Become a Social Worker in South Carolina

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Disclaimer: Due to the rapidly changing nature of social work regulations, for the most up-to-date information on becoming a social worker in South Carolina, contact the South Carolina Social Work Licensing Board.

South Carolina law recognizes four classes of social workers: Licensed Independent Social Worker-Advanced Practice (LISW-AP), Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LSW). The requirements are as follows:

South Carolina LISW-AP (Licensed Independent Social Worker-Advanced Practice)

South Carolina LISW-AP Education Requirement:  A master’s or doctorate degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program South Carolina LISW-AP Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Advanced Generalist Level Examination

Field Requirement: 3,000 hours of supervised advanced social work practice and 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics. This supervised experience must occur over a minimum two-year and maximum four-year period after licensure as a Masters Social Worker. Those house must also occur in an organized setting such as social, medical, or governmental agencies. Experience that is supervised must include 100 hours of face-to-face meetings between the approved advanced supervisor and the supervisee.

Fee: $45 application fee, $260 ASWB examination fee,

Additional Information: An applicant must have at least ninety (90) academic contact hours of coursework in advanced social work practice with communities and organizations.

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 40 contact hours of continuing education and payment of a $90 renewal fee.

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South Carolina LISW-CP (Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice)

South Carolina LISW-CP Education Requirement:  A master’s or doctorate degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program 

South Carolina LISW-CP Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level Examination

Field Requirement: 3,000 hours of supervised advanced social work practice and either 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics. This supervised experience must occur over a minimum two-year and maximum four-year period after licensure as a Masters Social Worker. Those house must also occur in an organized setting such as social, medical, or governmental agencies. Experience that is supervised must include 100 hours of face-to-face meetings between the approved advanced supervisor and the supervisee.

Fee: $45 application fee, $230 ASWB examination fee,

Additional Information: An applicant must have at least forty-five academic contact hours each of psychopathology and psychodiagnostics.

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 40 contact hours of continuing education and payment of a $90 renewal fee.

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South Carolina LMSW

South Carolina LMSW Education Requirement:  A master’s or doctorate degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program 

South Carolina LMSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Examination

Field Requirement: None

Fee: $45 application fee, $230 ASWB examination fee, $25 in-person service fee

Additional Information: None

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 40 contact hours of continuing education and payment of a $90 renewal fee.

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South Carolina LBSW (Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker)

South Carolina LBSW Education Requirement:  A baccalaureate degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program 

South Carolina LBSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s Level Examination

Field Requirement: None

Fee: $45 application fee, $230 ASWB examination fee, $25 in-person service fee

Additional Information: None

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 40 contact hours of continuing education and payment of a $90 renewal fee.

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In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in South Carolina, you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in South Carolina can only be reached after completing an on-campus or online master of social work program. We are committed to keeping updated information on South Carolina social work licensure policies available to you.

Disclaimer: There may be additional methods of certification that have not been covered here. Please contact your state social work licensing department for more information. Last updated 09/06/2018.

South Carolina Social Work Salary

South Carolina Social Work Salary
South Carolina Social Work Career Average Social Work Salary
Child, Family and School Social Workers $39,110
Healthcare Social Workers $55,490
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $36,210
All Other Social Workers $45,190
Salary Increase from BSW to MSW +$9,000

Disclaimer: Social Worker Salary information is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Information about social worker salaries in South Carolina is subject to change. Please confirm salary information with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 08/27/2017.

South Carolina Social Work Scholarships

For social work financial aid options, check out our social work scholarships page.

Licensure information including requirements, renewals, and fees were retrieved as of August 2018. Information may have changed since, check with the state’s board of licensing for more information.