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Pennsylvania licenses Clinical Social Workers through the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. 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 Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.
Master's or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. Verify exact degree and coursework requirements with the Pennsylvania State Board.
Pass the ASWB Clinical examination. Verify current exam requirements with the Pennsylvania State Board.
A minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience following the master's degree, completed over no fewer than two years, with required supervision components per Board regulation. Verify exact hour totals, direct-supervision minimums, and supervisor qualifications with the Pennsylvania State Board.
The state has not enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact. Social workers must hold a license issued by this state to practice here, and any compact privilege held elsewhere does not authorize practice in this state.
Pennsylvania does not appear on the list of jurisdictions that have enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact at swcompact.org, and no confirmed pending status was located from official sources. Treat as not a member and verify current status with the Pennsylvania State Board and swcompact.org.
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 Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.
Telehealth social work practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.
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.