LicenseCompass

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker License in Arizona

Quick Answer

To become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker in Arizona, you need a BSW degree, must pass the ASWB Bachelors exam, and must complete a background check. Arizona offers military license recognition. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $530, with biennial renewal.

Exam
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Total Cost
$530 (est.)
Timeline
4 years (BSW education) + 2-6 months (licensing)
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every 2 years

Requirements

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker license in Arizona

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
Background check required
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
Licenses from other states may be recognized for military and spouses

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$150
Exam Fee
$230
Renewal Fee
$150
Total Estimated Cost
$530

Licensing Agency

Board of Behavioral Health Examiners

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker license in Arizona. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$150
Exam FeeEst.$230
Total Estimated Cost$380

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Arizona licensing board.

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker Salary in Arizona

Entry Level

$48,270

Median

$60,330

Experienced

$107,680

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker in Arizona.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Background check required

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — ASWB Bachelors Exam

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$150.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 4 years (BSW education) + 2-6 months (licensing).

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker Licensing in Arizona: What to Know

Arizona licenses social workers starting at the baccalaureate level as Licensed Baccalaureate Social Workers (LBSWs), requiring a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program and the ASWB Bachelors exam. Arizona also offers LMSW and LCSW tiers. The state requires a background check including fingerprinting for all applicants. Arizona provides military license recognition, allowing active duty military members and their spouses to practice under an out-of-state license while stationed in Arizona. Continuing education is required for biennial renewal. Arizona was among the early states to explore participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact, reflecting its border-state need for workforce mobility. The Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas have growing demand for social workers in behavioral health, child welfare, and aging services. Arizona's large Native American population creates additional demand for culturally competent social workers in tribal communities and Indian Health Service facilities across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker license cost in Arizona?
The estimated total cost is $530, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker license in Arizona?
The process typically takes 4 years (BSW education) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker license in Arizona?
You need to pass the ASWB Bachelors Exam. Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.