Become a Social Worker in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is the birthplace of Harley-Davidson and home of Noah’s Ark Family Park, one of the largest water parks in the United States. You may know Wisconsin for these iconic landmarks, but the state is also home to 13,470 social workers (BLS, May 2024).

This career guide for how to become a social worker in Wisconsin explains educational requirements, how to get licensed, Wisconsin social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a Wisconsin 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

Common Steps to Become a Wisconsin Social Worker

Wondering how to become a social worker in Wisconsin? Education, field experience and licensure can help you achieve your social worker career goals. To become a licensed social worker in Wisconsin and advance your career, follow these steps, summarized by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Steps to Becoming a Certified Social Worker

To earn the CSW credential in Wisconsin, you must have a BSW (or higher) in social work from a program accredited by (or in pre-accreditation with) the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This license is intended for entry-level positions in social work.

1. Complete the application

As part of the Wisconsin credentialing process, you must pass the open-book Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code exam. Apply online through DSPS’s LicensE portal and pay the required application fee(s) as part of the online submission. If you’ve ever been licensed in another state, request official license verification from each jurisdiction where you’ve held a credential and submit it to DSPS as directed. If there are any existing or pending convictions, as well as malpractice suits, additional paperwork forms must be completed along with the licensure application.

2. Pass the ASWB exam

Pass the ASWB Bachelors exam (formerly the Basic level exam). The registration fee is $230.

3. Receive your license

Once you have completed the previous steps, you will receive your certification as a social worker in Wisconsin.

Steps to Become an Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW)

If you are looking to become an APSW in Wisconsin, you must have completed an accredited degree program for a Master of Social Work (MSW) or a Doctor of Social Work (DSW).

1. Complete the application

Much like the application for a certified social worker, the application for APSW licensure includes an initial credential, certification of education and completion of the Wisconsin Statutes and Rules Examination. Complete the application in LicensE and pay the required DSPS application fee(s) online. If there are any existing or pending convictions, as well as malpractice suits, additional paperwork forms must be completed along with the licensure application.

2. Pass the ASWB exam

Pass the ASWB Bachelors exam (formerly the Basic level exam). The registration fee is $230.

3. Receive your license

Once you have completed the previous steps, you will receive your license as an APSW in Wisconsin.

Steps to Become an Independent Social Worker (ISW)

If you are looking to become an ISW, you must have completed an accredited MSW degree or higher.

1. Complete clinical social work experience

You need at least 3,000 hours of clinical social work practice (in over two years) in order to apply for this license in Wisconsin.

2. Complete the application

The application process for ISW is the same as for previous licenses. However, in addition to providing the required documentation, you must also provide verification of supervised clinical hours in social work. If you’ve been licensed in another jurisdiction, submit license verification letters from every state board where you’ve been licensed (active or inactive). Complete the application in LicensE and pay the required DSPS application fee(s) online. Additional forms are required if you have any existing or pending convictions, as well as malpractice suits.

3. Pass the ASWB exam

If looking to become an ISW, you are required to complete the advanced generalist examination offered by the ASWB. The registration fee is $260.

4. Receive your license

Once you have completed the previous steps, you will receive your license as an ISW in Wisconsin.

Steps to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Pursuing an LCSW license in Wisconsin means you need to earn either an MSW or DSW with a concentration in clinical social work. This means you completed at least one course in psychopathology in social work and two courses from DSPS’s approved list, such as case management and clinical assessment and treatment of specific populations and problems (e.g., children, adolescents, elderly, alcohol/drug abuse, family/couples).

1. Complete clinical social work experience

After completing your education and after receiving APSW or ISW certification, complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work practice, including at least 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and including DSM diagnosis and treatment of individuals.

2. Complete the application

The application process for an LCSW requires the same documentation as with an ISW. Official transcripts should also be included. If you’ve been licensed in another jurisdiction, submit license verification letters from every state board where you’ve been licensed (active or inactive). Complete the application in LicensE and pay the required DSPS application fee(s) online. Additional forms are required if you have any existing or pending convictions, as well as malpractice suits.

3. Pass the ASWB exam

If looking to become an LCSW, you are required to complete the clinical ASWB examination.

4. Receive your license

Once you have completed the previous steps, you will receive your license as an LCSW in Wisconsin.

Learn more about how to become a social worker.

Social Work Degree Programs in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has multiple CSWE-accredited BSW programs. For the most up-to-date list of accredited programs (including any in candidacy), check the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs. A bachelor’s degree in social work can enable a student to enter an advanced standing program in an MSW program, where you may be able to complete an MSW in around one year. A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions, including caseworker or mental health assistant roles. A minimum of a bachelor’s in social work is needed in order to become a social worker in Wisconsin.

An MSW is required for most licenses offered in Wisconsin, including UW–Madison, UW–Milwaukee, UW–Oshkosh, UW–Green Bay, UW–Whitewater, and Concordia University Wisconsin. For the current official list, confirm in the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs. Some social workers pursue a doctorate in social work, which may open pathways to leadership roles and social work research.

Online MSW Programs in Wisconsin

Online MSW programs are available in Wisconsin, including CSWE-accredited options offered by Wisconsin-based schools. For example, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee offers an online MSW, and the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater offers a fully CSWE-accredited online MSW. Concordia University Wisconsin also offers an online MSW program. Because online programs still include in-person field placements, be sure to confirm each school’s field placement policies and any state-specific requirements before you apply.

Learn more about advanced standing online Master of Social Work programs, online MSW programs for aspiring Clinical Social Workers and online Master of Social Work Programs.

Social Work Salaries for Wisconsin

Information on the above social work salaries in Wisconsin was retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates – Wisconsin in January 2026.

Learn more about social work salaries.

Wisconsin Social Work Scholarships

If you’re interested in attending a social work degree program in Wisconsin, there are social work scholarships that can help you pay for school. Be sure to check with your preferred university for other available financial aid options.

• Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work scholarships
• Helen Bader School of Social Welfare scholarships

Wisconsin Social Work Organizations

Social workers in Wisconsin can connect with a variety of social work organizations. These groups provide networking opportunities, news and research about social work in the state, and job listings. If you are pursuing a degree in social work, your university may also offer social work organizations for students.

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Wisconsin Chapter: Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) works to enhance the development of its members. The Wisconsin chapter supports social workers in strengthening their relationships with the people of Wisconsin through the promotion of quality practice.
• Wisconsin School Social Workers Association (WSSWA): This organization promotes the development of school-aged children and their families through social work practice. They also help promote legislation that ensures the health and well-being of children and the quality of the social work profession.