Wisconsin Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in WI
Looking to get your Wisconsin social work license but not sure where to start? Navigating licensure can feel overwhelming, but this guide simplifies the process. This guide will cover all you need to know. It covers licensing requirements, renewal tips, salary, and resources to start your career.
Popular Online MSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Wisconsin Social Work Licensing Requirements
In Wisconsin, social work licensure is overseen by the Department of Safety and Professional Services. The state offers several licensing options for individuals with either a bachelor of social work (BSW) or master of social work (MSW) degree.
Whether you’re starting your career with a BSW or advancing with an MSW, Wisconsin provides tailored licensing paths to match your education and experience. Explore the requirements to begin your journey toward becoming a licensed social worker in the state.
Certified Social Worker
This entry-level Wisconsin social work license permits you to handle tasks like case management and community outreach. Unlike advanced licenses, CSWs cannot provide clinical services like therapy. They often work in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies. They help clients with resources and support services.
Wisconsin licensure requirements for CSW include:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in social work
- Passing score on the Wisconsin social work jurisprudence exam
- Passing score on the ASWB bachelor exam
Advanced Practice Social Worker
An advanced practice social worker in Wisconsin holds an MSW. They can do more complex, non-clinical social work. APSWs are not qualified to provide solo psychotherapy services. They work in hospitals, schools, and government agencies. They focus on assessment, case management, and policy development. They often prepare for clinical licensure.
Wisconsin licensure requirements for APSW include:
- Master’s degree or higher in social work
- Passing score on the Wisconsin social work jurisprudence exam (if not already taken within the past five years)
- Passing score on the ASWB masters exam
Independent Social Worker
An independent social worker in Wisconsin has an MSW and offers unsupervised, non-clinical social work. Unlike certified or advanced practice social workers, ISWs work independently. Their roles include case management, policy development, and consulting. They operate in private practices, healthcare organizations, or government agencies.
Wisconsin licensure requirements for ISW include:
- Master’s degree or higher in social work
- Verification of at least 3,000 hours of supervised social work practice
- Passing score on the Wisconsin social work jurisprudence exam (if not already taken within the past five years)
- Passing score on the ASWB advanced generalist exam OR certification from the National Association of Social Workers’ Academy of Certified Social Workers
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
With the most advanced Wisconsin social work license, an LCSW can independently provide mental health services, like therapy and counseling. Unlike other social work licenses, LCSWs work in clinical settings, like private practices, hospitals, and mental health centers. They provide direct therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
Wisconsin licensure requirements for LCSW include:
- Master’s or doctoral degree or social work, including a concentration in clinical social work
- Verification of at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience, including at least 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact
- Passing score on the Wisconsin social work jurisprudence exam (if not already taken within the past five years)
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers reciprocity for social workers licensed in states with substantially equivalent credentialing standards. The Board reviews applications on an individual basis and maintains a list of state credentials that do not qualify for reciprocity.
Reciprocity candidates must complete an application, submit verification of current credentials, and pass a Wisconsin law exam. Candidates who do not qualify for reciprocity can apply for a Wisconsin social work license by exam.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Wisconsin
Wisconsin social work licenses must be renewed every two years. To renew, social workers must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) during each cycle, including 4 hours of ethics and boundaries training. These CE requirements keep professionals updated on best practices and ethics. Renewal applications and fees must be submitted to the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Failure to renew on time may result in more fees or the need to reapply for licensure.
Social Work Programs in Wisconsin
The following alphabetical directory lists CSWE-accredited social work programs in Wisconsin. To help you compare school options, directories include campus location, in-person or online availability, part-time or full-time enrollment options, and in-state tuition for the 2024-2025 school year. Visit the university websites linked in the first column to explore specific degrees in greater detail.
| School | Format | Enrollment Type | 2024 In-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alverno College Milwaukee | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $16,608 per semester full time, $1,384 per credit hour part time |
| Carthage College Kenosha | On Campus | Full Time | $19,375 per semester |
| Concordia University Wisconsin Mequon, Ann Arbor, Milwaukee, Green Bay | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time | $17,475 per semester full time, $1,475 per credit hour part time, $490 per credit online |
| Marian University Fon du Lac | On Campus, Online | Full Time | $17,048 per semester on campus, $535 per credit online |
| Mount Mary University Milwaukee | On Campus | Full Time | $17,345 per semester |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $9,783 per year full time |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $8,700 per year full time |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison | On Campus, Online | Full Time | $5,003 per semester |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $5,199 per semester full time , $713-$4,833 per semester part time |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh | On Campus | Full Time | $4,266 per semester |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls | On Campus | Full Time | $9,508 per year |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Marshfield, Wausau | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time | $3,689 per semester full time, $484 per credit part time |
| University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior | On Campus, Online | Full Time | $4,406 per semester (on campus), $330 per credit (online) |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time | $8,616 per semester |
| Viterbo University La Crosse | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $33,500 per year |
| School | Format | Enrollment Type | 2024 In-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia University Wisconsin Mequon | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $770 per credit |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening | $3,775 per semester full time, $315-$3,460 per semester part time |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends only | $6,162 per semester full time, $939-$7,198 per semester part time |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening | $6,364 per semester full time, $1,041-$5,603 per semester part time |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh | On Campus | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $5,025 per semester |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater | On Campus, Online | Full Time, Advanced Standing | $5,272 per semester full time, $586 per credit part time |
Wisconsin Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Job growth for Wisconsin social workers is expected to match national trends. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, Wisconsin social workers earn $50,000-$60,000 a year, depending on their career specialization. Clinical social workers tend to earn on the higher end of this range.
Wisconsin’s salaries are slightly lower than the national average, but a low cost of living makes this state competitive for social workers.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $57,380 | $27.59 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,860 | $30.22 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $54,630 | $26.27 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $60,050 | $28.87 |
Social Work Associations in Wisconsin
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Wisconsin Chapter: The Wisconsin chapter of NASW offers a career center, professional training opportunities, legislative advocacy, and more.
- Wisconsin Social Services Association (WSSA): The WSSA is a professional membership association that connects human services workers across Wisconsin. Members can access professional development, networking opportunities, and other resources.
- Wisconsin Nursing Home Social Workers Association, Inc. (WNHSWA): The WNHSWA is a membership association for long-term care social workers. The organization offers educational programs and advocates for best standards of care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Social Work
Available Wisconsin social work licenses include certified social worker (CSW), advanced practice social worker (APSW), independent social worker (ISW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Each license has different educational requirements, career paths, and scopes of practice.
