How to Become a Social Worker in Nevada: School, Licensing and Fingerprinting Requirements
Social work is one of the fastest growing licensed professions in Nevada, and the state takes licensure seriously. Under Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 641B, you cannot call yourself a social worker or practice social work in Nevada without a license from the Board of Examiners for Social Workers (BESW). This guide walks through the full process, from choosing a degree program to completing the required background check, so you know exactly what to expect and in what order to do it.
Rules, fees and forms can change, so always confirm current details directly with the BESW at socwork.nv.gov or by phone at 775 688 2555 before you apply.
Step 1: Earn a CSWE Accredited Social Work Degree
Every Nevada social work license starts with a degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Nevada schools and CSWE accredited online programs both count, as long as accreditation is current at the time you graduate.
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): The minimum degree for an entry level license and the standard path into generalist practice.
- Master of Social Work (MSW): Required for the state’s advanced license levels and typically necessary for clinical or independent practice.
If your degree came from outside the United States or from a program that is not CSWE accredited, expect the board to require a credential evaluation before your application can move forward.
Step 2: Understand Nevada’s Social Work License Levels
The BESW issues four primary license levels. Your degree, your career goals, and whether you plan to practice independently all determine which one fits.
| License | Minimum Degree | Supervised Hours | ASWB Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Social Worker (LSW) | BSW or MSW | None beyond the degree program | Bachelors |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | MSW | None beyond the degree program | Masters |
| Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) | MSW or doctorate | About 3,000 supervised hours | Advanced Generalist |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | MSW with clinical coursework | About 3,000 supervised hours, including direct client contact | Clinical |
Nevada also offers two temporary Provisional licenses (commonly called Provisional A and Provisional B) that let candidates begin supervised work while they accumulate the hours needed for LISW or LCSW licensure. Provisional A runs 90 days, while Provisional B can run up to three years.
Step 3: Complete Supervised Practice Hours (LISW and LCSW Only)
Candidates pursuing an independent or clinical license generally need close to 3,000 hours of supervised post graduate practice under a board approved supervisor, usually completed over two to three years, with a meaningful portion of clinical hours involving direct client contact. LSW and LMSW candidates skip this step entirely and can apply once their degree and exam are complete.
Step 4: Pass the Right ASWB Exam
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) administers the exam Nevada requires for every license level:
- Bachelors exam for LSW
- Masters exam for LMSW
- Advanced Generalist exam for LISW
- Clinical exam for LCSW
In most cases the BESW must approve your application before ASWB will let you register for the exam, so this step follows submitting your paperwork rather than preceding it. Exam fees generally run in the low hundreds of dollars and vary by exam type.
Step 5: Complete Your Livescan Fingerprint Background Check
Every BESW applicant must clear a fingerprint based state and federal background check before a license is issued. Nevada uses electronic livescan fingerprinting rather than ink cards for in state applicants, which routes results directly to the appropriate state repository and the FBI without mailing anything.
Fingerprinting Express is a Nevada based livescan provider connected directly to the state fingerprint gateway, with locations in Reno, Las Vegas and Henderson. Walking in with a valid photo ID and your BESW required tracking number or ORI information is typically all that is needed for a same day appointment.
Step 6: Submit Your Application to the BESW
Once your degree, exam and background check are lined up, you submit a formal application to the Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers with:
- Official transcripts sent directly from your school
- Proof of your ASWB exam score (sent directly from ASWB)
- Your fingerprint background check results
- The applicable application fee
Candidates already licensed in another state at a comparable level may qualify for licensure by endorsement instead of starting from scratch. That path still requires your prior state board to verify your license directly with the BESW and ASWB to send your score reports, plus an endorsement fee.
Step 7: Renew Your License and Complete Continuing Education
Nevada social work licenses generally renew annually, tied to the last day of your birth month, and renewal requires completing the continuing education hours the BESW sets for your license level. Mark your renewal date early. Nevada does not offer a grace period that lets you practice on an expired license.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to become a social worker in Nevada?
A BSW for entry level licensure, or an MSW for advanced levels, both from a CSWE accredited program.
What are the social work license levels in Nevada?
LSW, LMSW, LISW and LCSW, plus two temporary provisional licenses for candidates still completing supervised hours.
Does Nevada require a background check to become a social worker?
Yes, a fingerprint based state and federal background check is a required part of every BESW application.
How long does it take to become a licensed social worker in Nevada?
Roughly four years for an LSW, and closer to eight years for LISW or LCSW once an MSW and supervised hours are factored in.
Which ASWB exam do I need to take in Nevada?
Bachelors for LSW, Masters for LMSW, and Advanced Generalist or Clinical for LISW and LCSW.
Where can I get fingerprinted for a Nevada social work license?
Any Fingerprinting Express location in Reno, Las Vegas or Henderson, all connected directly to the state and FBI for the fingerprint background check for Social Worker licensing.
Ready to Complete Your Background Check?
Fingerprinting Express is a Nevada based livescan provider serving social work applicants across the state, with locations in Reno, Las Vegas South Rainbow, Las Vegas North Rainbow and Henderson. Bring a valid photo ID and paperwork for fingerprinting that your application requires, and we accept walk-ins.
