Certified Social Worker License in North Carolina
Quick Answer
North Carolina uses a unique certification-plus-licensure structure for social workers, with the LCSW requiring two years of supervised clinical experience. The ASWB exam is required. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $480. North Carolina has been active in discussions about ASWB exam equity.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $480 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Certified Social Worker certification in North Carolina
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $150
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $100
- Total Estimated Cost
- $480
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Certified Social Worker license in North Carolina. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the North Carolina licensing board.
Certified Social Worker Salary in North Carolina
Entry Level
$42,900
Median
$63,150
Experienced
$114,280
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Certified Social Worker in North Carolina.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Exam (level varies)
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$150.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Certified Social Worker Licensing in North Carolina: What to Know
North Carolina licenses social workers through the Social Work Certification and Licensure Board, offering Certified Social Worker (CSW), Certified Social Worker-Associate (CSWA), Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. North Carolina uses a unique certification-plus-licensure structure where the non-clinical levels use certification rather than licensure terminology. The LCSW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least two years of supervised clinical experience. Continuing education of 30 hours is required biennially. North Carolina was among the states that actively considered suspending or modifying the ASWB exam requirement due to racial disparities. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and other state universities have strong social work programs. The Research Triangle, Charlotte, and coastal communities all have demand for social workers. North Carolina has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact and offers military spouse licensing accommodations given the state's large military presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Certified Social Worker license cost in North Carolina?
- The estimated total cost is $480, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Certified Social Worker license in North Carolina?
- The process typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Certified Social Worker license in North Carolina?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Certified Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.