Become a Social Worker in Vermont

Start your career with farmers markets, covered bridges, picturesque Lake Champlain and a state-wide network of social workers about 1,330 strong, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), including roles in schools and family services, healthcare settings, and mental health and substance use treatment.

Whether your strengths are in counseling, case management, advocacy, or community-based support, social work in the Green Mountain State offers meaningful ways to connect people with the public and private resources they need.

The information below was retrieved in January 2026 and is intended only as a high-level overview. Requirements may change; always check with the state licensing board for the most current information.

Common Steps to Become a Vermont Social Worker

Vermont’s licensed social worker credentials (LMSW and LICSW) require an MSW (or DSW) from an accredited social work program. A BSW may be helpful for entry-level roles, but it is not a Vermont social work licensure requirement. More advanced social work requires a license, depending on what career path you choose. Vermont offers two types of social work licensure options: LMSW and LICSW. There may also be additional requirements, such as a background check and clinical supervision, based on your goals. Below are the steps on how to obtain both licenses in Vermont. This information was retrieved from the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation in January 2026.

To become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Vermont, you must:

1. Complete an approved Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program.
2. Submit your application to the State Office.
3. Pass the Master’s Social Work Licensing Examination.
4. Pass the Vermont Social Worker Jurisprudence Exam.

To become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Vermont, you must:

1. Complete an approved and accredited MSW or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree program.
2. In Vermont, anyone practicing psychotherapy while accruing supervised hours must be properly registered—either:
   • Entered on the “Roster of Non-Licensed, Non-Certified Psychotherapists” (if not already an LMSW), or
   • Registered for supervised practice with OPR (if already licensed as an LMSW). Hours earned while not properly registered/rostered won’t count.
3. Earn 3,000 hours of supervised practice (including 2,000 direct service hours of psychotherapy). Supervised practice may be completed in no less than two years, and Vermont caps credit at no more than 1,500 hours per year.
4. Submit your application to the State Office.
5. Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination.
6. Pass the Vermont Social Worker Jurisprudence Exam.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Vermont

MSW programs in Vermont teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. MSW programs include coursework on human development, social work policy, intervention and social work practice for poverty, oppression and trauma.

Online MSW Programs in Vermont

Unfortunately, there are no online MSW programs in Vermont.

Learn more about MSW Programs:

• Advanced Standing MSW Programs Online
• Clinical MSW Online Programs
• Online MSW Programs No GRE

Social Work Licenses in Vermont

Vermont has two types of social work licenses: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). In Vermont, the title ‘social worker’ may be restricted in certain settings (including state agencies/contractors) to individuals with a BSW/MSW/doctoral degree from an accredited social work program. Vermont requires an MSW or doctoral degree from an accredited social work education program to qualify for licensure as an LMSW or LICSW, and you must be licensed to practice licensed master’s social work or licensed independent clinical social work. All information below is based on the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and Vermont statutes/rules as of January 2026.

LMSW Requirements in Vermont

Becoming an LMSW allows you to practice licensed master’s social work, but psychotherapy is not within the LMSW scope of practice in Vermont.

• Education Requirement: Master or Doctorate of Social Work Degree
• Field Requirements: None
• Exams: ASWB Master’s Exam, Vermont Social Worker Jurisprudence Exam
• License Renewal: 10 hours of continuing education every renewal cycle (biennial), completed in a formal setting

LICSW Requirements in Vermont

Becoming an LICSW allows you to practice clinical social work, including psychotherapy and mor,e without supervision after licensure.

• Education Requirement: Master or Doctorate of Social Work Degree
• Field Requirements: 3,000 hours of supervised practice toward LICSW, including 2,000 direct service hours of psychotherapy (the remaining 1,000 hours may be direct or indirect social work services).
• Exams: ASWB Clinical Exam + Vermont Social Work Jurisprudence Exam
• License Renewal: 20 hours of continuing education each renewal cycle (biennial), including at least 1.5 hours in ethics; at least 15 hours must be formal in-person education, and no more than 5 hours may be informal/self-directed.

Social Work Salaries in Vermont

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

Vermont Social Work Scholarships

For those just starting on their path to social work, there are state-wide scholarships and programs in place to assist you. While each state has different offerings, the following scholarships and financial aid resources may help Vermont students pursuing social work education (some are undergraduate-only and not tied to LMSW/LICSW specifically).

• Gilman Scholarship (NASW Vermont) This scholarship supports Vermont residents enrolled in a CSWE-accredited social work program (BSW, MSW, or doctoral-level study, when eligible). Applicants are typically asked to demonstrate financial need, academic performance, and a commitment to community service.
• Elizabeth Davis Scholarship (VNAs) Established to assist students pursuing bachelor’s or advanced degrees in health professions. Awards may include a Vermont-based service or employment expectation after graduation, and applicants are generally evaluated on financial need and career goals.
• Raven Ridge Scholarship is designed to support academically promising students who are committed to building a career in social work in Vermont. Eligibility commonly focuses on current or incoming students with strong academic potential and a clear commitment to the profession.

Vermont Social Worker Organizations

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 the disadvantaged populations in Vermont and beyond.

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Vermont Chapter NASW-VT connects just under 500 of the state’s professionally trained social workers and represents their interests in the state of Vermont and advocates for positive social change.
• Vermont Addiction Professionals’ Association (VAPA) VAPA is the association of Vermont professionals providing leadership, support and advocacy for organized improvements in the addiction field. VAPA is the voice for addiction professionals by providing collaboration, state and national advocacy, mentorship and networking.
• Vermont Health Care Association This association is committed to advocating on behalf of residents, staff and communities that depend on Vermont’s nursing, residential care and assisted living homes as an integral component of the long term care continuum.