Become a Social Worker in New Jersey

Table of Contents

New Jersey Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
New Jersey Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
New Jersey Certified Social Worker (CSW)
New Jersey Social Work Salary

Disclaimer: Due to the rapidly changing nature of social work regulations, for the most up-to-date information on becoming a social worker in New Jersey, contact the New Jersey Social Work Licensing Board.

New Jersey law recognizes three classes of social worker: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Social Worker (CSW). The requirements are as follows:

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New Jersey LCSW

New Jersey LCSW Education Requirement: A master’s degree in social work from a program currently accredited or in candidacy for accreditation by CSWE, or a doctorate in social work from an accredited institution for higher education, which includes 12 semester hours of graduate-level courses required in any of the following areas: human behavior and the social environment; diagnosis and assessment; models of psychotherapy or clinical practice; clinical supervision and consultation; and/or intervention with special populations

New Jersey LCSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level Examination

Field Requirement: 1,920 supervised, post-master’s hours of face-to-face client contact within any three consecutive years

Fee: $260 ASWB examination fee, $75 application fee, $160 license fee, $17.50 background check fee

Additional Information: Supervisor’s certification authenticating the field experience, background check required

Endorsement: Available with board approval and payment of $75 fee

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 40 contact hours of continuing education and payment of a $160 renewal fee (pro-rated).

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New Jersey LSW (Licensed Social Worker)

New Jersey LSW Education Requirement: A master’s degree in social work from a program currently or in candidacy for accreditation by CSWE, or a doctorate in social work from an accredited institution for higher education

New Jersey LSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Examination

Field Requirement: None

Fee: $230 ASWB examination fee, $75 application fee. $120 license fee, $17.50 background check fee

Additional Information: Background check required

Endorsement: Available with board approval and payment of $75 fee

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 30 contact hours of continuing education and payment of a $120 renewal fee (pro-rated).

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New Jersey CSW (Certified Social Worker)

New Jersey CSW Education Requirement: A baccalaureate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program

New Jersey CSW Exam: None

Field Requirement: None

Fee: $75 application fee, $70 license fee, $17.50 background check fee

Additional Information: Background check required

Endorsement: Available with board approval and payment of $75 fee

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 20 contact hours of continuing education and payment of a $70 renewal fee (pro-rated).

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In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in New Jersey, you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in New Jersey can only be reached after completing an on-campus or online master of social work program. We are committed to keeping updated information on New Jersey social work licensure policies available to you.

Disclaimer: There may be additional methods of certification that have not been covered here. Please contact your state social work licensing department for more information. Last updated 08/31/2018.

New Jersey Social Work Salary

New Jersey Social Work Salary
New Jersey Social Work Career	Average Social Worker Salary
Child, Family and School Social Workers	$66,610
Medical and Public Health Social Workers	$64,190
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers	$75,870
All Other Social Workers	$69,300
Salary Increase from BSW to MSW	+$9,000

Disclaimer: Social Worker Salary information is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Information about social worker salaries in New Jersey is subject to change. Please confirm salary information with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 8/22/2018.