Nevada Social Work License Requirements & Programs: Become a Social Worker in NV
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Nevada has multiple levels of social work licensing, which can make it challenging to keep track of the differing requirements and scopes of practice.
This guide to Nevada social work license requirements explains the state’s four licensing levels and what you need to do to qualify for each of them. Plan your licensing journey as you work toward a social work career in the Silver State.
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Nevada Social Work Licensing Requirements
In Nevada, social work licenses are issued and managed by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers (BESW). Under its mandate, the Nevada BESW issues four types of social work licenses:
- Licensed social worker (LSW)
- Licensed master social worker (LMSW)
- Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
- Licensed independent social worker (LISW)
These four levels combine to create licensure paths for people with bachelor’s in social work and master’s in social work degrees (or higher).
Licensed Social Worker
LSWs are Nevada’s only class of social workers who require only a bachelor’s degree to practice. Their direct practice abilities are limited to areas like general treatment program planning and evaluation, frontline assessments and screenings, and support of service delivery.
LSWs can fully participate in community-focused, macro-level practice and research functions. They can also supervise social workers carrying out non-clinical duties.
Nevada licensure requirements for LSWs include:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB bachelor exam
Licensed Master Social Worker
An LMSW must hold a master’s degree in social work. Their scope of practice covers the same duties as LSWs but with one key difference: the LMSW license directly leads into the advanced LCSW and LISW practice designations, while the LSW license does not. LSW licensure can lead to advanced practice if you upgrade beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Nevada licensure requirements for LMSWs include:
- Master’s degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB masters exam
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
In addition to a master’s degree, LCSWs must complete at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate experience. LCSWs have the broadest scope of practice of any Nevada social work license level. They are also the only social worker class authorized to direct clinical programs and supervise workers carrying out clinical duties in Nevada.
Nevada licensure requirements for LCSWs include:
- Master’s degree in social work
- At least 3,000 hours of postgraduate clinical social work at a board-approved site, under a board-approved supervisor, including at least 2,000 hours of psychotherapy
- Passing scores on the ASWB masters and clinical exams
Licensed Independent Social Worker
Regarding duties, LISWs have the same scope of practice as LMSWs. Both are authorized to perform the same job functions.
The main difference relates to supervisory duties — an LISW must have advanced training, including 3,000 hours of supervised postgraduate social work. Given their experience, LISWs often occupy senior roles in managing and supervising non-clinical social workers.
Nevada licensure requirements for LISWs include:
- Master’s degree in social work
- At least 3,000 postgraduate hours of clinical social work at a board-approved site, under a board-approved supervisor
- Passing scores on the ASWB master and clinical exams
Social Work License Reciprocity in Nevada
If you hold a valid social work license issued by another state, you can obtain any level of Nevada social work license with the same standards and requirements. During the license reciprocity process, you will need:
- A Council on Social Work Education-accredited bachelor’s degree (or higher) in social work
- Academic transcripts for your social work degree(s)
- State and federal background checks
You will also need to verify your existing license. If your license was issued by certain states, you will need to have that state’s social work board submit a written license verification document to Nevada’s BESW. For more information, consult the BESW list of states subject to the requirement.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Nevada
You must renew your Nevada social work license annually. You can renew online, and you must complete your annual renewal by the end of your birth month. Nevada’s BESW will provide a written notice of your impending renewal at least 45 days in advance.
Social workers under age 60 must complete at least 30 CE hours every two years. Of those 30 hours, you must earn at least:
- 2 hours in suicide awareness and prevention
- 4 hours of social work ethics
- 6 hours of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
- 10 hours in your field of practice (12 hours for LCSWs and LISWs)
If you are 60 or older, you are exempt from most CE requirements. Instead, you must complete only the suicide awareness and DEI components.
BSW Programs Available in Nevada
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas — Las Vegas (on campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
- 2024 Tuition: $4,878 per semester (in state), $13,949 per semester (out of state)
- University of Nevada, Reno — Reno (on campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
- 2024 Tuition: $8,430 per year (in state), $26,572 per year (out of state)
MSW Programs Available in Nevada
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas — Las Vegas (on campus)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or direct practice, community development and social systems, management or administration
- Enrollment Type: Full time, part time, advanced standing
- 2024 Tuition: $7,553 per year (in state), $25,695 per year (out of state)
- University of Nevada, Reno — Reno (on campus, online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full time, part time, advanced standing
- 2024 Tuition: $385 per credit hour (online, in state), $770 per credit hour (online, out of state), $344 per credit hour (on campus, in state), $723 per credit hour (on campus, out of state)
Nevada Social Worker Career and Salary Information
According to Projections Central, Nevada social workers can anticipate a strong employment outlook. This Department of Labor site lists the following long-term job growth projections (2022-2032) for various types of Nevada social workers:
- Child, family, and school social workers: +4.9%
- Healthcare social workers: +11.8%
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers: +14.0%
- Social workers (all other): +17.7%
In Nevada, average salaries vary depending on your social work career track. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nevada social workers practicing outside of mental health, healthcare, family, and school settings earn the highest average salaries. These professionals commonly work for government agencies.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $59,060 | $28.39 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $70,500 | $33.90 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $52,530 | $25.26 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $88,870 | $42.73 |
Social Work Associations in Nevada
- The National Association of Social Workers, Nevada Chapter: The Nevada chapter of NASW allows members to attend an annual conference and provides access to job postings and educational opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in Nevada?
Nevada recognizes licensed social workers, licensed master social workers, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed independent social workers. You can become a licensed social worker with a bachelor’s degree, but the other three licenses require a master’s degree or higher.
How do I get licensed as a social worker in Nevada?
The general process involves obtaining a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree and passing your ASWB bachelor or master exam. To qualify for an LCSW or LISW Nevada social work license, you also need at least 3,000 hours of supervised postgraduate experience.
How much do social workers in Nevada make?
According to BLS data from May 2023, average social worker salaries in Nevada range from $52,530-$88,870 per year and vary among work settings. Mental health and substance abuse social workers earned salaries on the lower end of the range. Those in the BLS category for “social workers, all other” earned at the high end.
How long does it take to become a social worker in Nevada?
It depends on the licensing level you’re targeting. You can meet the requirement for an entry-level LSW license with a four-year degree and a passing score on the ASWB bachelor exam. If you want an upper-level license, add 1-2 years for your master’s degree plus at least 13-18 months for your 3,000 hours of required experience.
