How to become a social worker in Arizona | License Requirements

Wondering how to become a social worker in Arizona? Whether you’re passionate about helping individuals, families, or communities, pursuing a career in social work requires the right education, licensure, and skills. In Arizona, social workers must meet specific licensing requirements set by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE). This guide outlines the essential steps, including educational qualifications, licensing exams, supervised experience, and career opportunities. Read on to learn how to start your journey toward making a meaningful impact as a licensed social worker in Arizona.

Types of Social Work Licenses in Arizona

Arizona offers three primary licenses, each with distinct roles and requirements:

1. Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)

Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam.
- Submit application to the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE).
Scope: Non-clinical roles in case management, community outreach, and entry-level social services.

2. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Requirements:
- Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam.
- No post-graduate supervised hours required.
Scope: Advanced non-clinical roles in administration, policy, or macro social work.

3. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Requirements:
- MSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam.
- Complete 3,200 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience (2+ years, including 100+ hours of direct supervision).
Scope: Clinical practice, mental health therapy, and private practice.

Education & Degree Requirements

Accredited Programs in Arizona

All programs must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE):

BSW Programs:
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- University of Arizona (UArizona)
- Northern Arizona University (NAU)
MSW Programs:
- ASU’s School of Social Work (on-campus/online)
- UArizona’s MSW Advanced Standing Program
- NAU’s Trauma-Informed Practice Specialization

Online vs. On-Campus Degrees

Online: Ideal for flexibility (e.g., ASU Online MSW). Ensure programs include field placements in Arizona.
On-Campus: Hands-on networking and local internship opportunities.

Arizona Social Work Licensing Process

Step-by-Step Application

Complete Education: Earn a BSW/MSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
Pass ASWB Exam: Register via ASWB and select your license level.
Submit Application: Apply through the AZBBHE with:
- Official transcripts.
- Exam scores.
- Supervised experience verification (for LCSW).
- Fingerprint clearance card ($65 fee).
Pay Fees:
250–
250–350 (varies by license).

Supervised Experience for LCSW

3,200 hours over 24+ months, including 1,600 hours of direct client contact.
Supervisor: Must be an LCSW with 3+ years of post-licensure experience.

Best Social Work Programs in Arizona

Top-Ranked Universities

Arizona State University: #1 in Arizona for MSW programs (U.S. News & World Report).
University of Arizona: Focus on rural and Indigenous populations.
Northern Arizona University: Affordable tuition with trauma-focused curriculum.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

AZBBHE Scholarships: For students committing to underserved areas.
CSWE Minority Fellowships: For BIPOC students.
Federal Aid: FAFSA, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Job Outlook & Salary Expectations

Average Salaries in Arizona (BLS 2023)

Child/Family Social Workers: $48,220/year
Healthcare Social Workers: $58,400/year
Mental Health Social Workers: $51,750/year

Job Opportunities

Healthcare: Banner Health, Mayo Clinic.
Schools: School districts in Phoenix and Tucson.
Community Services: Chicanos Por La Causa, Jewish Family & Children’s Service.

Key Takeaways

Choose a CSWE-accredited program for licensure eligibility.
LCSW requires 3,200 supervised clinical hours.
Arizona’s job market favors healthcare and school social workers.

Sources

FAQ

Complete an accredited degree (BSW for LBSW, MSW for LMSW/LCSW), pass the required ASWB exam, and submit your application to the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE). LCSW candidates must also complete 3,200 hours of supervised clinical experience.

To become an LCSW in Arizona, you must:

Earn an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam.
Complete 3,200 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience (2+ years, including 100+ hours of direct supervision).
Submit proof of requirements to the AZBBHE.

Earn a degree:
- LBSW: Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW).
- LMSW/LCSW: Master’s in Social Work (MSW).
Pass the ASWB exam for your desired license level.
Apply to the AZBBHE with transcripts, exam scores, and fees.
For LCSW: Complete supervised clinical hours.

Arizona offers three licenses:

LBSW: For non-clinical roles with a BSW.
LMSW: For advanced non-clinical roles with an MSW.

LCSW: For clinical practice and therapy with MSW + supervised hours.

LBSW: BSW + ASWB Bachelor’s Exam.
LMSW: MSW + ASWB Master’s Exam.
LCSW: MSW + ASWB Clinical Exam + 3,200 supervised hours.

Yes! Arizona offers reciprocity if your current license is in good standing and meets AZ requirements. Submit verification of licensure and exam scores to the AZBBHE.

The national pass rate is ~75% for the Bachelor’s exam and ~80% for the Clinical exam.