At a Glance
South Carolina issues four social work license levels: LBSW, LMSW, LISW-AP, and LISW-CP. All require a CSWE-accredited degree and a passing score on an Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam. The full path to independent practice takes four to eight years, depending on your target license, with clinical and advanced practice licenses requiring an additional 3,000 hours of supervised experience post-LMSW.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Carolina employs more than 6,000 social workers across the state, from child welfare agencies in Columbia to mental health centers in Charleston. If you’re planning to join them, your first step is understanding the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners (SCBSWE) social work licensure system. There are four license levels, each tied to a specific degree and scope of practice. This guide walks through each one, the requirements to get there, and what you can expect to earn once you do.
South Carolina Social Work License Types
The SCBSWE issues four types of social work licenses. They’re structured as a progression: each level builds on the previous one, expanding your scope of practice and opening the door to more advanced roles.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) allows you to practice at a generalist level, including assessments, referrals, client education, community organizing, and social work research. LBSWs work as employees. This license doesn’t authorize private practice.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) permits everything within the LBSW scope, plus advanced practice activities like treatment planning, case management, counseling, and outcome evaluations. LMSWs also work as employees, not in private practice.
Licensed Independent Social Worker — Advanced Practice (LISW-AP) permits independent practice with a focus on macro-level, non-clinical work: program administration, community organizing, social policy development, non-clinical employee supervision, and expert testimony. This license builds on the LMSW scope of practice.
Licensed Independent Social Worker — Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) authorizes clinical social work in independent practice settings, including counseling and psychotherapy, biopsychosocial assessments, case management, and clinical supervision of employees. This is the license you need to provide therapy and work independently with individuals, families, couples, and groups. It functions similarly to the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential used in many other states.
LISW Supervisor is an add-on designation for either the LISW-AP or LISW-CP. It authorizes you to supervise LMSWs who are working toward their LISW credentials. It’s not a standalone license.
Steps Toward Social Work Licensure in South Carolina
Before diving into the requirements for each license level, here are the steps every applicant completes regardless of license type. All requirements are set by the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners (SCBSWE).
Step 1: Earn a CSWE-Accredited Degree
All social work licenses in South Carolina require a degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Have your school send official transcripts directly to the SCBSWE.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Apply online or by mail to the SCBSWE. The application fee is $45. Include a Verification of Lawful Presence form with your submission. You can check your application status online after allowing 5–7 business days for processing.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Exam
Once the SCBSWE approves your application, it will notify the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) that you’re cleared to test. The exam level corresponds to your license: Bachelor’s exam for LBSW, Master’s exam for LMSW, Advanced Generalist for LISW-AP, and Clinical for LISW-CP. Registration fees are $230 for the Bachelor’s and Master’s exams, and $260 for the Clinical and Advanced Generalist exams.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Your degree must come from a CSWE-accredited program. South Carolina currently has six CSWE-accredited BSW programs, though program counts can change. Always verify current accreditation status in the CSWE program directory. BSW programs are typically 120 semester credits and include at least 400 hours of supervised field education.
Step 2: Apply for Licensure
Submit your application to the SCBSWE. Once it’s approved, the Board will notify the ASWB that you’re cleared to register for the Bachelor’s exam.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Bachelors Exam
Register with the ASWB and pass the Bachelors-level exam. The SCBSWE will issue your LBSW license once you pass.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Step 1: Earn a Master of Social Work (MSW)
Your MSW must come from a CSWE-accredited program. There are two CSWE-accredited MSW programs in South Carolina, one of which is available online. MSW programs are typically at least 30 semester credits and include at least 900 hours of supervised field education.
Step 2: Apply for Licensure
Submit your application to the SCBSWE. The Board will notify the ASWB once your application is approved.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam
Register with the ASWB and pass the Master ‘s-level exam. Graduate students can sit for the Master’s exam during their final semester with a letter from their program dean confirming their academic status. The registration fee is $230.
Step 4: Arrange Supervision (If Pursuing LISW)
Once licensed as an LMSW, you can begin accruing supervised experience hours toward the LISW-AP or LISW-CP. Find an approved supervisor through the SCBSWE’s online directory, then submit a LISW Supervision Contract for Board approval before you start. The supervisor application fee is $45.
Licensed Independent Social Worker — Advanced Practice (LISW-AP)
Step 1: Earn an MSW and Complete Required Coursework
You need at least a Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program, plus specific coursework: 90 academic hours in advanced social work practice with organizations and communities, and 15 academic hours (or 20 continuing education hours) in professional ethics. Complete the SCBSWE coursework verification form and include it with your application.
Step 2: Complete Supervised Experience
Fulfill 3,000 hours of advanced practice over at least two years and no more than four, including at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. This can only begin after you hold an active LMSW. Your supervisor submits a Report of Supervised Experience to the SCBSWE, and you submit the LISW Supervision Contract.
Step 3: Apply for Licensure
Submit your application to the SCBSWE. The Board will notify the ASWB once your application is approved.
Step 4: Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Register with the ASWB and pass the Advanced Generalist exam. The SCBSWE will issue your LISW-AP license once you pass.
Licensed Independent Social Worker — Clinical Practice (LISW-CP)
Step 1: Earn an MSW and Complete Required Coursework
You need at least a Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program, plus 45 academic hours each in psychopathology and psychodiagnostics, and 15 academic hours (or 20 continuing education hours) in professional ethics. Complete the SCBSWE coursework verification form and include it with your application.
Step 2: Complete Supervised Clinical Experience
Fulfill 3,000 hours of clinical supervision over at least two years and no more than four, including at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. This must occur in a recognized setting such as a social service, medical, or government agency, and can only begin after you hold an active LMSW. Your supervisor submits a Report of Supervised Experience to the SCBSWE, and you submit the LISW Supervision Contract.
Step 3: Apply for Licensure
Submit your application to the SCBSWE. The Board will notify the ASWB once your application is approved.
Step 4: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam
Register with the ASWB and pass the Clinical-level exam. The registration fee is $260. The SCBSWE will issue your LISW-CP license once you pass.
LISW Supervisor Designation
Step 1: Hold an Active LISW-AP or LISW-CP
The LISW Supervisor designation is only available to those who already hold either the LISW-AP or LISW-CP license.
Step 2: Gain Three Years of Work Experience
You’ll need at least three years of post-licensure work experience totaling at least 4,500 hours.
Step 3: Complete 45 Hours on Supervision
Complete 45 academic or continuing education hours on the subject of clinical supervision.
Step 4: Apply to Add the Designation
Submit the LISW Supervisor application to the SCBSWE to add this designation to your existing LISW license.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker in South Carolina?
The timeline depends on your target license level. A BSW typically takes four years, qualifying you for the LBSW. Adding an MSW takes about two more years, for a total of six years to reach the LMSW. From there, the LISW-AP and LISW-CP each require at least two years of post-LMSW supervised experience, putting the full path to independent practice at roughly eight years from high school graduation. Adding the LISW Supervisor designation takes three additional years beyond that.
Renewing Your South Carolina Social Work License
All SCBSWE licenses expire on December 31 of every even-numbered year, on a two-year renewal cycle. Renewal is available online through the SCBSWE, and the fee is $90. To qualify, you’ll need to complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) during each renewal period, with at least 20 of those hours provided by someone who holds a BSW, MSW, or doctoral degree in social work. South Carolina requires all CE hours to be tracked through CE Broker. For the 2025–2026 renewal cycle, all licensees must also include at least 1 hour in suicide assessment, treatment, and management. You’ll attest to completed CE hours at the time of renewal and must keep documentation for at least three years. A $50 late fee applies if you renew after the deadline but within the grace period.
Social Work Degrees in South Carolina
The SCBSWE recognizes the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) as the accrediting body for qualifying social work programs. It also accepts doctoral programs in Social Work that it deems equivalent to CSWE standards.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program is the minimum education requirement for the LBSW license. South Carolina currently has six CSWE-accredited BSW programs, though this can change. These programs are at least 120 semester credits and include a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field education.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
An MSW from a CSWE-accredited program is required for the LMSW and is the minimum degree for both LISW tracks. South Carolina has at least two CSWE-accredited MSW programs, including one offered online. Program counts can change. Verify current options in the CSWE program directory. MSW programs are typically at least 30 semester credits with a minimum of 900 hours of supervised field education. Students with a CSWE-accredited BSW may qualify for advanced standing MSW programs, which can often be completed in about one year. Online MSW programs must include in-person field placements. Coursework is delivered online, but practical hours are completed locally.
Doctoral Degree in Social Work
A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or PhD in Social Work can qualify you for LMSW, LISW-AP, or LISW-CP licensure with SCBSWE approval. For the LISW tracks, specific coursework requirements still apply. Since CSWE doesn’t accredit doctoral programs, the SCBSWE evaluates these on a case-by-case basis.
Reciprocity
South Carolina will consider out-of-state applicants for licensure if their home-state license was earned under education and exam requirements equivalent to South Carolina’s. Follow the standard application steps for your desired license level, and additionally have your state’s licensing board submit verification of your out-of-state license to the SCBSWE and have the ASWB forward your exam scores directly. South Carolina is also among the states where legislation is pending to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, a multistate agreement that would allow licensed social workers to practice across member states without applying for a new license in each one.
Social Work Salaries in South Carolina
Social workers in South Carolina earn competitive salaries that vary by specialization and setting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, mean annual wages in the state break down as follows.
| Occupation |
Mean Annual Wage (SC) |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers |
$47,250 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers |
$52,890 |
| Healthcare Social Workers |
$61,150 |
| Social Workers, All Other |
$78,120 |
Geographic location within the state affects compensation significantly. Social workers in the Charleston and Columbia metro areas tend to earn above the state averages shown above, driven by major health systems and state government positions. Nationally, the BLS reports that social workers as a whole earn a median of $61,330 annually, with employment projected to grow 6 percent through 2034.
Social Work Resources in South Carolina
South Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers advocates for social workers on legislative issues and offers professional development, training, and continuing education. Members specialize in areas including substance abuse, child welfare, LGBT issues, and sexual violence.
South Carolina Society for Clinical Social Work has represented clinical social workers in the state since 1984. It sponsors study groups and salon presentations on current topics that also qualify for CE credit.
School Social Workers Association of South Carolina works to strengthen professional standards for school social workers and advocates for the well-being of students and families across the state’s public schools.
Career Opportunities in South Carolina
South Carolina Department of Social Services addresses some of the state’s most pressing human services issues through programs covering refugee resettlement, child abuse prevention, elder abuse, domestic violence, community education, and foster care services.
South Carolina Department of Mental Health operates statewide mental health programs alongside local affiliate centers, serving families, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Its network includes four psychiatric hospitals, an alcohol and drug addiction treatment facility, and three veterans nursing care facilities.
Greenville County School District is the largest school district in South Carolina, serving approximately 77,000 students across more than 100 schools. It employs school social workers across its elementary, middle, and high school campuses.
Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center operates under the South Carolina Department of Mental Health and provides in-patient and out-patient services, emergency care, case management, vocational programs, homeless outreach, and parent-child interaction programs.
Prisma Health is South Carolina’s largest private, non-profit health system, with 19 hospitals and more than 320 practice sites. Its children’s hospital includes a medical day treatment program and a range of supportive services for pediatric patients and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between LISW-AP and LISW-CP in South Carolina?
Both licenses allow independent practice, but they serve different specializations. The LISW-AP is designed for macro-level, non-clinical social work including program administration, community organizing, and social policy development. The LISW-CP is for clinical practice. It authorizes you to provide counseling, psychotherapy, and biopsychosocial assessments, and to work independently with individuals, families, couples, and groups. Both require an MSW, an active LMSW license, and 3,000 hours of post-LMSW supervised experience.
Can I take the ASWB Master’s exam before I graduate?
Yes. South Carolina allows MSW students to sit for the Masters-level ASWB exam during their final semester, provided they submit a letter from their program dean confirming their academic status. This can help you move into the workforce sooner after graduation.
Are online social work degrees accepted for licensure in South Carolina?
Yes, as long as the program holds CSWE accreditation. Both BSW and MSW degrees completed through accredited online programs qualify you for South Carolina licensure. Keep in mind that CSWE-accredited programs require in-person field placements regardless of delivery format. You’ll complete your practicum hours locally even if your coursework is online.
How many continuing education hours do I need to renew my South Carolina social work license?
All SCBSWE licensees must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle, with licenses expiring December 31 of every even-numbered year. At least 20 of those hours must be provided by someone with a BSW, MSW, or doctoral degree in social work. All CE hours must be tracked through CE Broker, and documentation must be kept for at least three years.
Does South Carolina have reciprocity with other states for social work licensure?
South Carolina recognizes out-of-state licenses when the education and exam requirements are equivalent to its own. You’ll need to submit a standard licensure application and have your home state’s board send license verification and have the ASWB forward your exam scores. South Carolina is also considering joining the Social Work Licensure Compact, which would create a pathway for licensed social workers to practice across member states.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina issues four social work license levels through the SCBSWE: LBSW, LMSW, LISW-AP, and LISW-CP, each requiring a CSWE-accredited degree and a passing ASWB exam.
- The LISW-AP and LISW-CP both require 3,000 hours of post-LMSW supervised experience over two to four years. The AP track focuses on non-clinical macro practice, while the CP track authorizes clinical work and independent therapy.
- All South Carolina social work licenses renew every two years on December 31 of even-numbered years, requiring 40 hours of CE tracked through CE Broker.
- Healthcare and specialized social work roles often report higher wages in South Carolina, with mean annual wages reaching $61,150 for healthcare social workers and $78,120 for the broader “Social Workers, All Other” category, according to BLS data.
- Out-of-state social workers may qualify for licensure through reciprocity if their credentials meet South Carolina’s education and exam standards.
Ready to take the next step toward your South Carolina social work license? Explore CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs that can prepare you for licensure at every level.
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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 employment figures for Child, Family, and School Social Workers, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, Healthcare Social Workers, and Social Workers, All Other represent state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
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