Licensed Social Worker License in Hawaii
Quick Answer
To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Hawaii, you need an MSW degree, supervised clinical experience, and passage of the ASWB Clinical exam. Hawaii faces significant workforce shortages, especially on neighbor islands. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $555, with biennial renewal.
- Exam
- ASWB Clinical Exam
- Total Cost
- $555 (est.)
- Timeline
- 6-8 years (MSW + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Licensed Social Worker license in Hawaii
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $175
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $150
- Total Estimated Cost
- $555
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Social Worker license in Hawaii. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Hawaii licensing board.
Licensed Social Worker Salary in Hawaii
Entry Level
$54,660
Median
$108,780
Experienced
$131,390
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 Social Worker in Hawaii.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Clinical Exam
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$175.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 6-8 years (MSW + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Licensed Social Worker Licensing in Hawaii: What to Know
Hawaii licenses social workers through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, offering multiple tiers including Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW). The LCSW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, passage of the ASWB Clinical exam, and completion of supervised clinical experience. Continuing education is required for biennial renewal, typically 30 hours. Hawaii's unique geographic isolation and high cost of living create persistent social work workforce challenges, particularly on neighbor islands (Maui, Big Island, Kauai). Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities have distinct cultural and social service needs requiring culturally responsive practitioners. The Department of Human Services and Department of Health are major employers. Hawaii has not joined the Social Work Licensure Compact. Military installations across the islands generate additional demand for social workers serving military families. Hawaii requires background checks for all social work license applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Licensed Social Worker license cost in Hawaii?
- The estimated total cost is $555, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Licensed Social Worker license in Hawaii?
- The process typically takes 6-8 years (MSW + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Licensed Social Worker license in Hawaii?
- You need to pass the ASWB Clinical Exam. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Licensed Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.