How to Become a Social Worker in Alabama
:: 2025 Guide
Follow the links below for your specific situation to learn how to become a social worker in Alabama.
Alabama Social Work License Options
-
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
The LBSW is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE‑accredited institution and passed the ASWB bachelor’s exam. This entry-level license prepares practitioners to deliver generalist, non-clinical services—such as case management, advocacy, psychosocial assessments, and support to individuals, families, groups, and communities. It’s typically held by new graduates working under supervision (at least 96 hours over two years) to gain foundational professional experience
-
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
This certification suits individuals with a master’s (or doctorate) in social work who have passed the ASWB master’s exam. LMSWs may choose a clinical or non-clinical designation. With 96 hours of supervised practice over two years, clinical LMSWs can provide psychosocial evaluations, intervention planning, preventive and treatment services, and deeper therapeutic interventions under supervision. Non-clinical LMSWs engage in broader social work areas like administration, community organization, or research but cannot practice independently.
-
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
The LICSW is the highest licensure for clinical work. It’s aimed at those with an MSW (or doctorate) who are already licensed LMSWs and have completed a minimum of 3,000 post‑MSW supervised clinical hours (with at least 96 hours of supervision) by a licensed clinical supervisor. LICSWs can practice independently, using their clinical judgment to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders, and they can also supervise LBSWs and LMSWs.
-
Private Independent Practice (PIP)
PIP certification is an add-on for LICSWs who wish to operate a private clinical or social casework practice. To qualify, one must be a current LICSW and complete either three years of full-time (or five years part-time) post-master’s experience in the specified method (e.g., clinical social work or casework), or one year post-LICSW in that method. Approved supervisors must also oversee this work. Once certified, LICSWs can treat clients independently in their own private practice setting.
The term “social worker” is actually a rather broad umbrella that captures many different roles and responsibilities. So, even saying that you would like to be a social worker in the state of Alabama is something that will still need to be narrowed down before you can pursue the right license and find the right role to match your career vision. For example, you may choose to work in addiction, providing services to individuals who are struggling with some form of chemical dependency. Or, you could work in family services, offer mental health support, and much more.
It’s necessary to be licensed when working in this field because of the important nature of the duties that are performed. People in the state of Alabama may be at a particularly difficult point in their life when they interact with a social worker, so it’s essential that the professional they encounter is properly trained and educated to provide the proper help. As someone who hopes to work in this field, learning as much as possible about the licenses that are needed, and which ones are right for your career should be one of your top priorities.
There are four relevant licenses for social workers in the state of Alabama that you should be aware of as an aspiring professional. Follow the links above or in the left-hand navigation to find the specific requirements for licensure.