SOCIAL WORKER License in New Jersey
Quick Answer
New Jersey licenses social workers at multiple tiers, with the LCSW requiring 3,000 supervised clinical hours over two years. The ASWB exam is required. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $520. New Jersey has been active in ASWB exam equity discussions.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $520 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
SOCIAL WORKER license in New Jersey
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $160
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $130
- Total Estimated Cost
- $520
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your SOCIAL WORKER license in New Jersey. 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 New Jersey licensing board.
SOCIAL WORKER Salary in New Jersey
Entry Level
$41,190
Median
$70,430
Experienced
$110,800
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed SOCIAL WORKER in New Jersey.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Exam (level varies)
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$160.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
SOCIAL WORKER Licensing in New Jersey: What to Know
New Jersey licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work Examiners under the Division of Consumer Affairs, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Certified Social Worker (CSW) credentials. The LCSW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least two years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience. Continuing education of 40 hours is required biennially. New Jersey was among the states that actively considered modifying the ASWB exam requirement due to racial disparity concerns. Rutgers University has one of the nation's largest and most prominent social work programs. The state has high demand for social workers across the healthcare, child welfare, and behavioral health systems, particularly in urban areas such as Newark, Camden, and Trenton. New Jersey's proximity to New York City and Philadelphia creates a large cross-state labor market. The state has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact and offers military spouse licensing accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a SOCIAL WORKER license cost in New Jersey?
- The estimated total cost is $520, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a SOCIAL WORKER license in New Jersey?
- The process typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a SOCIAL WORKER license in New Jersey?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare SOCIAL WORKER requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.