SOCIAL WORKER License in Wisconsin
Quick Answer
Wisconsin offers a comprehensive tiered system from training certificate to LCSW, with the clinical level requiring 3,000 supervised hours. The ASWB exam is required at clinical levels. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $410. The training certificate provides a helpful supervised entry pathway.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $410 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
SOCIAL WORKER license in Wisconsin
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $80
- Total Estimated Cost
- $410
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your SOCIAL WORKER license in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin licensing board.
SOCIAL WORKER Salary in Wisconsin
Entry Level
$45,310
Median
$62,510
Experienced
$95,080
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed SOCIAL WORKER in Wisconsin.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Exam (level varies)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
SOCIAL WORKER Licensing in Wisconsin: What to Know
Wisconsin licenses social workers through the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board, offering Social Worker Training Certificate, Certified Social Worker (CSW), Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW), Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. Wisconsin's tiered system includes a training certificate for those in supervised practice, which is a helpful entry-level pathway. The LCSW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Continuing education of 30 hours is required biennially. Wisconsin has demand for social workers in Milwaukee, Madison, and rural communities across the state. The opioid crisis has increased demand for clinical social workers in substance abuse treatment. The University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have strong social work programs. Wisconsin has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact and offers some military spouse licensing provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a SOCIAL WORKER license cost in Wisconsin?
- The estimated total cost is $410, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a SOCIAL WORKER license in Wisconsin?
- 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 SOCIAL WORKER license in Wisconsin?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare SOCIAL WORKER requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.