South Carolina Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Guide - 2024

South Carolina Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Licensure Process

LMSWs are allowed to provide advanced and clinical social work services while supervised. They are often found:

• Partnering with policymakers to educate the public on health issues
• Educating policymakers on how to create effective and well-received by divergent groups
• Providing supervised mental health therapy

Education Requirements

You will need to complete either a master’s or doctorate degree in social work from a program accredited by the CSWE is required to become an LMSW. Here you can find all schools offering social work degree programs in South Carolina.

Background Check

A fingerprint-based criminal background check will be conducted for each licensure applicant. If you’ve lived in another state in the past five years, your background information from that state will also be subject to review. These are the databases used to obtain your information:

• FBI fingerprint-based check
• Central Registry check for child abuse or neglect
• NCIC National Sex Offender Registry
• State sex offender registry

The South Carolina Child Care site has more information about the background check requirements.

Examination Requirements

After the Board approves your application and notifies you that you’re able to take the exam, you’ll need to visit the ASWB website and register for the Master’s exam. Once you pay the $230 fee, you will have access to a practice test that will help you prepare for the 170-multiple-choice  question exam.

Applying for Licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker

Complete an Application For Licensure In Social Work online. If you’d rather apply by mail or fax, download a copy of the application and check the Master Level Social Worker box. Along with your application, be sure to send:

• A check or money order for $45 application fee
• Copy of valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or military ID
• Copy of social security card
• Documentation verifying name change if applicable
• Official school transcripts
• ASWB test scores

The school you attended and the ASWB will send their portion of the required documentation directly to the Board. Just make a request with each organization, and they’ll complete the submission. If you checkmark one of the “YES” boxes on the application, it will have to be considered on a case-by-case basis. The applicant should then send the following to the Board:

• Personal written explanation for “YES” answer
• Copy of formal complaint pleadings, if applicable
• Copy of final action taken, disposition, or settlement if applicable
• Other related documents requested by the Board
• Agreement to appear before the Board if called

If you haven’t already taken the ASWB Master’s exam, wait until you receive the Board’s approval to register. When the approval arrives, reach out to the ASWB and schedule a date to take the exam. If you’re in the last semester of your MSW program, you can register for the test before graduation. The Dean of Social Work will have to submit a verification letter to confirm you’re in good standing and on schedule to graduate by the projected date.

Once you graduate, notify the Board by sending the transcript reflecting the conferred date of your degree. When the Board has all the necessary information, they will grant you licensure.