Navigate Utah's innovative three-tier system with interstate compact membership, unique ASWB pre-approval process, and comprehensive clinical pathways in the Beehive State.
Utah's comprehensive system features direct ASWB pre-approval, interstate compact membership, and flexible pathways from bachelor's to clinical practice with unique examination options.
Entry-level license for BSW graduates or related degrees. Allows basic generalist social work practice under supervision with comprehensive field experience requirements.
• BSW graduates: No additional field experience required
• Non-BSW holders: 2,000 hours supervised mental health therapy experience
• Plus coursework: social work practice methods, social welfare policy, human growth and development (minimum 3 semester hours each)
Application: $85 • Biennial renewal: $78 • 20 CE hours (3 ethics/law) • Expires October 1st
Master's level license allowing advanced practice. Unique flexibility in exam options and pathway to clinical licensure with comprehensive supervision capabilities.
• ASWB Master's exam
• ASWB Advanced Generalist exam
• ASWB Clinical exam (recommended for future LCSW)
• California Clinical Social Workers Examination
Application: $120 • Biennial renewal: $93 • NO CE requirements • Expires October 1st
Temporary status for MSW graduates pre-approved for ASWB Clinical exam. Allows mental health therapy under supervision while preparing for examination.
Application: $85 • Valid 6 months or until exam passage • No renewal option
Highest clinical license allowing independent practice, diagnosis, and treatment. Enables private practice and requires extensive supervised clinical experience.
• 4,000 hours supervised clinical social work experience
• Minimum 1,000 hours direct mental health therapy
• Completed over at least 2 years
• 100 hours supervision required
• Experience must be completed as Utah CSW
Application: $120 • Biennial renewal: $93 • 40 CE hours (3 ethics/law) • Expires October 1st
Unique ASWB pre-approval system with interstate compact privileges and comprehensive clinical training
Graduate from CSWE-accredited BSW (for SSW) or MSW program (for CSW/LCSW). Utah has 8 accredited programs including University of Utah's online MSW.
4-6 YearsUtah's unique system requires applying directly to ASWB for exam pre-approval. ASWB requests transcripts and authorizes testing before state application.
4-6 WeeksPass required ASWB exam, then apply to Utah DOPL for licensure. Most applicants don't apply to state until after passing exam (except CSWI status).
2-4 WeeksCSW can begin accruing 4,000 supervised hours toward LCSW. Must include 1,000+ hours of direct mental health therapy over minimum 2 years.
2+ YearsSubmit LCSW application with supervision verification after completing 4,000 hours. Must have passed ASWB Clinical exam and meet all requirements.
6-8 WeeksUtah enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact on March 14, 2024 (HB 44). When operational, qualified LCSWs will have multistate practice privileges.
Utah requires direct application to ASWB for exam pre-approval before state licensure application, unlike most states that handle this process internally.
Certified Social Workers (CSW) have NO continuing education requirements for renewal, only the biennial $93 renewal fee.
Utah requires 4,000 supervised clinical hours for LCSW (higher than many states' 3,000), including minimum 1,000 hours direct mental health therapy.
CSW applicants can choose from Master's, Advanced Generalist, or Clinical ASWB exams. Taking Clinical saves retesting for LCSW advancement.
Hours accumulated as Certified Social Worker Intern (CSWI) do NOT count toward the 4,000-hour LCSW requirement. Only CSW hours qualify.
All Utah social work licenses expire on October 1st of even-numbered years. Biennial renewal system with online or mail options available.
Out-of-state social workers can obtain Utah licensure by endorsement with 4,000 practice hours including 1,000 hours mental health therapy.
dopl.utah.gov/social-work
(801) 530-6628
(866) 275-3675 (UT toll-free)
ASWB pre-approval system
Flexible exam options
Member State (2024)
Multistate privileges coming