State Social Work Boards

State Boards of Social Work are government agencies with the fundamental purpose of protecting vulnerable populations by regulating the practice of social work within their jurisdiction. This protection is primarily achieved through the licensing, certification, or registration of various levels of social work professionals, including Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs), and others. The boards establish clear criteria for competence, mandating accredited education (typically a BSW, MSW, or DSW), supervised post-graduate experience, and the successful completion of standardized examinations administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). They also enforce state Social Work Practice Acts and ethical standards, providing a crucial mechanism for investigating complaints and taking disciplinary action.

The importance of this licensing system is immense due to the sensitive nature of social work and the risks posed by unlicensed practitioners. Unlicensed individuals lack the verified, specialized training needed to address complex psychological, social, and systemic issues. Operating without oversight can lead to severe harm, including mismanagement of child protective services cases, inadequate crisis intervention, failure to properly diagnose or refer individuals with mental health needs, and serious ethical violations such as breaches of confidentiality or boundary issues. Since social workers often deal with clients in crisis or vulnerable situations, relying on unqualified help can lead to compounding trauma and systemic failure. By ensuring practitioners are competent and accountable, State Social Work Boards maintain the integrity of the profession and guarantee safe, ethical, and effective services for individuals, families, and communities.

Use the resources below to learn more about your State Social Work Board.