pennsylvania Social Work Licensing Requirements

The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors administers three social work licenses: licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), licensed social worker (LSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). The LBSW, which requires a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree, allows you to practice under supervision. However, if you want to practice independently, you need at least a master of social work (MSW) to qualify for the LSW or LCSW credential.

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Licensed Social Worker

LSWs help individuals, families, and groups with behavioral and mental health issues. Their duties include the creation of intervention plans, connecting clients with resources and services, and supervising other social workers. LSWs typically work in social service agencies and healthcare facilities, but they cannot enter private practice.

Both LSW and LCSW applicants must hold at least an MSW, but the LSW does not require clinical experience. You must obtain an LSW license to apply for the LCSW credential.

LSW requirements in Pennsylvania include:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

As the highest level of social work licensure in Pennsylvania, the LCSW qualifies you to offer direct client services without supervision and practice independently. Both the LSW and LCSW require an MSW or a doctoral degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program, but you must fulfill clinical experience requirements to obtain your LCSW license.

LCSW requirements in Pennsylvania include:

Social Work License Reciprocity in Pennsylvania

Currently, Pennsylvania does not provide licensing reciprocity with other states, but state legislation to join the Social Work Licensure Compact is pending. Member states plan to start issuing social work licenses with multi-state reciprocity in 2025.

At this time, however, LSWs or LCSWs from other states who want to practice in Pennsylvania must meet all examination, educational, and clinical experience requirements for state licensure. Applicants must also provide a letter certifying licensure and reporting any violations.

Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Pennsylvania

The state licensing board requires you to renew your social work license every two years. The renewal fee for the biennial cycle is $95. In each renewal period, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education credits, including at least three hours in social work ethics, two hours in child abuse recognition and reporting, and one hour in suicide prevention.

In case of an audit, you need to maintain documentation of your continuing education credits for at least four years.

BSW Programs Available in Pennsylvania