At a Glance
Pennsylvania issues three social work licenses: the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The LBSW requires a BSW and allows supervised practice. The LSW and LCSW both require an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, with the LCSW adding 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and independent practice rights.
Pennsylvania’s State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors issues all three credentials and sets the education, exam, and experience requirements for each. Whether you’re finishing a bachelor’s degree in social work or deciding between the LSW and LCSW pathways, our social work licensure guide covers the broader national context before diving into PA specifics. Applications for all three are submitted through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).
Pennsylvania Social Work License Types
The three licenses follow a progressive structure, with each level expanding your scope of practice and requiring more education and experience. Here’s how they compare at a glance.
| License |
Minimum Degree |
ASWB Exam |
Independent Practice |
| LBSW |
BSW (CSWE-accredited) |
Bachelor’s level |
No, supervision required |
| LSW |
MSW (CSWE-accredited) |
Master’s level |
No, agency affiliation required |
| LCSW |
MSW + 3,000 supervised hours |
Clinical level |
Yes |
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
The LBSW is Pennsylvania’s entry-level credential for bachelor’s-level social workers. It lets you practice under the supervision of a licensed LSW or LCSW in settings like hospitals, clinics, and community agencies, supporting case management, client assessment, and referrals. It won’t qualify you for independent or clinical practice, but it’s a meaningful credential while you build toward a master’s degree.
Before your initial license is issued, you’ll need to complete 3 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting. This requirement applies to all three license levels in Pennsylvania.
Follow these steps to earn the LBSW.
Step 1: Earn a BSW from a CSWE-Accredited Program
Your bachelor’s degree in social work must come from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Pennsylvania has a number of accredited BSW programs available on-campus and online. These programs typically take four years and total around 120 semester credits, covering sociology, psychology, statistics, and field education.
Step 2: Complete Child Abuse CE Before Applying
Complete 3 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting. This is a one-time requirement before your initial license is issued at any level, not part of the ongoing renewal cycle.
Step 3: Apply Through PALS
Check the current PALS fee schedule before applying. Pennsylvania’s official licensure snapshot currently lists a $75 initial licensing fee for social workers and a $95 renewal fee. PALS will confirm your eligibility and notify the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) that you’re ready to schedule your exam.
Step 4: Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam
Pennsylvania requires a passing score of 70% on the ASWB Bachelor’s level exam. Once you pass, your LBSW license is issued, and you can begin practicing under supervision.
LBSW Renewal: Every two years. Requires 30 hours of continuing education, including hours in ethics and suicide prevention. Renewal fee: $95.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
The LSW requires a master’s or doctoral degree in social work and qualifies you to work with individuals, families, and groups on behavioral and mental health issues. LSWs aren’t limited to supervised settings the way LBSW holders are, but they must work in affiliation with an agency or social work service provider. You can’t open an independent private practice at this level. Services can include teletherapy within Pennsylvania.
Follow these steps to earn the LSW.
Step 1: Earn an MSW or Doctoral Degree in Social Work
Pennsylvania has several CSWE-accredited MSW programs. MSW programs typically take two years to complete and include a field education segment of at least 900 hours, which must be completed as part of CSWE accreditation. Alternatively, a regionally accredited doctoral degree in social work also qualifies you for LSW licensure per the Pennsylvania State Board.
Step 2: Apply Through PALS
Submit your LSW application through PALS and confirm the current application and initial licensure fees in PALS before submitting. PALS confirms your eligibility and notifies ASWB that you’re ready to schedule the Master’s level exam.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam
Pennsylvania requires a passing score of 70%. After passing, your LSW license is issued. You don’t need to hold an LBSW first. The LSW is a direct pathway from your MSW.
LSW Renewal: Every two years. Requires 30 hours of continuing education, including ethics and suicide prevention hours. Renewal fee: $95.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
The LCSW is Pennsylvania’s highest social work credential. It expands on the LSW scope of practice and lets you work independently, including opening a private clinical practice. You must hold an active LSW license before you can apply for the LCSW.
Follow these steps to earn the LCSW.
Step 1: Earn Your LSW First
Pennsylvania requires you to be a licensed LSW before pursuing the LCSW. Complete your MSW and pass the ASWB Master’s exam as described above. Your LSW must be active when you apply for the LCSW.
Step 2: Accumulate 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
Under § 47.12c.(b) of the Pennsylvania Code, you must complete at least 3,000 post-MSW hours of supervised clinical experience. These hours must be accumulated over at least two years and no more than six years. Pennsylvania allows at least 500 and no more than 1,800 supervised clinical hours to be credited in any 12-month period. At least half of the required supervised experience must consist of clinical services such as assessment, psychotherapy, psychosocial-therapeutic interventions, consultation, family therapy, or group therapy. You must receive a minimum of 2 hours of supervision for every 40 hours of clinical experience, and at least half of that supervision must be individual and in-person.
Step 3: Apply Through PALS
Submit your LCSW application through PALS and confirm the current application and initial licensure fees in PALS before submitting. The application must include the Request for Certification of Supervised Clinical Experience form. PALS confirms your eligibility and notifies ASWB that you’re ready to schedule the Clinical exam.
Step 4: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam
Pennsylvania requires a passing score of 70% on the ASWB Clinical level exam. Once you pass, your LCSW is issued and you’re authorized for independent clinical practice. Learn more about the LCSW credential.
LCSW Renewal: Every two years. Requires 30 hours of continuing education, including ethics and suicide prevention hours. Renewal fee: $95.
Social Work Degrees in Pennsylvania
Every level of Pennsylvania social work licensure ties back to education from a CSWE-accredited program. Here’s what to expect at each degree level.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW): The CSWE only accredits BSW programs grounded in the liberal arts. These four-year programs total around 120 semester credits, covering sociology, psychology, statistics, and analytical theory. Use CSWE’s accreditation directory to confirm the current number of accredited BSW programs in Pennsylvania, as accreditation status can change.
Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW): An MSW is the minimum educational requirement for both the LSW and LCSW credentials. Programs typically take two years full-time and include at least 900 hours of field education. Specializations often include clinical social work, addiction, family issues, and school-based practice. Some programs offer accelerated options for BSW graduates. Check CSWE’s directory for the current list of accredited MSW programs in Pennsylvania.
Doctoral Degree in Social Work: While CSWE only accredits programs through the master’s level, a regionally accredited doctoral degree in social work also qualifies you for any license level in Pennsylvania. The two main doctoral options are the Doctor of Social Work (DSW), which is practice-focused and common among clinical social workers, and the PhD in Social Work, which is more research-oriented and typically takes longer to complete.
Reciprocity
Out-of-state applicants may qualify through Pennsylvania’s reciprocity or endorsement pathways if they meet Board requirements, including substantially equivalent qualifications and acceptable exam documentation. Applicants should verify their eligibility directly through the Board and PALS before applying. For a broader comparison, see social work license requirements by state.
When applying by reciprocity, you’ll need to show your continuing education is current, or that you’ve been actively practicing for:
- At least two of the past five years for an LSW
- At least five of the past seven years for an LCSW
Social Worker Salaries in Pennsylvania
Social worker salaries in Pennsylvania vary by specialty, license level, and setting. The figures below are national medians from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and give a useful benchmark for what’s typical in the field. State wages may vary by region and employer.
| Social Work Occupation |
Median Annual Wage (May 2024) |
| Social and Community Service Managers |
$78,240 |
| Healthcare Social Workers |
$62,940 |
| Social Workers (All) |
$61,330 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers |
$53,940 |
Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS. Pennsylvania has a sizable child, family, and school social work workforce. Verify current concentration rankings using the latest BLS OEWS state data before publication.
Pennsylvania Social Work Organizations
Pennsylvania Chapter, National Association of Social Workers (NASW): As an NASW local affiliate, this organization has resources for advocacy, licensing information, continuing education opportunities, and ways to get involved with social work statewide.
Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work (PSCSW): This organization has been advancing clinical social work since 1971. It’s a strong resource for networking across specializations, including mental health, family agencies, medical facilities, and private practice.
Pennsylvania Association of School Social Work Personnel (PASSWP): This organization supports school social workers and works closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. It’s a hub for social workers looking to get more involved in the education system.
Career Opportunities in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s size and population create consistent demand for licensed social workers across the public and private sectors. Major employers include state-level agencies such as the Department of Human Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, as well as county systems such as the Philadelphia Department of Human Services and the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Large healthcare systems, including the University of Pennsylvania Health System, employ social workers across hospitals and multi-specialty centers. The School District of Philadelphia, which reported about 113,735 enrolled students for 2025-2026, also hires social workers in significant numbers.
Nonprofit organizations round out the employment landscape. Agencies such as Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia, Catholic Social Services, and Just Harvest provide services in housing, addiction, food security, and family support for communities throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the LSW and LCSW in Pennsylvania?
Both require an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, but the LCSW adds 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience. The bigger practical difference is scope of practice: LSWs must work in affiliation with an agency, while LCSWs can practice independently, including in private practice. You also need to hold an active LSW before you can apply for the LCSW in Pennsylvania.
Do I need an LSW before getting my LCSW in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires you to be a licensed social worker (LSW) before applying for the LCSW. Once you’ve earned your MSW and passed the ASWB Master’s exam, you can begin accumulating the 3,000 supervised clinical hours needed for the LCSW application.
What ASWB exam do I need for each Pennsylvania social work license?
The LBSW requires the ASWB Bachelor’s exam. The LSW requires the ASWB Master’s exam. The LCSW requires the ASWB Clinical exam. Pennsylvania sets the passing score at 70% for all three. Applications to sit for each exam are initiated through PALS, which notifies ASWB once your eligibility is confirmed.
How long does it take to become an LCSW in Pennsylvania?
A common full-time path can take about eight years: four years for a BSW, two or more years for an MSW, and at least two years to accumulate the required 3,000 supervised clinical hours. Timelines vary for students who enter an MSW without a BSW, complete an advanced standing program, attend part-time, or already hold qualifying graduate education. The supervised hours phase has a ceiling of six years after finishing your MSW.
Can I transfer my social work license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Yes, through reciprocity or endorsement. Out-of-state applicants may qualify for a Pennsylvania social work license if they meet Board requirements, including substantially equivalent qualifications and acceptable exam documentation. LSW applicants must show active practice for at least two of the past five years. LCSW applicants must show active practice for at least five of the past seven years. Applicants should verify their eligibility directly through the Board and PALS.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania issues three social work licenses: the LBSW (bachelor’s level, supervised practice), LSW (master’s level, agency-affiliated), and LCSW (master’s level plus 3,000 clinical hours, independent practice).
- All three licenses require passing the appropriate ASWB exam through PALS, and all applicants must complete 3 hours of child abuse CE before initial licensure.
- You must hold an active LSW before applying for the LCSW. It’s not a direct pathway from your MSW.
- The LCSW supervised hours requirement is strict: 3,000 hours completed over at least 2 years, with supervision ratios and annual hour caps.
- All licenses renew every two years with 30 hours of CE and a $95 fee. Reciprocity is available for social workers licensed in states with substantially similar requirements.
Ready to start or advance your social work career in Pennsylvania? Explore accredited MSW and BSW programs that meet state licensure requirements.
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Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for social workers and social and community service managers represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2025.
