Social Work License Requirements in Tennessee
Interested in becoming a social worker in Tennessee? Learn about licensure requirements and salary prospects in this guide.
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Social workers in Tennessee are in high demand. To become a licensed social worker in Tennessee, you must complete rigorous education and training requirements. Discover information about social work licensure in Tennessee and salary expectations in this guide.
Tennessee Social Work Licensure Requirements
The Tennessee Board of Social Workers, a division of the state’s Department of Health, establishes social work standards of practice and issues licenses to qualified candidates who have fulfilled education, experience, and examination requirements. Tennessee authorizes four types of social work licenses: licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), licensed advanced practice social worker (LAPSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker in Tennessee?
Becoming a licensed social worker in Tennessee can take approximately 4-8 years, depending on the license level. You can acquire an LBSW license after earning a BSW, which typically takes four years. The LMSW license requires two more years to earn an MSW.
The more advanced LAPSW and LCSW licenses also require an MSW, followed by at least two more years of supervised clinical experience. The timeline also varies depending on whether you attend classes part-time or graduate from an accelerated degree program.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Tennessee
Social workers with a current license in good standing from another state may apply to practice in Tennessee if their current license is in good standing and equivalent to one of Tennessee’s four types of social work licenses. They must submit the application for the specific license they are seeking, provide verification of their current license, and arrange for the ASWB to send their exam scores to the Tennessee Board of Social Work.
Tennessee is part of the Social Work Licensure Compact, which allows social workers in Compact states to transfer their license to other member states. However, as of 2025, social workers are not yet authorized to apply for multi-state licenses.
How to Renew a Social Work License in Tennessee
All social workers in Tennessee must renew their license every two years and complete a specific number of continuing education hours depending on their license level. LBSWs must accumulate 18 hours every two years, LMSWs need to complete 24 hours, and LAPSW and LCSW license renewals require 30 hours. All levels require one hour specific to the Tennessee Legal Code and the Social Work Rules and Regulations, and six hours in social work ethics. All licensees must complete two hours of suicide prevention training every four years.
Salary Expectations for Social Workers in Tennessee
Social workers in the U.S. earn an annual salary of $67,050, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Although Tennessee’s salaries rank lower than the national average, the projected job growth for social workers in the state is much higher than the rest of the country.
In addition, Tennessee’s lower cost of living compared to other states can make it more affordable for professionals beginning their careers. The location of employment also affects earning levels. Metropolitan areas, including Memphis and Nashville, tend to offer higher salaries than smaller cities in the state.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $27.11 | $56,390 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $29.76 | $61,910 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $23.44 | $48,760 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $25.03 | $52,060 |
Professional Organizations for Social Workers in Tennessee
- National Association of Social Workers: With over 120,000 members, NASW is one of the largest professional social work organizations in the world and has a Tennessee chapter. The association offers continuing education, professional development, and publications to support research and best practices. NASW also advocates for social policies that impact the profession at the state and national levels.
- Association of Oncology Social Workers: The mission of AOSW is to advance the psychological care of people with cancer and their families and caretakers. The organization sets standards of practice for oncology social workers and provides its members with continuing education opportunities, professional development and research resources, and guidance on ethical practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Licensure
Tennessee issues four levels of social work licenses: licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), licensed advanced practice social worker (LAPSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). The most advanced license levels, the LAPSW and LCSW, require a minimum of two years of supervised work experience.
