Alabama Social Work Licensing Requirements
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Are you wondering how to become a social worker in Alabama? You’re not alone. The state features multiple licenses, each with their own unique scope of practice and requirements.
Use this page as your guide, and explore the different licenses and the pathways that will get you where you want to go.
Popular Online BSW Programs
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Alabama Social Work Licensing Requirements
The Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) oversees social work licensure for the state. Social workers can pursue one of three license types, including the licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), and licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW).
Each license has its own unique requirements, which may include a bachelor of social work (BSW) or a master of social work (MSW). Find the specific requirements for each path below.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker
LBSWs specialize in non-clinical social work, which includes finding resources and advocating for clients. After earning their BSW, LBSWs need a minimum of 96 hours of supervision within 2-3 years of post-baccalaureate practice before they can work without supervision.
To continue practicing without supervision, LBSWs must work with the same client population. If they switch populations, they need to redo at least six months of supervision.
Alabama licensure requirements for LBSW include:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB bachelors exam
Licensed Master Social Worker
LMSWs can take on all the same responsibilities as LBSWs, along with assessing and treating mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders in a clinical setting. LMSWs need a minimum of 96 hours of supervision within 2-3 years of post-master’s practice before they can work unsupervised.
However, LMSWs in Alabama can only provide clinical services like counseling and psychotherapy while under clinical supervision.
Alabama licensure requirements for LMSW include:
- Master’s or doctoral degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB masters exam
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
LICSWs can provide all clinical and non-clinical client services available to LBSWs and LMSWs in Alabama. They can also work independently and without supervision. Their clinical responsibilities include assessing, diagnosing, and treating clients with various disorders by means of counseling and psychotherapeutic methods.
To qualify for independent and unsupervised clinical social work, LICSWs need to complete at least 3,000 work hours and 96 hours of supervised post-master’s practice.
Alabama licensure requirements for LICSW include:
- Current Alabama LMSW license
- Master’s or doctoral degree in social work
- Documentation of at least two years of full-time, post-degree experience in social work, supervised by an LICSW
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in Alabama
Out-of-state social workers with a license in good standing can apply for licensure by reciprocity. To qualify, candidates need to meet the respective licensure requirements in Alabama, submit a license verification form, and pay a $75 fee. LICSWs also need to submit proof of supervision.
Alabama is also a member of the newly formed Social Work Licensure Compact, which allows licensed social workers to practice in other member states. Multi-state licenses from the compact could be available by fall 2025.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Alabama
Social workers need to renew their licenses every two years in Alabama. To qualify for renewal, they need to complete at least 30 continuing education credits in the two-year period, including three credits in ethics. LICSWs also need three credits in clinical social work education.
Eligible social workers must submit the renewal form along with the $100 renewal fee within 60 days of their license expiring.
BSW Programs Available in Alabama
- Alabama A&M University — Normal and Birmingham (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $4,305 per semester full time (in state), $8,610 per semester full time (out of state), $287 per credit part time (in state), $574 per credit part time (out of state)
- Alabama State University — Montgomery (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $8,328 per semester full time (in state), $16,656 per semester full time (out of state)
- Auburn University — Auburn (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $6,445 per semester full time (in state), $17,461 per semester full time (out of state)
- Auburn University at Montgomery — Montgomery (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $368 per credit hour in state, $825 per credit hour out of state
- Jacksonville State University — Jacksonville (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $5,220 per semester full time (in state), $10,440 per semester full time (out of state), $348 per credit hour part time (in state), $696 per credit hour part time (out of state)
- Miles College — Fairfield (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $470 per credit hour
- Oakwood University — Huntsville (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $10,672 per semester full time, $805 per credit hour part time (1-7 credits), $9,513 per semester part time (8-11 credits)
- Talladega College — Talladega (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $6,065 per semester full time
- Troy University — Troy (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $424 per credit hour in state, $848 per credit hour out of state
- Tuskegee University — Tuskegee (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $10,532 per semester full time
- University of Alabama — Tuscaloosa (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $5,690 per semester full time (in state), $16,686 per semester full time (out of state), $545 per credit hour part time (in state), $1,470 per credit hour part time (out of state)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $377 per credit hour in state, $938 per credit hour out of state
- University of Montevallo — Montevallo (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $403 per credit hour in state, $837 per credit hour out of state
- University of North Alabama — Florence (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $5,100 per semester full time (in state), $10,200 per semester full time (out of state), $340 per credit hour part time (in state), $680 per credit hour part time (out of state)
- University of South Alabama — Mobile (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $374 per credit hour in state, $748 per credit hour out of state
MSW Programs Available in Alabama
- Alabama A&M University — Normal and Birmingham (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Family and Child Welfare, Community Mental Health
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $422 per credit hour in state, $840 per credit hour out of state
- Alabama State University — Montgomery (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Forensic Social Work, Mental Health
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $12,628 per semester full time (in state), $22,516 per semester full time (out of state)
- Auburn University — Auburn (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $5,346 per semester full time (in state), $16,038 per semester full time (out of state)
- Jacksonville State University — Jacksonville (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $400 per credit hour in state, $696 per credit hour out of state
- Samford University — Birmingham (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $957 per credit hour
- Troy University — Troy, Dothan, Montgomery, and Phenix City (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice, Organizational Leadership & Management
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $475 per credit hour in state, $950 per credit hour out of state
- University of Alabama — Tuscaloosa (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $5,690 per credit hour in state, $16,686 per credit hour out of state
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $480 per credit hour in state, $1,176 per credit hour out of state
- University of North Alabama — N/A (Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $495 per credit hour
Alabama Social Worker Career and Salary Information
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Alabama’s social workers typically earn a lower average wage than the national average, with the exception of the other social worker group. However, Alabama has the lowest cost of living in the nation, which helps balance out the lower salaries.
In terms of growth, Alabama ranks close to the national projected growth rates. Projections Central projects 5%-7.2% growth for the state’s social worker careers between 2022 and 2032.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $47,650 | $22.10 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $54,650 | $26.85 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $39,830 | $18.21 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $80,140 | $40.13 |
Social Work Associations in Alabama
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Alabama Chapter: The NASW promotes the professional development of its members through education, resources, and advocacy.
- Alabama Society for Healthcare Social Workers (ASHCSW): The ASHCSW provides a medium for exchanging information and growing the practice of social work within healthcare institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in Alabama?
Alabama has three types of social workers: LBSWs, LMSWs, and LICSWs. These licenses differ by their educational requirements, scope of practice, and supervision requirements.
How do I get licensed as a social worker in Alabama?
To earn social worker licensure in Alabama, you need to be at least 19 years of age, complete a BSW or an MSW, and pass the appropriate ASWB exam. Once the ASBSWE receives your passing exam scores, they will issue you a license.
How much do social workers in Alabama make?
Alabama’s social worker wages vary by industry. According to the BLS, the other social workers group make the highest mean annual wage at $80,140 in May 2023. Healthcare social workers make the next highest mean annual wage at $54,650.
How long does it take to become a social worker in Alabama?
Time to social worker licensure in Alabama varies by license type. LBSWs typically take four years (BSW), LMSWs take about six years (MSW), and LICSWs take about eight years (MSW and two years of work experience).
