Looking to become a social worker in Utah? 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 Utah’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 Utah, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designation Social Service Worker (SSW) is granted to social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. The designations Certified Social Worker (CSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) require education at at least the master’s level.

Social Service Worker (SSW) is the basic licensing level. The SSW 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 Council on Social Work Education as well as three years of full-time supervised experience. The candidate for the SSW licensure must then pass an exam as prescribed by the Board.

The Certified Social Worker (CSW) 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 CSW candidate is exempt from additional supervised work experience. The candidate for licensure at the CSW level must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. A CSW may provide preventive and treatment services pertaining to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.

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 CSW license. The LCSW must have received two years or more of postgraduate continuing supervision provided by an LCSW including 4,000 hours of relevant work experience prior to applying for the LCSW exam. The LCSW candidate must pass the clinical-level exam as prescribed by the Board.  The LCSW may supervise SSWs and CSWs.

The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing no longer pre-approves candidates for the ASWB examinations. ASWB does the pre-approval. To apply for pre-approval contact ASWB directly. After you are notified by ASWB of your approval to take the exam, you may register for your examination at the ASWB website. Do not submit a license application to the Division until after you have passed an ASWB examination.

SSW Requirements:

  • Education: Bachelor’s
  • ASWB Exam: Bachelor’s-Level
  • Supervision: N/A

CSW Requirements:

  • Education: Master’s
  • Supervision: N/A
  • ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level

LCSW Requirements:

  • Education: Master’s
  • Supervision: 2 years
  • ASWB Exam: Clinical