Become a Social Worker in Pennsylvania
Table of Contents
- Pennsylvania Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Pennsylvania Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Pennsylvania Social Work Salary
- Pennsylvania Social Work Scholarships
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
- Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with Groups and Families.
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- Features field education in or near students’ own communities.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
- CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work (2019).1
- Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in clinical or community practice.
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 completing an on-campus or online master of social work program. 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 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
- Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with Groups and Families.
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- Features field education in or near students’ own communities.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
- CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work (2019).1
- Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in clinical or community practice.
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.