Looking to become a social worker in Wisconsin? 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 Wisconsin’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 Wisconsin, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with a Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designations Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) require education at at least the master’s level.

Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW) is the basic licensing level. The CAPSW must have a master’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. The candidate for the CAPSW licensure must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board, then the CAPSW is prepared to assume a professional role in public and private social service agencies.

The Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) 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 LISW must accrue two years of full-time supervised experience (a minimum of 3,000 post-degree hours). The candidate for licensure at the LISW level must then pass an exam as prescribed by the Board.

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. Prior to application for the clinical exam, The LCSW must accrue two years of full-time supervised experience (a minimum of 3,000 post-degree hours) including 1,000 face-to-face hours with clients. The LCSW candidate must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board.

The required renewal date for the Social Worker credential is 02/28/odd years.  Should you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to this date, you are still required to renew your license by the statutorily defined date.

An applicant for permanent credential may apply for a temporary credential at the same time. (Note: Temporary credentials are not available for applicants applying via reciprocity). The temporary credential may be issued to an individual who pays the required fee and meets all the qualifications for the permanent credential except for passing the required national examination. The temporary credential expires upon notification of successful completion of the national examination or expiration of the 9-month period, whichever is earlier. A temporary credential may be renewed one time for an additional 9-month period.

CAPSW Requirements:

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

LISW Requirements:

  • Education: Master’s
  • Supervision: 2 years
  • ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level

LCSW Requirements:

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