Navigate Nevada's progressive four-tier system with Las Vegas opportunities, endorsement licensing, and comprehensive clinical pathways in the Silver State.
Nevada's comprehensive four-tier system provides clear advancement pathways with strong Las Vegas metropolitan opportunities and endorsement options for out-of-state professionals.
Entry-level license for BSW graduates. Allows basic generalist social work practice to help individuals, groups, and communities enhance and restore their functioning.
Total: $177 (application + license) • Annual renewal: $125 • 30 CE hours every 2 years
Master's level entry license allowing advanced generalist practice with specialized knowledge application. Foundation for clinical and independent pathways.
Similar fees to LSW • Annual renewal • 30 CE hours every 2 years
Advanced non-clinical license allowing independent practice and unsupervised social work services. Requires substantial supervised experience.
• 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience
• Experience must be completed over 2-3 years minimum
• Supervised by approved supervisor
• Submit internship application to Nevada Board
Total: $177 (application + license) • Annual renewal: $187.50 • 36 CE hours every 2 years
Highest level clinical license allowing independent clinical practice, diagnosis, and treatment. Provides full scope clinical authority including private practice.
• 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience
• Experience must be completed over 2-3 years minimum
• Clinical supervision by qualified supervisor
• Focus on diagnostic and treatment activities
Total: $177 (application + license) • Annual renewal: $187.50 • 36 CE hours every 2 years
Four-tier advancement system with Las Vegas opportunities and endorsement options
Graduate from CSWE-accredited BSW (for LSW) or MSW program (for LMSW/LISW/LCSW). Nevada has 4 accredited programs including online options.
4-6 YearsSubmit application with transcripts sent directly to Nevada Board. Must be 21+ and eligible to work in US. Pass required ASWB exam.
6-8 WeeksLSW required for advancement to LISW or LCSW. Begin working while planning for 3,000-hour supervised experience requirements.
ImmediateBoth LISW and LCSW require 3,000 supervised hours over 2-3 years. Submit internship application and work under approved supervisors.
2-3 YearsSubmit exam approval request. Pass ASWB Advanced Generalist (LISW) or Clinical (LCSW) exam. Receive advanced license upon completion.
3-4 MonthsNevada requires all social work licensees to be at least 21 years of age, ensuring professional maturity and readiness for practice responsibilities.
Las Vegas metropolitan area provides excellent opportunities for healthcare social workers with competitive salaries and diverse practice settings.
Both LISW and LCSW require current LSW licensure, creating a clear progression pathway through Nevada's tiered system.
Both LISW and LCSW require 3,000 supervised hours completed over minimum 2-3 years, ensuring comprehensive practical training.
Nevada accepts licensure by endorsement for out-of-state social workers, facilitating professional mobility with license verification process.
All Nevada licenses renew annually on the last day of the licensee's birth month with 45 days advance notification from the Board.
CE includes field-specific hours (10 for LSW/LMSW, 12 for LISW/LCSW) plus required suicide prevention and ethics/cultural diversity training.
Nevada is not currently a member of the Social Work Interstate Compact. Practice in other states requires separate licensure applications.
socwork.nv.gov
Must be at least
21 years old
Endorsement licensing
for out-of-state applicants
Not a member state
Separate licensure required