Become a Social Worker in Pennsylvania

Table of Contents

Disclaimer: Due to the rapidly changing nature of social work regulations, for the most up-to-date information on becoming a social worker in Pennsylvania, contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

Pennsylvania law recognizes two classes of social workers: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Social Worker (LSW). The requirements are as follows:

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
School Program Description
University of Denver
  • Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
  • Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
Fordham University
  • Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
Simmons University
  • Four Clinical Specializations: Child and Family, Trauma and Interpersonal Violence, Mental Health and Addictions, and Health and Aging
  • Three program tracks: Traditional, Accelerated, and Extended
Case Western Reserve University
  • From Case Western Reserve University’s top-10 ranked School of social work
  • Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks available
University of Southern California (USC)
  • Offered by USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, a top-ranked graduate School by U.S. News and World Report
  • Features virtual and in-person field education in or near student’s own communities
Baylor University
  • Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
  • Specialize in clinical practice or community practice

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Pennsylvania LCSW

Pennsylvania LCSW Education Requirement: A Master’s or Doctoral degree in social work or social welfare from a CSWE-accredited program

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

Field Requirement: Applicants must accumulate 3,000 hours in no less than two years; at least 1,500 hours of the 3,000 hours must be in certain topic areas including assessment, consultation, family therapy, group therapy, psychotherapy, and other psychosocial-therapeutic interventions

Fee: $45 application fee, $260 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: Two recommendations to be completed by two licensed clinical social workers or licensed health care professionals are required.

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years with the completion of 30 credit hours of continues education and a $95 renewal fee

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Pennsylvania LSW (Licensed Social Worker)

Pennsylvania LSW Education Requirement: A Master’s or Doctoral degree in social work or social welfare from a CSWE-accredited program

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

Field Requirement: None

Fee: $25 application fee, $230 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: Two recommendations to be completed by two licensed clinical social workers or licensed health care professionals are required.

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years with the completion of 30 credit hours of continues education and a $95 renewal fee

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In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in Pennsylvania, you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in Pennsylvania can only be reached after earning a Master of Social Work. We are committed to keeping updated information on Pennsylvania 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 09/05/2018.

Pennsylvania Social Work Salary

Pennsylvania Social Work Salary
Pennsylvania Social Work Career Average Social Work Salary
Child, Family and School Social Workers $42,860
Healthcare Social Workers $51,530
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $36,800
All Other Social Workers $63,310
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 Pennsylvania is subject to change. Please confirm salary information with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 8/22/2018.

Pennsylvania Social Work Scholarships

For social work financial aid options, check out our social work scholarships page.

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
School Program Description
University of Denver
  • Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
  • Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
Fordham University
  • Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
Simmons University
  • Four Clinical Specializations: Child and Family, Trauma and Interpersonal Violence, Mental Health and Addictions, and Health and Aging
  • Three program tracks: Traditional, Accelerated, and Extended
Case Western Reserve University
  • From Case Western Reserve University’s top-10 ranked School of social work
  • Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks available
University of Southern California (USC)
  • Offered by USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, a top-ranked graduate School by U.S. News and World Report
  • Features virtual and in-person field education in or near student’s own communities
Baylor University
  • Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
  • Specialize in clinical practice or community practice

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

Licensure information including requirements, renewals, and fees were retrieved as of August 2018. Information may have changed since, check with the state’s board of licensing for more information.