How to Become a Licensed Social Worker in Utah: SSW, CSW & LCSW Requirements
Utah offers three social work license levels: Social Service Worker (SSW) requires a bachelor's degree and 2,000 supervised hours, Certified Social Worker (CSW) requires a master's degree with no supervision, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) requires a master's degree plus 4,000 supervised hours, including 1,000 hours of direct therapy. All levels require passing the appropriate ASWB national exam.
Social workers play vital roles in communities across Utah. They serve as case managers at local and state agencies, run homeless shelters, provide mental health counseling, and work as administrators at community centers. Whether you're helping individuals, families, or entire communities, Utah's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing oversees three distinct license levels for social workers.
Each license level requires different education and experience, opening doors to specific career opportunities. Understanding these requirements helps you plan your path in social work.
Table of Contents
- Utah Social Work License Comparison
- Social Service Worker (SSW) Requirements
- Certified Social Worker (CSW) Requirements
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Requirements
- Understanding CSWE Accreditation
- Utah Social Work Salaries
- Planning Your Licensing Path
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
Utah Social Work License Comparison
Utah's three social work licenses serve different professional functions. The SSW is your entry point with a bachelor's degree; the CSW provides master's-level practice; and the LCSW allows independent clinical work, including mental health therapy.
| License Type | Education Requirement | Supervised Experience | Exam Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Service Worker (SSW) | Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program | 2,000 post-degree hours over 2 years (bachelor's applicants). Master's degree holders can waive this requirement | ASWB Bachelor of Social Work Examination |
| Certified Social Worker (CSW) | Master's Degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program | None required | ASWB Master's Social Work Examination |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Master's Degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program | 4,000 post-degree hours, including 1,000 hours of direct client therapy and 100 hours of direct supervision | ASWB Clinical Social Work Examination |
Learn more about social work degree programs in Utah.
Social Service Worker (SSW) Requirements in Utah
The SSW represents your entry into professional social work in Utah. This bachelor's-level license qualifies you for case management, administrative roles, and supervised social work positions. Many practitioners use the SSW as a stepping stone toward advanced licensure.
Education Requirements
You'll need a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. The accreditation ensures your education meets national social work standards. Utah won't accept degrees from non-accredited programs for licensure.
Supervision Requirements
If you're applying with a bachelor's degree, you must complete at least 2,000 hours of post-graduate supervised work experience. This takes about two years working full-time under a qualified mental health professional.
However, if you hold a master's degree in social work, Utah waives the supervision requirement entirely. You can apply for your SSW immediately after graduation.
Examination Requirements
All SSW applicants must pass the ASWB national exam at the bachelor's level. You'll register and apply for the exam directly through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
Application Package Checklist
Before submitting your application to Utah's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, gather these documents:
- Completed the application form from the state board
- Official academic transcripts from your CSWE-accredited program
- Documentation of supervised hours (if applicable)
- ASWB exam results
- Criminal background check results
- Verification of legal residency
- Valid driver's license or Utah state photo ID
Certified Social Worker (CSW) Requirements in Utah
The CSW license elevates your practice to the master's level. CSWs perform advanced social work functions and can consult on mental health cases, though they typically work under supervision for clinical therapy. This license doesn't require prior SSW licensure.
Prior Licensure
You don't need an SSW to pursue a CSW. However, holding an SSW fulfills some requirements and provides valuable practice experience.
Education Requirements
A master's degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program is mandatory. Your program must meet the same accreditation standards as bachelor's programs.
Supervision Requirements
Unlike the SSW, the CSW requires no additional supervised work experience in Utah. You can apply immediately after completing your MSW.
Examination Requirements
CSW applicants must pass the ASWB national master's-level exam. Utah specifically requires the Master's level examination for CSW licensure. The clinical level exam is reserved for LCSW applicants.
Application Package Checklist
Your CSW application package must include:
- Completed the application form from the state board
- Official academic transcripts from your CSWE-accredited MSW program
- ASWB Master's level exam results
- Criminal background check results
- Verification of legal residency
- Valid driver's license or Utah state photo ID
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Requirements in Utah
The LCSW represents the highest level of social work licensure in Utah. LCSWs can practice at all levels of social work and work independently as mental health professionals. This license allows you to diagnose mental health conditions, provide psychotherapy, and supervise other social workers.
Prior Licensure
You must hold a CSW license in Utah before applying for LCSW status. This ensures you've met the educational requirements and passed the appropriate examination.
Education Requirements
The same MSW from a CSWE-accredited program that qualified you for your CSW remains your educational foundation for LCSW licensure.
Supervision Requirements
This is where LCSW requirements become more intensive. You must accrue a minimum of 4,000 hours of supervised work experience in a professional setting. These hours must include:
- 1,000 hours minimum of mental health therapy through direct client care sessions
- 100 hours minimum in direct one-on-one supervision sessions with your approved supervisor
- 4,000 hours total of post-master's degree supervised practice
At full-time work, expect this supervision period to take approximately two years. Your supervisor must be an approved mental health professional licensed to practice in Utah.
Examination Requirements
LCSW applicants must pass the ASWB Clinical Level Exam. If you took the Master's exam for your CSW, you'll need to take and pass the Clinical exam for LCSW licensure. Register and schedule your exam directly through ASWB.
Application Package Checklist
The LCSW application requires:
- Completed the application form from the state board
- Official academic transcripts from your CSWE-accredited MSW program
- Detailed documentation of supervised hours, including supervision logs
- ASWB clinical exam results
- Criminal background check results
- Verification of legal residency
- Valid driver's license or Utah state photo ID
Understanding CSWE Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a national nonprofit organization representing thousands of social work programs, professionals, and organizations. CSWE accreditation isn't optional; it's required for Utah social work licensure.
Why CSWE Accreditation Matters
CSWE provides oversight and guidance, ensuring social work education meets rigorous national standards. Without CSWE accreditation, your degree won't qualify you for any Utah social work license. You may not even find employment in the social work field.
The accreditation process evaluates programs on curriculum quality, field education requirements, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. Only programs meeting these standards earn CSWE accreditation.
Exemptions and Alternative Pathways
In rare cases, individuals without CSWE-accredited degrees can apply for exemptions through Utah's state board. However, these exemptions typically apply only to professionals already licensed in related disciplines such as medicine, psychology, or counseling.
Don't count on exemptions. Choose a CSWE-accredited program from the start to ensure your education meets Utah's requirements.
Utah Social Work Salaries (2024)
Social worker salaries in Utah vary by license level, specialization, years of experience, and geographic location within the state. Understanding salary expectations helps you plan your education and career investments.
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, here are the salary ranges for social workers in Utah:
| Social Work Specialization | Median Annual Salary (Utah) | 10th PercentPercentile | ercentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Social Workers | $72,370 | $40,720 | $109,110 |
| Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers | Data not available* | Data not available* | Data not available* |
| Child, Family & School Social Workers | $49,070 | $37,910 | $86,920 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $63,560 | $50,420 | $112,590 |
*BLS data for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers in Utah doesn't meet publication standards for this period.
Healthcare social workers in Utah earn the highest median salaries at $72,370 annually, with top earners in the top percentile. Making over $109,000. Child, family, and school social workers earn a median of $49,070, while social workers in other specializations earn a median of $63,560.
Salaries increase significantly with licensure level and experience. LCSWs in private practice or specialized healthcare settings often earn substantially more than entry-level SSWs in community organizations. Geographic location within Utah also affects earnings, with metropolitan areas typically offering higher compensation.
Planning Your Licensing Path in Utah
Understanding timelines helps you set realistic expectations and plan your career progression. Here's what to expect for each license level.
SSW Timeline
With a Bachelor's Degree: Approximately 2-3 years after graduation. This includes two years of full-time supervised experience (2,000 hours) plus exam preparation and application processing.
With a Master's Degree: Immediate eligibility after graduation. You can apply for your SSW as soon as you complete your MSW and pass the bachelor's level exam.
CSW Timeline
Total Time: 6-7 years from starting college. This includes four years for your bachelor's degree, 2-3 years for your MSW, plus exam and application time.
LCSW Timeline
Total Time: 8-10 years from starting college. You'll complete your bachelor's degree (4 years), MSW (2-3 years), obtain your CSW, and then complete 4,000 supervised hours (approximately 2 years full-time).
Accelerated Options
Advanced standing MSW programs can reduce your timeline by allowing bachelor's-level social workers to complete their master's in one year instead of two. Some programs also offer part-time or online options that let you work while earning your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice social work in Utah without a license?
Limited practice is allowed under supervision while you're pursuing licensure. However, you can't use protected titles like "licensed social worker" or provide independent services without proper Utah licensure. Unlicensed practice of social work is illegal in Utah.
Does Utah accept social work licenses from other states?
Yes, Utah offers licensure by endorsement for social workers licensed in other states. You'll need to meet Utah's education and examination requirements, which are typically equivalent to those of other states. Contact Utah's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to verify your eligibility for endorsement.
What's the difference between a CSW and an LCSW in Utah?
CSWs hold master's degrees but haven't completed the extensive supervised clinical hours required for independent practice. LCSWs have completed 4,000 supervised hours, including direct therapy experience, allowing them to diagnose mental health conditions and provide psychotherapy independently. LCSWs can also manage other social workers and open private practices.
How much does social work licensure cost in Utah?
Costs vary, but expect to pay for your CSWE-accredited degree program, ASWB exam fees (approximately $230), application fees to Utah's licensing board, background check fees, and potential supervision costs. The total investment ranges from several thousand dollars, depending on your educational path and whether you need to pay for supervision.
Do I need supervision if I already have a master's degree?
For the CSW license, no supervision is required, even with a master's degree. However, to become an LCSW, you must complete 4,000 hours of post-master's supervised experience regardless of your previous work history. The supervision must occur after you obtain your CSW license.
Can I get my LCSW without first getting a CSW?
No, Utah requires you to hold a CSW license before applying for LCSW status. The CSW is a prerequisite that ensures you've met educational requirements and passed the appropriate examination before beginning clinical supervision.
How long is the ASWB exam, and what's the pass rate?
ASWB exams contain 170 multiple-choice questions and last four hours. You'll have time for breaks. Pass rates vary by exam level and typically range from 70% to 85%. The bachelor's-level exam generally has higher pass rates than the clinical-level exam. ASWB provides study materials and practice tests to help you prepare.
Can I supervise other social workers with my CSW license?
No, only LCSWs and certain other licensed mental health professionals can provide clinical supervision for social workers pursuing LCSW licensure in Utah. The CSW doesn't grant supervisory authority.
Key Takeaways
- Utah offers three license levels: SSW requires a bachelor's degree with 2,000 supervised hours (waived for master's graduates), CSW requires a master's degree with no supervision, and LCSW requires a master's degree plus 4,000 supervised hours, including 1,000 hours of direct therapy
- All social work degrees must come from CSWE-accredited programs to qualify for Utah licensure, with minimal exceptions for professionals already licensed in related fields
- Each license level requires passing the appropriate ASWB national examination: bachelor's level for SSW, master's level for CSW, and clinical level for LCSW
- The complete path from bachelor's degree to LCSW typically takes 8-10 years, including education and supervised experience requirements
- Healthcare social workers in Utah earn a median salary of $72,370 annually, while child, family, and school social workers earn $49,070 based on 2024 BLS data
- You must obtain a CSW license before applying for LCSW status in Utah, making it a required stepping stone to clinical licensure
Ready to Start Your Social Work Career in Utah?
Explore CSWE-accredited social work programs that match your career goals, schedule, and location preferences.
Find Social Work Programs
Additional Resources for Social Workers in Utah
- Utah Psychologist Licensing Requirements
- Utah Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Utah Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Requirements
- Explore Additional Social Worker Career Paths
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.
