Pennsylvania Social Work License Requirements and Schools: Learn How to Become a Social Worker in PA

Written by Rebecca Munday
Last Updated: August 2023

Are you interested in becoming a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania? Now may be a good time to explore this in-demand field. In April 2023, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education reported the state will need more than 12,000 new social workers by 2030.

This guide covers everything you need to know about earning a Pennsylvania social work license. Learn about the requirements for receiving, transferring, and keeping your social work license. Explore a list of accredited programs to start you on your journey.

Pennsylvania Social Work Licensure Requirements

The PA Department of State regulates, issues, and renews Pennsylvania social work licenses at three levels: licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW), licensed social worker (LSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). All three levels can practice generalist social work.

With LSW or LCSW credentials, you can practice with more autonomy and responsibility due to more advanced education and training requirements. If you want to practice clinical social work, you’ll need LCSW credentials.

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker

An LBSW must possess a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree and is licensed to perform generalist social work at the macro level. As an LBSW, your duties may include case management, program development, policy analysis, and advocacy.

Pennsylvania licensure requirements for LBSW include the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW)
• A passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s exam
• A copy of your final official transcripts sent directly from your social work program
• Three hours of continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting
• A completed application and a $75 application fee
• A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history record check (CHRC) or a CHRC from every state where you’ve lived, worked, or completed training in the last 10 years

Licensed Social Worker

An LSW must hold a master of social work (MSW) degree and a license to practice generalist social work at the macro and mezzo levels. As an LSW, your duties could include supervising other social workers, advocating for resources in your communities, creating and implementing intervention plans, and connecting clients to the resources they need.

Pennsylvania licensure requirements for LSW include the following:

• An MSW or doctor of social work (DSW) degree
• A copy of your final official transcripts sent directly from your social work program
• A passing score on the ASWB master’s exam
• Three hours of continuing education for initial licensure in child abuse recognition and reporting
• A completed application and a $75 application fee
• A CHRC by the FBI or from every state where you’ve lived, worked, or completed training in the last 10 years

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

An LCSW must possess an MSW and a license to practice clinical social work at the micro level. As an LCSW, you can independently practice all levels of social work. Your duties may include diagnosing mental health conditions, providing individual and group therapy, developing and implementing programs, and connecting clients with the services they need.

Pennsylvania licensure requirements for LCSW include the following:

• An MSW or DSW
• A copy of your final official transcripts sent directly from your social work program
• A passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
• Two years, or 3,000 hours, of supervised clinical experience
• Three hours of continuing education for initial licensure in child abuse recognition and reporting
• A completed application and a $90 application fee
• A CHRC by the FBI or from every state where you’ve lived, worked, or completed training in the last 10 years

Featured Online Social Work Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania?

Becoming a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania can take 4-9 years, depending on your education history and desired level of licensure.

It will take you about four years to complete a BSW, pass the ASWB master exam, and earn LBSW licensure. Becoming an LCSW can take up to nine years. You’ll spend 2-3 years earning an MSW. If you earn a BSW, you can enter your MSW program with advanced standing and complete it in about half the credits.

Next, you can sit for the master’s exam and get your LMSW, which qualifies you to complete the two years of supervised clinical experience you need to get an LCSW.

Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers licensed social workers reciprocity through licensure by endorsement. To qualify, you must possess a currently active license in good standing and no criminal convictions.

You’ll also need to meet the state requirements for your intended license, including equivalent education, experience, and a passing score on the corresponding ASWB exam. If you meet Pennsylvania’s requirements for social work licensure, you should ask your current licensing board to write a letter certifying your licensure and reporting any disciplinary action taken against your license.

How to Renew a Social Work License in Pennsylvania

You need to renew your Pennsylvania social work license online every two years. You can start renewing your license up to 60 days before expiration. You’ll pay $95 and complete an online renewal application. You must complete 30 hours of continuing education each renewal period.

Keep the completion certificates from continuing education for at least four years to demonstrate proof of your compliance with renewal requirements. You only need to provide documentation of the continuing education you completed if you are audited.

You’ll need to complete at least three hours in professional ethics, two hours in child abuse recognition and reporting, and one hour in suicide prevention every renewal cycle. The other 25 hours can be in any area related to your professional practice.

Salary Expectations for Social Workers in Pennsylvania

May 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that social workers in Pennsylvania earn average annual salaries between $46,360 and $73,800, depending on the area of social work. A significant factor in earning potential is a social worker’s education and level of licensure. Generally, LSWs and LCSWs can expect higher earnings with their MSW.

Pennsylvania employs about 1,000 social workers in other specialties. These social workers make an average of $9,440 more per year than the national average salary for social workers in other specialties.

Source: BLS, 2022

Accredited Master’s of Social Work Programs in Pennsylvania

• Alvernia University: Reading and Philadelphia, PA (on campus)
  • Available Concentration(s): Addictions; mental health
  • Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
  • 2023 Tuition: $900 per credit
• Bryn Mawr College: Bryn Mawr, PA (on campus)
  • Available Concentration(s): Children, youth, and families; clinical or direct practice; community development and social systems, school social work
  • Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
  • 2023 Tuition: $5,260 per course
• Carlow University: Pittsburgh, PA (on campus, online)
  • Available Concentration(s): Advanced generalist; health; mental health; trauma
  • Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
  • 2023 Tuition: $750 per credit
• Kutztown University: Kutztown, PA (on campus, online)
  • Available Concentration(s): Advanced generalist; children, youth, and families
  • Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
  • 2023 Tuition: $645 per credit (online); $930 per credit (in state); and $621 per credit (in state)
• Marywood University: Scranton and Lehigh Valley, PA (on campus)
  • Available Concentration(s): Trauma
  • Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
  • 2023 Tuition: $824 per credit
• Millersville University of Pennsylvania and Shippensburg University Collaborative: Millersville and Shippensburg, PA (on campus, online)
  • Available Concentration(s): Advanced generalist
  • Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
  • 2023 Tuition: $319 per credit
• Pennsylvania Western University: Edinboro and California, PA (on campus, online)
  • Available Concentration(s): Trauma
  • Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
  • 2023 Tuition: $516 per credit for in-state, $774 per credit for out-of-state
• Temple University: Philadelphia and Harrisburg, PA (on campus, online)
  • Available Concentration(s): Clinical practice with individuals and families; macro practice in organizations, communities, and policy arenas
  • Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
  • 2023 Tuition: $8,988 per semester (in state); $16,188 per semester (out of state)
• University of Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, PA (on campus)
  • Available Concentration(s): Advanced generalist; children, youth, and families; clinical or direct practice; criminal justice; health, management or administration; mental health; military social work; school social work; social policy; aging and gerontological practice
  • Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
  • 2023 Tuition: $6,714 per course
• University of Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and Bradford, PA (on campus)
  • Available Concentration(s): Clinical or direct practice; community development and social systems; management or administration
  • Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
  • 2023 Tuition: $24,962 per year in-state, $34,950 per year for out-of-state
• West Chester University: West Chester and Philadelphia, PA (on campus)
  • Available Concentration(s): Clinical or direct practice
  • Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
  • 2023 Tuition: $1,386 per year
• Widener University: Chester, PA (on campus, online)
  • Available Concentration(s): Developmental disabilities; gerontology; trauma
  • Enrollment Type: Full time, part time
  • 2023 Tuition: $943 per credit

Professional Organizations for Social Workers in Pennsylvania

Joining a professional organization can offer social workers many benefits, including networking opportunities, professional development events, and a collective voice when it comes to advocacy for the profession. Professional organizations may also provide career services and advice; continuing education opportunities; scholarship awards; and discounts on conferences, publications, and certification.

• National Association of Social Workers, Pennsylvania Chapter: The NASW promotes, develops, and protects social workers across the United States. NASW-PA works to influence policy and those affected by social justice efforts.
• Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work: Established in 1971, PSCSW promotes clinical social workers in Pennsylvania and supports their professional development. It offers events, seminars, and conferences for networking; continuing education credits; and collaboration on initiatives and educational endeavors.
• Pennsylvania Association of School Social Work Professionals: The PASSWP is a professional organization for school social workers who enhance their social work practice through interdisciplinary collaboration and education.