Social workers help individuals and families in a wide range of life situations and prepare for a career through schooling and certification. While exact requirements vary by state, social workers are generally required to be certified or licensed. Learn about the different types of social worker certifications as well as the requirements for becoming certified.
What Is Social Work Certification?
Social work certification is a form of professional credentialing offered through trade organizations that demonstrates a certain knowledge and skill level in your field. Certification is not usually administered by state/local government agencies; however, it is generally required by government agencies to work legally. In this context, 'social work certification' is not the same as a certificate in social work. Certificates in social work are provided through formal training programs, whereas social work certifications are given upon passing a single exam or series of multiple exams after training has been completed.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that all U.S. states and territories have varying licensure and certification requirements (www.bls.gov). While the terms 'certification' and 'licensure' are sometimes applied interchangeably for common usage, they are different terms. Licensure is the highest form of regulatory credentialing. If you have obtained a graduate degree and are trained to engage in psychotherapy, you would be classified as a clinical social worker, and would be required to obtain a license through your state (e.g., licensed clinical social worker or LCSW). As a non-clinical social worker, your state may require that you obtain certification instead.
In addition to adhering to state regulatory mandates, certification may be also used as a tool for career enrichment and/or advancement. Depending on the type of certification, exams may be taken in person or online.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Overview</b></td><td> Credentialing provided by trade organizations, must pass a single exam or a series of exams</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Specialization Options</b></td><td> Gerontology, addictions, education, youth and family, hospice and palliative</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook</b></td><td> 13% increase between 2019-2029 (<i>for social workers</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheTypesOfCertification">What Are the Types of Certification?</h3><p>Certification can be grouped by title or by specialization. For example, you would be eligible to become a non-clinical, Certified Social Worker/CSW with a bachelor's degree in social work or other approved and related degree program, such as psychology. As a non-clinical, Certified Master Social Worker/ CMSW, you would need a master's degree. To become a non-clinical, Certified Social Work Manager/CSWM, you would need a master's degree and at least two years of postgraduate professional experience.
</p><p>You may also consider obtaining certification in one or more of many available specialties, including gerontology, youth and family, hospice and palliative, addictions, case management and education.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyCertification">What Can I Do with My Certification?</h3><p>Your job opportunities will vary with your experience and type of certification. For example, you may help people with medical conditions by providing psychosocial assistance as a public health and medical social worker. Or, you may serve is a social worker who develops and implements programs to help families and individuals through a wide range of situations, such as poverty, homelessness and child abuse.
</p><p>The BLS reports that the employment rate for social workers is projected to grow 13% between 2019 and 2029. You could work for various kinds of employers, such as government agencies, insurance companies, hospitals, schools and non-profit organizations.</p>
