Social Work License Requirements in Georgia
- Licensure Requirements
- How Long Does it Take?
- Out-of-State Licensing
- Licensing Renewal
- Salary Expectations
- Professional Organizations
- FAQ
If you plan to become either a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Georgia, you need at least a master of social work (MSW) from an accredited program. The state does not offer a license credential for social workers at the bachelor’s level.
Explore this guide to learn about Georgia social work license requirements, the state’s accredited bachelor of social work (BSW) and MSW programs, license renewal and reciprocity regulations, and salary and career prospects.
Georgia Social Work Licensure Requirements
The Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists has the authority to establish and administer requirements for social work licensure, license maintenance, and license transfers. The board issues two levels of social work licenses: the LMSW and the clinical social work license (LCSW). Both licenses require that you complete at least an MSW degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Licensed Master Social Worker
Georgia licensure requirements for LMSW include:
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited master’s degree in social work
- Two professional references
- Passing score on the ASWB masters exam
With an LMSW license, you may provide evaluation, prevention, and intervention services, counseling services, and other supportive services. The LMSW permits you to engage in private practice after two years of supervision but is more restrictive in the scope of practice than the LCSW. LMSWs whose services include counseling or psychotherapeutic techniques must continue to practice under supervision until they qualify for the LCSW examination.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Georgia licensure requirements for LCSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work
- Two professional references
- 3,000 hours of postgraduate experience and 120 hours of supervision
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
The Georgia LCSW license authorizes holders to practice advanced clinical social work, assessing, diagnosing, and treating behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders. As an LCSW, you may provide supervision, psychosocial evaluations, and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Potential work settings include schools, healthcare facilities, social service and counseling agencies, and private practice.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker in Georgia?
In Georgia, all licensed social workers need at least a master’s degree. This means you can expect to spend a minimum of four or five years completing education requirements before obtaining your social work license. The two quickest paths to licensure include:
- Earning a four-year bachelor’s in social work, then gaining admission to a one-year advanced standing master’s in social work
- Enrolling in an accelerated BSW/MSW dual-degree program, which may allow for completion of both degrees in only four years
Your path to licensure may take longer if you enroll as a part-time student or if you plan to become an LCSW, which requires approximately one year of postgraduate experience.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Georgia
Georgia does not offer social work license reciprocity with other states. If you are a licensed social worker in another state planning to relocate to Georgia, you must apply for a license by exam waiver.
Applicants for exam waiver licensure in Georgia must have passed the master’s exam for the LMSW license or the clinical exam for the LCSW credential. Both types of applications require two professional reference letters and a background check. LCSW applicants must submit a post-graduate directed experience verification form.
How to Renew a Social Work License in Georgia
Social work licenses in Georgia expire every two years on September 30. LMSW and LCSW license-holders may renew through the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists” licensing site, submitting either an online application or a paper application through the mail. The board charges a $100 renewal fee or a $150 late renewal fee.
License renewal requires at least 35 hours of continuing education within the two-year renewal period, including a minimum of five hours in professional ethics. You may complete a maximum of 10 hours of the total 35 hours through asynchronous online activities. However, all hours in ethics must be completed through live/synchronous activities. The board requires you to maintain documentation of your completed continuing education hours for four years.
Salary Expectations for Social Workers in Georgia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social work positions across the U.S. are projected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032, faster than the national average for all occupations. As the table below indicates, social work salaries in Georgia range from $50,810-$77,160. The highest paid social workers often specialize in healthcare and other social work specialties, which include areas of criminal justice and occupational social work.
While social worker salaries in Georgia rank somewhat below the national average of $62,880, Georgia boasts a much lower cost of living than most states, making housing, transportation, and other necessities more affordable.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $24.43 | $50,810 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $28.89 | $60,080 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $26.18 | $54,440 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $37.10 | $77,160 |
Professional Organizations for Social Workers in Georgia
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Georgia Chapter
Provides professional development opportunities, conferences and workshops, and job listings for positions in Georgia and nationally.
Georgia Society for Clinical Social Work
Offers information on licensing; presents symposia, lectures, and workshops; and engages in legislative lobbying and advocacy on behalf of clinical practitioners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Licensure
Georgia authorizes two levels of social work licenses, the LMSW and the LCSW. While you may find employment opportunities in the field with a bachelor’s degree, you must hold an MSW to practice as a licensed master or licensed clinical social worker.
Florida Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in FL
Obtaining a social work license can take a great deal of time and commitment. Discover the LCSW requirements in Florida and what opportunities licensure could bring.
