North Carolina State Certification in Clinical Social Work

Multi-level social work certification and licensure was enacted by the North Carolina State Legislature to establish a standard of practice for the social work profession. Licensure is mandatory at Level C and Level C-Provisional (described below) for clinical social work practice. Certification at other levels is voluntary for non-clinical social work practice. State certification and licensure is granted by the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB), a group of professionals and community representatives appointed by the Governor.

The Board affirms professional competency after reviewing an applicant's credentials, scores on a written examination, practice record, professional references, and participation in continuing education. Licensure and certification provide greater standards of protection for the public and enhanced professional standing for practicing social workers.

Certification Levels

Level A-CSW (Certified Social Worker) requires a BSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, three references, a transcript, and a basic examination. This level of certification is voluntary.

Level B-CMSW (Certified Master Social Worker) requires either an MSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, a DSW, or a PhD in social work, plus three references, a transcript, and an intermediate examination. This level is also voluntary.

Level C-LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) requires either an MSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, a DSW, or a PhD in social work, plus evidence of two years post-master's supervised clinical experience, three references, a transcript, and a clinical examination. Two years is defined as 3000 hours of paid employment in a clinical setting and 100 hours of clinical preparation. This is not a voluntary certification; individuals who practice clinical social work in North Carolina must hold either the LCSW or the LCSW-P, described below.

Level C-LCSW - P (Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Provisional) requires either an MSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, a DSW, or a PhD in social work, plus three references, and a transcript. The clinical examination must be taken and passed within two years of receiving P-LCSW status.

Level H-CSWM (Certified Social Work Manager) requires qualification for the CSW, plus two years of supervised administrative experience, three references, and an advanced examination. This certification is voluntary.

The faculty endorse the policies of NASW and the National Federation of Societies for Clinical Social Work, both of which establish two years of supervised practice beyond the MSW degree as the minimum preparation necessary for the independent practice of social work. These standards have been adopted by almost all states that license or certify social workers

As of January 1, 1999, all social work employees of the State, a political subdivision of the State, or a local government, must be certified through the North Carolina Certification and Licensure (NCSWCLB) to practice clinical social work; however, there are some exemptions at the clinical level for private health care social workers.

For more information on state licensure and certification, contact the North Carolina Certification and Licensure Board at (800-550-7009, or write North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board at P.O. Box 1043, Asheboro, NC 27204, or visit www.NCCBSW.org.