Social Work Licensure in Louisiana

Find Education Requirements in Louisiana for one of the following:

RSW
LMSW
LCSW

Many people think of Louisiana as the home of Cajun cooking, shrimping, Mardi Gras and Creole. While Louisiana is home to all of that it also is an excellent state to start your career as a licensed social worker enjoying all the comforts of Louisiana living. It’s important to keep abreast of any changes to a state’s rules and regulations and the best way to get up to speed is the state’s website on licensure. Here is the website for the State of Louisiana:

There are three levels of licensure in Louisiana the Registered Social Worker, the Licensed Master Social Worker and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Do you know your education options? Begin or continue a degree – AS, BS, MSW, MS, PhD, Cert. Online and campus locations. Know your degree choices!

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Registered Social Worker (RSW)

If you wish to attain the title Registered Social Worker (RSW) in Louisiana, the first thing you need to do is to earn a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
You must apply for your license and pass a criminal background check and then apply for the certification by providing proof of education to the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners.
To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 20 contact hours of continuing education.
- Learn about The Bachelors Degree in Social Work (BSW)

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

To become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Louisiana, you will need to earn a Master of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
Then you will need to receive a passing score on an Association of Social Workers ASWB Master Level Exam.
To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 20 contact hours of continuing education.
- Learn about The Masters Degree is Social Work (MSW)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Louisiana, you must first attain a Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
When applying, you must provide the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners proof of at least 5760 hours of postgraduate professional social work practice. There must be at least 3840 hours under the supervision of board-approved clinical supervisor.
Once you have completed and sent in your application you may apply with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for their Clinical Level or Advanced Generalist exam. Once you pass the test you will be eligible to receive your new title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Louisiana.
To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 30 contact hours of continuing education.
- Learn about The Doctorate Degree is Social Work (DSW)