LicenseCompass

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker License in South Carolina

Quick Answer

South Carolina licenses social workers using a unique designation system (LISW-CP for clinical, LISW-AP for advanced practice), requiring two years of supervised experience for clinical practice. The ASWB exam is required. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $465.

Exam
ASWB Exam (level varies)
Total Cost
$465 (est.)
Timeline
4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
Renewal
Every 2 years

Requirements

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker license in South Carolina

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Veterans Benefits
A temporary license is available to military and spouses until formal license approval

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$135
Exam Fee
$230
Renewal Fee
$100
Total Estimated Cost
$465

Licensing Agency

SC Board of Social Work Examiners

Cost Breakdown

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

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$135
Exam FeeEst.$230
Total Estimated Cost$365

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

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker Salary in South Carolina

Entry Level

$37,160

Median

$91,940

Experienced

$113,550

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 South Carolina.

  1. 1

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$135.

  2. 2

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker Licensing in South Carolina: What to Know

South Carolina licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work Examiners under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, offering Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker-CP (LISW-CP), and Licensed Independent Social Worker-AP (LISW-AP) credentials. South Carolina uses a unique designation system where CP stands for Clinical Practice and AP for Advanced Practice. The LISW-CP requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least two years of supervised clinical experience. Continuing education is required for biennial renewal. South Carolina faces social work workforce shortages in rural Lowcountry and Pee Dee regions. The University of South Carolina has a well-regarded social work program. The state has significant demand for social workers in child welfare, behavioral health, and military family services given the large military presence at Fort Jackson and other installations. South Carolina has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker license cost in South Carolina?
The estimated total cost is $465, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker license in South Carolina?
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 Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker license in South Carolina?
You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). N/A

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