South Region Social Work Licensing: 16-State Requirements Guide

Quick Answer:

The South region spans 16 states plus the District of Columbia with licensing requirements ranging from 1,000 hours (Mississippi LCSW) to 4,000 hours (Arkansas, Oklahoma). Kentucky uses a state-prepared exam for LSW licensure alongside ASWB exams for other levels. Louisiana requires annual renewal (20 CE hours per year), while most states operate on biennial cycles. Arkansas requires 30 CE hours per renewal period.

Featured Programs:

Sponsored School(s)

Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Program: Online Degrees in Psychology & Counseling

Request Info

Arizona State University - Online

Featured Program: Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Request Info

Purdue Global

Featured Program: Online Master of Science in Psychology

Request Info

Liberty University

Featured Program: Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Master of Arts in Addictions Counseling; Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

Request Info

Northwestern University

Featured Program: Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months with top-10 ranked Northwestern University's online master's in counseling program; no GRE required.

Request Info

Pepperdine University

Featured Program: Master of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Request Info

Maryville University

Featured Program: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Request Info

South Region Social Work Licensing Overview

The South region encompasses 16 states plus the District of Columbia, making it the most significant geographic licensing area for social workers in the United States. This region demonstrates the widest variation in licensing approaches, supervision requirements, and renewal cycles of any U.S. region.

Geographic Coverage: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia

Regional Characteristics: The South shows remarkable diversity in licensing structures. Kentucky uses a state-prepared examination for Licensed Social Worker (LSW) status per KRS 335.090, with ASWB exams required for CSW and LCSW levels. Louisiana operates on an annual renewal cycle requiring 20 CE hours per year (La. Admin. Code), while most states use biennial (two-year) periods. Mississippi requires only 1,000 supervised clinical hours for LCSW, the lowest in the region, while Arkansas and Oklahoma mandate 4,000 hours.

Clinical hour requirements span from 1,000 (Mississippi LCSW) to 4,000 (Arkansas, Oklahoma), reflecting different philosophies about supervised preparation. Most states require 3,000 hours. Supervision ratios and face-to-face requirements vary significantly, with some states accepting group supervision while others mandate primarily individual sessions.

Key Regional Variations:

• Unique Exam Requirements: Kentucky uses a board-prepared examination for LSW licensure (KRS 335.090), with ASWB exams required for CSW and LCSW levels. North Carolina requires the LCSWA (Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate) designation, with LCSWA candidates completing two years of clinical practice before becoming eligible to sit for the ASWB Clinical exam.
• Renewal Cycles: Louisiana requires annual renewal (20 hours CE per year, La. Admin. Code), unique among all U.S. states. Most Southern states use two-year renewal cycles. Kentucky operates on a three-year cycle.
• License Types: Delaware offers LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW. Florida offers LCSW, RCSWI (Registered Clinical Social Work Intern), and CMSW (Certified Master Social Worker). Tennessee distinguishes between LAPSW (Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker for non-clinical work) and LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker for clinical work).
• Supervision Requirements: Mississippi requires only 1,000 face-to-face client contact hours (lowest nationally). Florida requires 1,500 face-to-face psychotherapy hours over more than 100 weeks. Texas uses a detailed supervision plan system; plans must be submitted to the Council for approval within 30 days of initiating supervision (TAC §781.402).
• Special Requirements: Florida mandates HIV/AIDS (3 hours) and domestic violence (2 hours) courses within 6 months of initial licensure per board regulations. Tennessee uses the CE Broker tracking system. Arkansas requires 30 CE hours per renewal period.

The South region includes both high-paying states (Maryland, Virginia) and states with more modest compensation. Metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, and the DC metro area offer significantly higher salaries but also face higher costs of living.

How to Become a Social Worker in the South

The path to social work licensure in Southern states follows a general pattern. However, specific requirements vary by state and license level. Understanding the standard process helps you plan your timeline and meet all requirements efficiently.

Step 1: Earn Your Degree

All Southern states require degrees from CSWE-accredited programs. For bachelor-level licenses (LBSW, LSW), you need a BSW from an accredited program. For clinical licensure (LCSW), you must complete an MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution. Kentucky accepts both CSWE-accredited programs and Kentucky Board-approved programs. Florida requires specific coursework, including 24 semester hours in theory, psychopathology, and laws/rules.

Step 2: Pass the ASWB Examination

Most Southern states require passing the appropriate ASWB exam for your license level. Bachelor's and Master's exams cost $230, while Clinical and Advanced Generalist exams cost $260. Kentucky uses ASWB exams in conjunction with state-prepared examinations. North Carolina requires passing the ASWB Clinical exam while holding the LCSWA (associate) license.

Step 3: Complete Supervised Clinical Hours

For independent clinical practice, Southern states require 1,000-4,000 supervised post-degree hours. Arkansas and Oklahoma mandate 4,000 hours (the highest in the region), while Mississippi requires only 1,000 hours (the lowest nationally). Most states require 3,000 hours. Qualified licensed clinical social workers must provide supervision, with specific ratios varying by state (typically 1 hour of supervision per 20-40 work hours).

Step 4: Apply for Licensure

Once you've completed education, exams, and supervised hours, submit your licensure application to your state board. Most states require criminal background checks, official transcripts sent directly from your school, verification of supervised hours from your supervisor, and application fees ranging from $50 to $300. Texas requires board approval of supervision plans before the start of hours.

Step 5: Maintain Your License

Southern states require 15-48 continuing education hours per renewal period (typically 2 years). Louisiana uniquely requires 20 hours annually. All states mandate ethics CE, with many also requiring specialized topics like suicide prevention, cultural competency, or state-specific content. Keep detailed records of completed CE courses for potential audits.

Typical Timeline:

• BSW to LBSW: 4 years (degree) + exam = immediate licensure upon graduation
• MSW to LMSW: 6 years total (4 years undergrad + 2 years MSW) + exam = immediate licensure
• MSW to LCSW: 6 years (education) + 2-3 years supervised hours + exam = 8-9 years total

South Region States Licensing Comparison

South Region State Requirements

Alabama

Alabama offers three distinct license levels allowing graduated entry into the profession. Licensed Bachelor Social Workers must complete two years of supervised service before practicing independently. LMSW and LCSW candidates require additional supervised work beyond their degrees. The state emphasizes regular supervision with LCSW qualifying experience requiring 3,000 work hours and a minimum of 4 hours per month of supervision for 24 months (96 total supervision hours). Alabama's social work landscape includes strong demand in healthcare settings, child and family services, and substance abuse treatment programs.

Delaware

Delaware offers three license levels: LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW. The state recognizes the reality of rural practice by allowing waivers for supervision requirements when LCSW supervisors are unavailable, provided applicants document their attempts to secure appropriate supervision. Delaware mandates criminal background checks at both the state and federal levels. For LCSW licensure, candidates must complete 3,200 hours, with 1,600 under direct professional supervision by qualified clinical social workers, licensed psychiatrists, or psychologists. The state's continuing education requirements include mandatory ethics coursework approved by the Board of Examiners.

Florida

Florida offers three license types: LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), CMSW (Certified Master Social Worker), and RCSWI (Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern). The state mandates extensive specific coursework, including 24 semester hours in theory and practice methods, psychopathology (F.S. §491.005), an 8-hour laws and rules course, and a 2-hour medical errors prevention course (F.S. §491.009). Florida's supervision requirements emphasize direct clinical experience with 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy over a minimum of 100 weeks (approximately two years). New licensees must complete a 3-hour HIV/AIDS course and a 2-hour domestic violence course within six months of initial licensure (F.S. §491.009), addressing critical public health concerns. The minimum of two years post-master's professional experience under direct LCSW supervision ensures thorough preparation for independent clinical practice.

Kentucky

Kentucky operates a unique examination system with a state-prepared exam required for Licensed Social Worker (LSW) status per KRS 335.090, while CSW and LCSW levels require ASWB Master's and Clinical examinations, respectively. The three-tier licensing system (LSW, CSW, LCSW) provides clear progression pathways. Certified Social Workers can perform clinical work by contracting with Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Contracts must be written, approved by the Kentucky Board of Social Work, and establish clear supervisory responsibility. Kentucky employs almost 10,000 professional social workers, including 6,580 child, family, and school social workers, 1,630 healthcare social workers, 1,110 substance abuse social workers, and 600 specialty social workers. The state's three-year renewal cycle differs from most states' biennial systems, requiring planning for more extended renewal periods but reducing administrative burden.

Mississippi

Mississippi requires only 1,000 face-to-face client contact hours for LCSW supervised clinical work, significantly lower than the national norm of 3,000 hours and the lowest requirement in the United States. This streamlined approach allows faster progression to clinical licensure while still requiring LMSW status first. The state mandates three professional character references, with one specifically from the applicant's supervisor, to emphasize the verification of professional reputation. Mississippi employs more than 5,600 professional social workers, including 3,250 child, family, and school social workers, 1,220 healthcare social workers, and 1,200 substance abuse social workers. Criminal and sex offender background checks are mandatory for all applicants, with felony convictions related to social work within the previous ten years disqualifying candidates. The state accepts both Clinical and Advanced Level ASWB exams for LCSW, providing flexibility in examination pathways.

North Carolina

North Carolina operates a comprehensive five-tier system including CSW, CMSW, CSWM (Certified Social Work Manager), LCSWA, and LCSW. The LCSWA (Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate) designation is mandatory before practicing clinical social work and allows MSW graduates to begin accumulating supervised hours before full LCSW licensure. LCSWA holders must complete two years of clinical practice before becoming eligible to sit for the ASWB Clinical examination. North Carolina requires 3,000 supervised hours with a minimum of 100 supervision hours at a 1:30 ratio (one supervision hour for every 30 practice hours). Only 25 hours maximum can come from group supervision, with the remainder requiring one-on-one sessions. Supervision and practice hours must be reported to the Board every six months through the LCSWA Six-Month Review Form, with legal action possible for failure to report. The state's detailed supervision tracking ensures accountability throughout the licensure process.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma requires 4,000 supervised hours, which is among the highest nationally and is tied with Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, and Minnesota. Of these 4,000 hours, 3,000 must involve direct client contact, defined as any activity dedicated to providing treatment to a client. This emphasis on direct clinical experience ensures thorough preparation. The state mandates at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision between the candidate and the advisor. Licensed Social Workers can perform counseling and intervention without supervision, but require qualified clinical supervision for psychotherapy, creating a graduated scope of practice. Licensed Master Social Workers practice only under LCSW supervision, while LCSWs can practice independently in private offices or institutional settings. Master's degrees from international institutions are considered on a case-by-case basis, providing flexibility while maintaining standards.

Tennessee

Tennessee operates a four-tier system, including LBSW, LMSW, LAPSW (Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker), and LCSW. The LAPSW designation is unique, requiring 3,000 hours of non-clinical supervised experience and allowing advanced practice in non-clinical settings without LCSW status. This recognizes macro-level social work (community organizing, administration, policy) as a distinct specialty. LCSW candidates must complete 3,000 clinical hours, including 100 hours of recorded supervision. Tennessee uses the CE Broker tracking system for continuing education compliance, streamlining verification. The state mandates specific C and E courses, including 6 hours of ethics, 1 hour of Tennessee law and regulations, and 2 hours of suicide prevention every four years. Tennessee employs social workers across diverse settings with competitive salaries in healthcare and specialty areas.

Texas

Texas operates a comprehensive four-tier system with additional Advanced Practitioner designations. LBSW holders who complete 3,000 supervised hours can obtain LBSW-IPR (Independent Practice Registration) for unsupervised non-clinical work. Similarly, LMSW-AP allows master's-level independent practice in non-clinical settings. Texas requires supervision plans to be submitted to the Council for approval within 30 days of initiating supervision (TAC §781.402), ensuring appropriate oversight from the start. The state mandates human trafficking prevention training as part of continuing education, addressing contemporary social issues. Texas offers Emeritus status for retired social workers maintaining limited practice. The detailed fee structure includes base renewal costs plus additional fees for independent practice designation ($20) and supervisor status ($50). Late fees escalate based on expiration duration: 1.5 times the base for expiration up to 90 days, and double the base for 90 days to one year past expiration.

West Virginia

West Virginia operates a comprehensive four-level system (LSW, LGSW, LCSW, LICSW) providing detailed progression pathways. Licensed Social Workers perform advocacy, community organizing, and training activities. Licensed Graduate Social Workers can teach social work classes and perform certain psychotherapeutic services under supervision. Licensed Certified Social Workers apply social work theory in diagnosing and treating mental disorders. Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers provide assessment and treatment for psychological disorders in clinical settings. West Virginia offers special limited licenses: Emeritus Status for retired social workers with 20 years' experience allows practice up to 20 hours weekly; Inactive Status protects licenses during career breaks, facilitating easier return to active practice. Of the 3,000 required hours for LICSW, 100 must be under direct supervision, with 60 face-to-face or in group settings, balancing individual and group supervision experiences.

Detailed State Licensing Guides

Six South region states have comprehensive, standalone guides with expanded information:

Arkansas Social Work Licensing

• Complete guide: How to Become a Social Worker in Arkansas
• Three-tier system: LSW, LMSW, LCSW
• 4,000 hours post-degree/2 years supervised full-time required for LCSW
• Biennial renewal by the last day of the birth month
• CE Requirements: 30 hours every 2 years
• 3 hours ethics required; max 15 hours independent study allowed

Georgia Social Work Licensing

• Complete guide: How to Become a Social Worker in Georgia
• Two-tier system: LMSW, LCSW
• Managed by the Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Boards Division
• Shared Board with counselors and marriage and family therapists
• ASWB Master's and Clinical Level Examinations required

Louisiana Social Work Licensing

• Full guide: How to Become a Social Worker in Louisiana
• Three-tier system: RSW, LMSW, LCSW
• 3,000 supervised post-degree hours; must register for supervision ($35 fee)
• Annual renewal (by August 31) - unique among all U.S. states
• CE Requirements: 20 hours annually; 3 hours ethics every other year; 10 clinical hours for LCSW

Maryland Social Work Licensing

• Full guide: How to Become a Social Worker in Maryland
• Two-tier system: LMSW, LCSW-C (Clinical designation)
• Application fees: $75-$300 range
• Joined the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact in 2025 (SB174)
• MD Responds volunteer program is available

South Carolina Social Work Licensing

• Full guide: How to Become a Social Worker in South Carolina
• Three-tier system: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW
• 3,000 hours post-degree supervised experience for LCSW
• Biennial renewal cycle
• 40 hours CE per 2-year period

Virginia Social Work Licensing

• Full guide: How to Become a Social Worker in Virginia
• Five-tier system: ASW, RSW, LSW, LMSW, LCSW
• 3,000 supervised clinical hours; 100 hours direct face-to-face supervision
• Biennial renewal (even years by June 30)
• CE Requirements: LBSW/LMSW: 15 hours per 2 years; LCSW: 30 hours per 2 years
• Unique volunteer service CE credit option (up to 2 hours)

South Region Social Work Salary Data

Social worker salaries in the South vary significantly by state, specialty, and license level. LCSWs typically earn 20-40% more than LMSWs due to independent practice capabilities and direct insurance billing. Geographic location plays a significant role, with the DC metro area and coastal cities offering higher compensation but also higher living costs.

South Region Salary Highlights (BLS OEWS 2024):

Key Salary Trends:

Maryland leads the South region in social worker compensation, with healthcare social workers earning $79,420 annually, reflecting the state's proximity to the high-cost DC metro area. Virginia follows closely with healthcare social workers at $74,190. These states offer the highest compensation in the region but also face elevated living costs.

Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi show lower average salaries, with child/family/school social workers earning $45,000-$49,000 annually. These figures reflect lower costs of living in these states, where nominal salary differences may be offset by housing and living expenses.

Texas and Florida demonstrate mid-range compensation with large employment bases. Texas healthcare social workers earn $68,320, while Florida healthcare social workers earn $67,230. Both states employ large numbers of social workers across diverse settings, with metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, Miami, and Tampa offering higher salaries than rural areas.

Tennessee and Georgia show similar patterns, with healthcare social workers earning $61,910 and $64,720, respectively. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Atlanta, and Savannah provide higher compensation than rural areas within these states.

Metropolitan concentration significantly impacts salaries. The DC metro area (Maryland/Virginia), Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, and Miami offer premium compensation. Rural areas across the South typically pay 20-30% less than urban counterparts but offer lower living costs and different lifestyle benefits.

2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed October 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions: South Region

Why does Mississippi require only 1,000 clinical hours when most states require 3,000?

Mississippi's 1,000 face-to-face client contact hour requirement is the lowest in the nation, allowing faster progression to LCSW while still requiring LMSW status first. This streamlined approach reflects the state's philosophy that supervised clinical experience combined with the master's degree and ASWB Clinical exam provides adequate preparation. The requirement mandates face-to-face clinical work under LCSW supervision but compresses the timeline significantly compared to other states.

How does Kentucky's exam system differ from other states?

Kentucky requires a board-prepared examination for Licensed Social Worker (LSW) status per KRS 335.090, making it unique nationally. CSW and LCSW candidates must pass the ASWB Master's and Clinical level examinations, respectively. The three-month prohibition between failing and passing the same exam ensures adequate preparation time between attempts. CSWs engaged in clinical work must have written supervision contracts approved by the Kentucky Board of Social Work.

What makes Louisiana's renewal cycle unique?

Louisiana requires annual renewal with 20 CE hours per year per La. Admin. Code, the only U.S. state operating on a yearly cycle. Most states use biennial (two-year) periods with 20-50 total CE hours. Louisiana's approach requires more frequent attention to licensing status and continuing education, but allows smaller annual CE commitments. Licenses are renewed by August 31 each year, regardless of when initially issued.

What license levels does Delaware offer?

Delaware offers three license levels: LBSW (Licensed Bachelor Social Worker), LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker), and LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). For LCSW licensure, Delaware requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and completion of 3,200 supervised hours (1,600 professionally supervised). The state's flexible supervision waiver policy addresses rural practice challenges when LCSW supervisors are unavailable.

What is Florida's HIV/AIDS and domestic violence training requirement?

Florida mandates new LCSWs complete a 3-hour HIV/AIDS course and a 2-hour domestic violence course within six months of initial licensure per F.S. §491.009. These requirements reflect Florida's public health priorities and ensure all clinical social workers understand HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, as well as domestic violence dynamics and intervention strategies. These hours are in addition to standard continuing education requirements.

How does North Carolina's LCSWA system work?

North Carolina requires MSW graduates to obtain LCSWA (Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate) status before accumulating supervised hours toward LCSW. LCSWA holders practice only under appropriate supervision while completing 3,000 supervised hours with a minimum of 100 supervision hours. As of 2024-2025, LCSWA must complete two years of clinical practice before becoming eligible to sit for the ASWB Clinical examination. This two-stage process ensures oversight during the entire supervision period and prevents unsupervised clinical practice by unlicensed individuals.

What is Tennessee's LAPSW designation?

Tennessee's LAPSW (Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker) is for non-clinical advanced practice in community organization, administration, policy, and systems-level work. LAPSW requires 3,000 hours of non-clinical supervised experience rather than clinical hours. This unique designation recognizes macro-level social work as distinct from clinical practice, providing a pathway for social workers specializing in organizational and policy work rather than direct clinical services.

Does Texas require Council approval before beginning supervised hours?

Texas requires applicants to submit supervision plans to the Council for approval within 30 days of initiating supervision (TAC §781.402). The plan must detail the setting, type of work, supervisor qualifications, and supervision schedule. This process ensures appropriate oversight from the start and prevents candidates from accumulating hours that may not meet Council standards.

What are West Virginia's Emeritus and Inactive licenses?

West Virginia's Emeritus Status License is for retired social workers with 20 years of experience and licenses in good standing, allowing them to practice up to 20 hours weekly. Inactive Status License protects licenses during career breaks (family leave, education, career transitions), preventing expiration and facilitating easier return to active practice. Both options provide flexibility for social workers at different career stages without requiring complete license surrender.

Why do Arkansas and Oklahoma require 4,000 hours?

Arkansas and Oklahoma require 4,000 supervised hours, among the highest nationally. Arkansas requires 4,000 hours post-degree over two years with weekly supervision. Oklahoma requires 4,000 hours, including 3,000 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. These extended requirements reflect regional emphasis on thorough clinical preparation, particularly for social workers who may practice in rural areas with less access to ongoing supervision after licensure.

Can Kentucky CSWs perform clinical work?

Yes, but only under contract with an LCSW. Kentucky's Certified Social Workers can perform clinical social work by entering written contracts with Licensed Clinical Social Workers. The Kentucky Board of Social Work must approve the agreement and establish that the LCSW will supervise the CSW and assume responsibility for their clinical work. This graduated approach allows master's-level social workers to gain clinical experience under supervision before full LCSW licensure.

Which South region states offer the fastest path to LCSW?

Mississippi offers the fastest path, with only 1,000 face-to-face client contact hours required after the MSW. Florida requires 1,500 face-to-face psychotherapy hours over a minimum of 100 weeks (approximately 2 years). Most other Southern states require 3,000 hours over 2-3 years. Arkansas and Oklahoma require 4,000 hours, the longest timeframe. Consider both supervision hour requirements and specific supervision ratios when planning your timeline.

Featured Programs:

Sponsored School(s)

Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Program: Online Degrees in Psychology & Counseling

Request Info

Arizona State University - Online

Featured Program: Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Request Info

Purdue Global

Featured Program: Online Master of Science in Psychology

Request Info

Liberty University

Featured Program: Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Master of Arts in Addictions Counseling; Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

Request Info

Northwestern University

Featured Program: Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months with top-10 ranked Northwestern University's online master's in counseling program; no GRE required.

Request Info

Pepperdine University

Featured Program: Master of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Request Info

Maryville University

Featured Program: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Request Info

Dr. Julian Navarro, PhD, LCSW

Dr. Julian Navarro, PhD, LCSW, is a clinical neuropsychologist with over 18 years of experience in mental health and career counseling. A University of Oregon graduate, he specializes in psychology and therapy careers, contributing to Pacific Behavioral Insights and speaking at the Northwest Clinical Forum.

See Full Bio