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North Carolina licenses Clinical Social Workers through the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board. The clinical license generally requires a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, a period of post-degree supervised clinical experience, and a passing score on the ASWB Clinical examination. Verify current licensing, Social Work Licensure Compact, supervised-experience, renewal, and continuing-education requirements directly with the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.
MSW, DSW, or PhD in social work from a CSWE-accredited school. Verify exact education requirements with the NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.
ASWB Clinical level examination. Verify exam requirements with the NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.
A minimum of 3,000 hours of appropriately supervised clinical practice over no less than two and no more than six years, with at least 100 hours of supervision at a ratio of 1 supervision hour per 30 practice hours. Verify exact hours and supervision rules with the NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.
The state has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact. Once the compact is operational, eligible clinical social workers will be able to obtain the authority to practice (in person and via telehealth) across participating states without a separate full license in each one. Enacting states are still standing up the compact commission and may not yet be issuing privileges.
North Carolina has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact (member listing per swcompact.org; signed 2025), though multistate licenses are not yet being issued during the implementation period. Verify current status and effective date with swcompact.org and the NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.
North Carolina has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact. License portability may be available by endorsement and, where the state participates, through the Social Work Licensure Compact. Verify endorsement eligibility and compact participation with the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.
Telehealth social work practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal, licensing, or employment advice. Clinical social work licensing laws, board rules, education and examination requirements, Social Work Licensure Compact participation, supervised-experience rules, and renewal/continuing-education requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the official state social work licensing board.