Looking to become a social worker in Georgia? 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 Georgia’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 Georgia, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with a Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designations Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) both require education at at least the master’s level.
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) must have a master of social work 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 Social Workers and practice in social casework, clinical social work, community organization, social work research, and social work administration.
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 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 and hold a current LMSW license. The LCSW must have a minimum of 3000 hours post-master’s degree supervised experience acquired over a period of no less than 36 months provided by an LCSW prior to application for the LCSW exam. The LCSW candidate must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. The LCSW should be able to demonstrate skill and interventions directly related to individuals, families, groups, communities, or organizations.
Thirty five clock hours of continuing education are required biennially to renew each license.
A minimum of five of the thirty-five hours shall be specifically designated as continuing education in professional ethics relating to any of the specialties of professional counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy. Continuing education hours in professional ethics cannot be obtained through independent study or online. Read more if you’re looking for couple or relationship counseling.
Independent Study is limited to five hours in activities such as: teaching a course, presenting a lecture, or conducting a workshop for the first time; listening to audiotapes; viewing videotapes; reading books or articles which may contain exit quizzes; editing or writing professional books or articles; and conducting professional research. The licensee shall submit an affidavit attesting to number of hours of independent study completed. No more than five hours of continuing education shall be in independent study. Ethics hours may not be obtained through independent study, or online. Core hours may not be obtained through independent study.
LMSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: N/A
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 3000 hrs over 36 months
- ASWB Exam: Clinical