Looking to become a social worker in Alabama? You’ve come to the right spot! While there are similarities in licensing requirements from state to state, each state is unique. In addition to providing the essentials below, you can click the link we have provided for Alabama’s official licensing body. There you can find additional information on potential requirements like background checks, state-to-state license transfers, and continuing education requirements. We hope this handy guide assists in your efforts to become a certified social worker in your state!
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In Alabama, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution. There are three levels of licensure and an additional certification that can increase employment options. The designation Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) is granted to social workers with bachelor’s degrees. The designations Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Independent Certified Social Worker (LICSW), and Private Independent Practice (PIP) all require education at at least the master’s level.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) is the basic licensing level. The LBSW must have a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university whose social work program is approved or accredited by the CSWE. The candidate for the LBSW licensure must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board, then the LBSW is prepared to assume the beginning level professional role in public and private social service agencies. The Board requires that the LBSW work under the continuing supervision of a licensed master social worker or a licensed clinical independent social worker for two years.
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. The candidate for licensure at the LMSW level must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. An LMSW provides a wide range of services. An LMSW may provide preventive and treatment services pertaining to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. The LMSW is able to supervise Licensed Bachelor Social Workers and practice in social casework, clinical social work, community organization, social work research, and social work administration.
The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and hold a current LMSW license. The LICSW must: have received two years or more of postgraduate continuing supervision; pass an exam as prescribed by the Board; and demonstrate pertinent skills. PIP certification requires: (a) three years full-time or five years part-time experience after receiving the MSW and legally practicing in the specified social work method, or (b) one year full-time or two years part-time postgraduate experience in the specified social work method after receiving the LICSW.
LBSW Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s
- ASWB Exam: Bachelor’s-Level
- Supervision: N/A
LMSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LICSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical
PIP Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- ASWB Exam: Clinical
- Experience: See Above