School Social Worker License in Rhode Island
Quick Answer
Rhode Island licenses social workers at multiple tiers, with the LICSW (independent clinical) requiring two years of supervised experience. The appropriate ASWB exam is required. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $505. The Social Work Licensure Compact would particularly benefit this small state.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $505 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
School Social Worker license in Rhode Island
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $150
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $125
- Total Estimated Cost
- $505
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your School Social Worker license in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island licensing board.
School Social Worker Salary in Rhode Island
Entry Level
$87,240
Median
$106,910
Experienced
$124,780
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed School Social Worker in Rhode Island.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
No educational requirements
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Exam (level varies)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$150.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
School Social Worker Licensing in Rhode Island: What to Know
Rhode Island licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work Examiners, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) credentials. The LICSW, which allows independent clinical practice, requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least two years of supervised clinical experience. Continuing education of 40 hours is required biennially. Rhode Island is a small state but has strong demand for social workers due to its concentration of healthcare institutions, community mental health centers, and social service agencies. Rhode Island College and Providence College have social work programs. The state has participated in national discussions about ASWB exam equity. Rhode Island's compact geography means most social workers practice in the Providence metro area. The state has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact, which would be particularly beneficial given the small state's proximity to Massachusetts and Connecticut labor markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a School Social Worker license cost in Rhode Island?
- The estimated total cost is $505, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a School Social Worker license in Rhode Island?
- 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 School Social Worker license in Rhode Island?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare School Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.