Provisional Social Worker License in Pennsylvania
Quick Answer
Pennsylvania 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 $455. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have strong demand while rural areas face shortages.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $455 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Provisional Social Worker license in Pennsylvania
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $150
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $75
- Total Estimated Cost
- $455
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Provisional Social Worker license in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania licensing board.
Provisional Social Worker Salary in Pennsylvania
Entry Level
$39,370
Median
$65,990
Experienced
$109,390
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Provisional Social Worker in Pennsylvania.
- 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: ~$150.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Provisional Social Worker Licensing in Pennsylvania: What to Know
Pennsylvania licenses social workers through the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Provisional License credentials. The LCSW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over a minimum of two years. Pennsylvania requires 30 hours of continuing education biennially. Pennsylvania was among the states that discussed the ASWB exam equity issue but has not suspended the exam requirement. The University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, and Bryn Mawr College have prominent social work programs. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro areas have the highest concentration of social work positions, while rural central and northern Pennsylvania face significant workforce shortages. Pennsylvania's large healthcare system creates strong demand for hospital-based social workers. The state has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Provisional Social Worker license cost in Pennsylvania?
- The estimated total cost is $455, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Provisional Social Worker license in Pennsylvania?
- 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 Provisional Social Worker license in Pennsylvania?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Provisional Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.