North Carolina Social Work License Requirements & Programs: Become a Social Worker in NC
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North Carolina is projected to become the seventh-largest state in the nation by the early 2030’s, reaching a projected population of 11.7 million, according to a state demographer. Growing populations drive the demand for healthcare and social service professionals of all kinds, including licensed social workers.
Aspiring social workers can use this guide to learn about the different North Carolina social work license levels and the state’s accredited master of social work (MSW) programs.
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North Carolina Social Work Licensing Requirements
Licensed social workers in North Carolina must have at least an MSW degree. However, graduates with a bachelor of social work (BSW) may qualify for the state’s entry-level certified social worker credential.
The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB) oversees the state’s five credentials: certified social worker (CSW), certified master social worker (CMSW), certified social work manager (CSWM), licensed clinical social worker associate (LCSWA), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
Learn more about each of these credentials in the subsections below.
Certified Social Worker
The only social work credential in North Carolina open to BSW holders, CSWs may practice generalist, non-clinical social work. You do not need prior work experience to qualify for this voluntary credential.
CSWs typically work in entry-level positions in both private and public agencies working as child welfare counselors, case managers, and residential counselors.
North Carolina certification requirements for CSW include:
- CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work
- A passing score on the ASWB bachelor exam
Certified Master Social Worker
While similar in scope of practice to the CSW, CMSWs must have an MSW degree or higher. Like the CSW, this voluntary, non-clinical credential does not require prior work experience.
CMSWs often work as school social workers, medical social workers, and social work administrators. They may perform more advanced roles in areas such as program development and policy analysis.
North Carolina certification requirements for CMSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work
- A passing score on the ASWB bachelor exam
Certified Social Work Manager
The CSWM credential certifies social workers interested in non-clinical administrative or managerial social work positions. Professionals with this voluntary credential are qualified to perform generalist social work duties and to supervise other non-clinical social workers.
North Carolina certification requirements for CSWM include:
- CSWE-accredited bachelor’s in social work
- At least 3,000 hours of post-degree administrative employment experience
- A passing score on the ASWB advanced generalist exam
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate
The LCSWA is a clinical license for social workers who have not yet met the experience requirements required to become an LCSW. As an LCSWA, you can work in clinical social work settings under the supervision of an LCSW. Common services provided in clinical social work include client assessment, counseling, and psychotherapy.
North Carolina licensure requirements for LCSWA include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work
- A passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
The most advanced North Carolina social work license, the LCSW authorizes social workers to provide clinical services independently without supervision. LCSWs work in a variety of settings, offering counseling and psychotherapy services; clinical assessments of behavioral, mental, and emotional conditions; and developing treatment plans. LCSWs can also supervise LCSWAs.
North Carolina licensure requirements for LCSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work
- At least 3,000 hours of paid, postgraduate, supervised clinical practice, completed over a period of 2-6 years
- A passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in North Carolina
At this time, North Carolina does not participate in any formal reciprocity agreements with other states. However, as of September 2024, North Carolina is considering pending legislation to join the Social Work Licensure Compact. If enacted, North Carolina would issue and accept multistate licenses, allowing practice across compact member states.
Currently, licensed social workers outside of North Carolina may apply for North Carolina licensure by substantial equivalency. To qualify, an applicant’s training and initial license requirements must correspond to a license in North Carolina. Applicants must verify their existing license and submit ASWB exam scores to the NCSWCLB for review.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in North Carolina
Social workers in North Carolina must renew their certifications or licenses every two years. The renewal process for all credential types requires a total of 40 hours of continuing education (CE), including four hours in ethics coursework. First-time license renewal only requires 30 CE hours.
Qualifying CE activities may include academic social work courses, agency-based professional development, distance learning courses, cross-disciplinary offerings related to social work, and documented professional group study.
Renewal fees range between $70-$150, depending on your credentialing level.
MSW Programs Available in North Carolina
- Appalachian State University — Boone, Hickory (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Community and Organizational Practice, Individuals and Families
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $2,616 per semester in state (full time, on campus), $10,952 per semester out of state (full time, on campus), $290 per credit in state (part time, online), $1,216 per credit out of state (part time, online)
- East Carolina University — Greenville (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist, Substance Use, Gerontology Integrated Behavioral Health with Rural Youth, Child Welfare
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $264 per credit in state, $994 per credit out of state
- Fayetteville State University — Fayetteville (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Children and Family Services, Mental Health, Substance Use, Military Behavioral Health
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $191 per credit in state (part time), $806 per credit out of state (part time), $1,719 per semester in state (full time), $7,251 per semester out of state (full time)
- Johnson C. Smith University — Charlotte (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $10,200 per semester
- North Carolina A&T University/University of North Carolina at Greensboro Collaborative — Greensboro (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: School Social Work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $8,614 per semester in state, $23,329 per semester out of state
- North Carolina Central University — Durham (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $263 per credit in state, $1,003 per credit out of state
- North Carolina State University— Raleigh (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $547 per credit in state, $1,701 per credit out of state
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Direct Practice, Community, Management, and Policy Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $823 per credit in state, $1,873 per credit out of state
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Charlotte (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist, Child Welfare, School Social Work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $244 per credit in state (on campus), $705 per credit out of state (on campus); $256 per credit in state (online), $1,091 per credit out of state (online)
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke— Pembroke (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $238 per credit in state, $963 per credit out of state
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington— Wilmington (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical Practice, Macro Social Work, Addictions, Veterinary Social Work, School Social work, Child Welfare
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $293 per credit in state, $1,187 per credit out of state
- Western Carolina University — Cullowhee, Asheville (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist, Addictions, Child Welfare, Culturally-Based Native Health, Integrated Care, School Social Work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $5,420 per semester in state, $10,780 per semester out of state
North Carolina Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Average annual salaries for social workers in North Carolina range from $52,000 to just over $68,000. These rates are lower than national average social work salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, how much a social worker can earn in North Carolina varies, depending on several individual factors, including license level, years of work experience, and specialization.
The demand for social workers in all specializations is expected to increase as the state’s population grows. Healthcare social workers in North Carolina are projected to see a 16.6% job growth rate from 2022-2032, compared to 10% growth nationally during the same period. Mental health social workers are projected to grow by 15.1% compared to 12% nationally, and child, family, and school social workers by 14.2% compared to 5% nationally.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $53,630 | $25.78 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $64,590 | $31.05 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $52,640 | $25.31 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $68,270 | $32.82 |
Social Work Associations in North Carolina
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW), North Carolina: Founded in 1955, the NASW-North Carolina chapter offers its members several benefits, including conferences, newsletters, professional development and continuing education, malpractice insurance, and scholarship opportunities.
- North Carolina Society for Clinical Social Work (NCSCSW): This professional organization serves the interest of clinical social workers in the state by providing continuing education, annual ethics workshops, networking opportunities, and mentor matching for recently licensed clinical social workers.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in North Carolina?
North Carolina administers three voluntary non-clinical social work certifications (CSW, CMSW, and CSWM) and clinical options that include LCSW and LCSWA licenses. The LCSW credential is required for independent practice as a clinical social worker. The LCSWA is an associate-level license that allows social workers to complete supervised work experience requirements.
How do I get licensed as a social worker in North Carolina?
To become a licensed social worker in North Carolina, you must apply to the NCSWCLB. The same application form is used for all certifications and licenses. Each license level has specific degree and ASWB exam requirements. You must also submit letters from three professional references and complete a criminal background check.
How much do social workers in North Carolina make?
According to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Carolina social workers earned average salaries between $52,640-$68,270. The highest earners were those classified as “all other” social workers, which includes fields like forensic social work. Factors including license level, education, years of experience, and employer can impact compensation.
How long does it take to become a social worker in North Carolina?
You can become a CSW or at CSWM with a four-year bachelor’s degree in social work, but all other North Carolina social work licenses require at least an MSW. An MSW generally takes 1-3 years to complete. If you intend to enter clinical practice following your graduate degree, you must spend two additional years completing supervised field work requirements.
