How to Become a Social Worker in New Hampshire
:: 2026 Guide
Select the appropriate option below to learn how to become a social worker in New Hampshire.
The Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential in New Hampshire is intended for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and passed the required ASWB bachelor’s examination. CSWs typically work in supervised settings providing generalist social work services such as case management, resource coordination, and client support, but they are not authorized to practice clinical social work independently.
The Certified Social Worker – Master’s (CSW-M) credential in New Hampshire is designed for individuals who have earned a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and passed the ASWB master’s examination. CSW-M licensees may perform advanced social work functions, including assessment and intervention services, but clinical practice must occur under supervision until independent clinical licensure is obtained.
The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) credential in New Hampshire is the state’s highest level of social work licensure and is intended for professionals who have completed an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, fulfilled the required post-graduate supervised clinical experience, and passed the ASWB Clinical examination. LICSWs are authorized to provide independent clinical social work services, including diagnosis, psychotherapy, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders without supervision.
New Hampshire offers licensure by endorsement for social workers who are already licensed in another state and want to obtain an equivalent New Hampshire credential. This pathway is intended for professionals whose education, ASWB exam level, and supervised experience are substantially equivalent to New Hampshire’s requirements, and applicants must typically submit license verification, official transcripts, and ASWB exam score transfers for review by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice.
Social workers fight for justice. They are trained to deal with the suffering and troubles of other people to improve the community. If you want a career with deep meaning and satisfaction, this profession is for you.
As a social worker, you will deal with several external factors affecting the lives of people and families. You create opportunities for assessment and intervention so your clients can cope with the reality of their community. It is about dealing with getting over the problem and how they feel about the situation.
The most common aspect of doing social work is giving therapy directly to those involved in dire situations. That can mean working with people who have problems rooted in social or even emotional disadvantage, poverty, trauma, and discrimination.
All the work done by social workers contributes to creating opportunities by addressing the outlying cause of the problems faced by those at a disadvantage.
A social worker can do this for other people through proper training and education. Through education, you will become skilled in different roles, including mental health and even legal matters. These equip you with the tools needed to address issues your clients face.