Interested in learning what is required to become a social worker in Arizona? If so, this guide will be of use. With nearly 16,800 social workers in Arizona as of May 2024 (BLS), the state offers a strong community and potential career paths for those pursuing social work. Continue reading and learn how to become a social worker in the Grand Canyon State. 

Arizona offers three types of social work licensure options: licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Below are the steps on how to obtain licenses in Arizona, which was retrieved from the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (BBHE) as of October 2021. Applicants who are licensed in another jurisdiction may be eligible for licensure by endorsement if they hold a license at a substantially equivalent or higher practice level, as determined by the Board. License renewal requires a minimum of 30 CEUs (clock hours) of continuing education during each renewal cycle (licenses renew every two years).

This career guide for how to become a social worker in Arizona explains educational requirements, how to get licensed, Arizona social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a Florida social worker, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others.

Information below was retrieved January 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

University of Denver

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

Request more info from the University of Denver.

Syracuse University

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

Request more info from Syracuse University.

Simmons University

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

Request more info from Simmons University.

Howard University

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

Request more info from Howard University.

Hawaii Pacific University

infoAD

Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

Request more info from Hawaii Pacific University.

infoAD

Steps to Become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) in Arizona

Applicants seeking licensure as a licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW) in Arizona must have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work or social welfare from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). An LBSW will be able to practice non-clinical social work independently but may only practice clinical social work under board-licensed supervision.

1. Complete the LBSW Application 

This includes providing a copy of your driver’s license or other valid ID, official transcripts from your undergraduate institution and employment history. Arizona’s application fee is $250, and applicants must also submit either a valid DPS fingerprint clearance card or fingerprints with a $40 nonrefundable criminal history background check fee. A temporary license is a separate option for eligible applicants and carries a $50 fee.

2. Undergo a Criminal Background Check 

Fingerprints or a valid DPS clearance card must be provided alongside your application. The Board charges a $40.00 non-refundable fee for the criminal history background check (fingerprints), unless you use a valid DPS fingerprint clearance card instead.

3. Pass the ASWB Examination 

To be an LBSW, you need to receive a passing score on the bachelors, masters, advanced generalist or clinical examination offered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

Steps to Become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Arizona

To become an LMSW in Arizona, you must have earned a master’s or higher degree in social work from a regionally accredited college or university in a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) (or a foreign equivalent the Board deems substantially equivalent). An LMSW is a master’s-level license that supports advanced social work practice; however, Arizona’s licensure framework restricts independent psychotherapy practice to the highest level of licensure (LCSW).

1. Complete the LMSW Application  

The LMSW and LBSW use the Board’s application process and share core requirements (e.g., application fee and fingerprint/background requirements), but the required education documentation differs (LMSW requires master’s-level social work education documentation). 

2. Undergo a Criminal Background Check 

Fingerprints or a valid DPS clearance card must be provided alongside your application. All new applicants must provide either verification of an active DPS fingerprint clearance card or a set of fingerprints on a blue-lined FD-258 card, with a $40 fee. 

3. Pass the ASWB Examination 

To be licensed as a master social worker in Arizona, an applicant must receive a passing score on the Masters, Advanced Generalist, or Clinical ASWB exam.

To qualify for LCSW licensure, an applicant must have earned a master’s or higher degree in social work from a regionally accredited college or university in a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) (or a foreign equivalent the Board deems substantially equivalent). The license also requires additional clinical hours and experience. In Arizona, the LCSW is the independent level of social work licensure (psychotherapy is restricted to the highest level), and supervision is required to qualify for independent licensure, not because ‘non-clinical cases’ require ongoing supervision after you’re licensed.

Arizona requires at least 24 months (post-master’s) of supervised clinical social work experience, including 1,600 hours of direct client contact and at least 100 hours of clinical supervision (with limits such as no more than 400 hours in psychoeducation). Verification of these hours must be included in the application, unless the applicant is submitting an exemption request.

Fingerprints or a valid DPS clearance card must be provided alongside your application. All new applicants must provide either a valid DPS fingerprint clearance card or submit fingerprints on a blue-lined FD-258 card with the Board’s $40 criminal history background check (fingerprint) fee.

To be an LCSW, you need to receive a passing score on the clinical examination offered by the ASWB.

Arizona offers a bachelor’s-level social work license (LBSW), which requires a baccalaureate degree in social work from a regionally accredited school in a CSWE-accredited program (or a substantially equivalent foreign degree). Although you must have either a master’s or doctoral degree in social work or social welfare to obtain an Arizona social work license, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) can help you earn an advanced standing position in your graduate studies, accelerating your time to complete the degree.

Examples of CSWE-accredited BSW programs offered in Arizona include Arizona State University (BSW), Northern Arizona University (BSW), Grand Canyon University (BSW), and University of Phoenix (BSSW).

For students ready for graduate studies, a handful of schools across Arizona offer accredited MSW programs. Some advanced-standing MSW pathways (typically for students who already hold a CSWE-accredited BSW) can be completed in about one year. Based on your undergraduate social work degree, you may need to take some prerequisite courses. Foundation classwork involves human behavior, research and clinical practice.  

To obtain an LMSW or LCSW in Arizona, you must have a master’s or higher degree in social work from a regionally accredited college or university in a CSWE-accredited program (or a foreign equivalent the Board deems substantially equivalent). As a student, you should expect to develop core knowledge, skills and values necessary for a social work professional. The following are some Arizona MSW programs that are CSWE-accredited (confirm current status in the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs):

If you prefer to take your MSW courses online, there are a few options in Arizona. This flexible educational path is ideal for students with a busy schedule and needs to balance work, home life and school. Arizona-based online MSW options include Arizona State University (online MSW and online advanced standing) and Northern Arizona University (online MSW option; track availability and pacing vary).

Information on the above social work salaries in Arizona was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Arizona in January 2026.

For those just starting on their path to social work, there are statewide scholarships and programs in place to assist you. While each state has different offerings, below are some financial assistance options to help you on your path to become an LBSW, LMSW or LCSW in the state of Arizona.

There are countless local and national associations and organizations with goals to promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions for issues such as welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, health care reform and other issues affecting disadvantaged populations in Arizona and beyond.

The NASW Arizona Chapter is dedicated to promoting the quality and effectiveness of social work practice in a state rich with diversity.

Does Arizona offer social work license reciprocity?

Arizona doesn’t have automatic license reciprocity with other states. However, the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (BBHE) permits licensure by endorsement for social workers who hold an active, in good standing license in another state at the same practice level and in the same discipline for at least one year. Arizona also offers universal recognition for some out-of-state licensees who establish Arizona residency and meet state requirements. 

What are the social work continuing education (CE) requirements in Arizona?

Arizona social workers renew their licenses every two years through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (BBHE). Renewal requires a $325 fee and a minimum of 30 CEUs (30 clock hours) completed between your last renewal and your next license expiration date. Continuing education must relate to your scope of practice, and unused hours can’t be carried over to the next renewal period.

What is the best way to look up my social work license in Arizona? 

Search for your social work license using the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (BBHE) Directory and Verifications Search. You can look up your license by name to view your license number, status, and other public license details.

Information last updated January 2026.