Wisconsin Social Work License Requirements & Programs: Become a Social Worker in WI
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Looking to get your Wisconsin social work license but not sure where to start? Navigating licensure can feel overwhelming, but this guide simplifies the process. This guide will cover all you need to know. It covers licensing requirements, renewal tips, salary, and resources to start your career.
Popular Online Social Work Programs
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Wisconsin Social Work Licensing Requirements
In Wisconsin, social work licensure is overseen by the Department of Safety and Professional Services. The state offers several licensing options for individuals with either a bachelor of social work (BSW) or master of social work (MSW) degree.
Whether you’re starting your career with a BSW or advancing with an MSW, Wisconsin provides tailored licensing paths to match your education and experience. Explore the requirements to begin your journey toward becoming a licensed social worker in the state.
Certified Social Worker
This entry-level Wisconsin social work license permits you to handle tasks like case management and community outreach. Unlike advanced licenses, CSWs cannot provide clinical services like therapy. They often work in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies. They help clients with resources and support services.
Wisconsin licensure requirements for CSW include:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in social work
- Passing score on the Wisconsin social work jurisprudence exam
- Passing score on the ASWB bachelor exam
Advanced Practice Social Worker
An advanced practice social worker in Wisconsin holds an MSW. They can do more complex, non-clinical social work. APSWs are not qualified to provide solo psychotherapy services. They work in hospitals, schools, and government agencies. They focus on assessment, case management, and policy development. They often prepare for clinical licensure.
Wisconsin licensure requirements for APSW include:
- Master’s degree or higher in social work
- Passing score on the Wisconsin social work jurisprudence exam (if not already taken within the past five years)
- Passing score on the ASWB masters exam
Independent Social Worker
An independent social worker in Wisconsin has an MSW and offers unsupervised, non-clinical social work. Unlike certified or advanced practice social workers, ISWs work independently. Their roles include case management, policy development, and consulting. They operate in private practices, healthcare organizations, or government agencies.
Wisconsin licensure requirements for ISW include:
- Master’s degree or higher in social work
- Verification of at least 3,000 hours of supervised social work practice
- Passing score on the Wisconsin social work jurisprudence exam (if not already taken within the past five years)
- Passing score on the ASWB advanced generalist exam OR certification from the National Association of Social Workers’ Academy of Certified Social Workers
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
With the most advanced Wisconsin social work license, an LCSW can independently provide mental health services, like therapy and counseling. Unlike other social work licenses, LCSWs work in clinical settings, like private practices, hospitals, and mental health centers. They provide direct therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
Wisconsin licensure requirements for LCSW include:
- Master’s or doctoral degree or social work, including a concentration in clinical social work
- Verification of at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience, including at least 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact
- Passing score on the Wisconsin social work jurisprudence exam (if not already taken within the past five years)
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers reciprocity for social workers licensed in states with substantially equivalent credentialing standards. The Board reviews applications on an individual basis and maintains a list of state credentials that do not qualify for reciprocity.
Reciprocity candidates must complete an application, submit verification of current credentials, and pass a Wisconsin law exam. Candidates who do not qualify for reciprocity can apply for a Wisconsin social work license by exam.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Wisconsin
Wisconsin social work licenses must be renewed every two years. To renew, social workers must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) during each cycle. This must include 4 hours of ethics and boundaries training. These CE requirements keep professionals updated on best practices and ethics. Renewal applications and fees must be submitted to the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Failure to renew on time may result in more fees or the need to reapply for licensure.
BSW Programs Available in Wisconsin
- Alverno College — Milwaukee (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $16,608 per semester full time, $1,384 per credit hour part time
- Carthage College — Kenosha (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $19,375 per semester
- Concordia University Wisconsin — Mequon, Ann Arbor, Milwaukee, Green Bay (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $17,475 per semester full time, $1,475 per credit hour part time, $490 per credit online
- Marian University — Fon du Lac (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $17,048 per semester on campus, $535 per credit online
- Mount Mary University — Milwaukee (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $17,345 per semester
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire — Eau Claire (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $9,783 per year full time (in state), $10,534-$19,369 per year full time (out of state)
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — Green Bay (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $8,700 per year full time (in state), $10,258-$17,288 per year full time (out of state)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $5,003 per semester in state, $7,574-$20,753 per semester out of state
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $5,199 per semester full time (in state), $713-$4,833 per semester part time (in state), $7,292-$11,199 per semester full time (out of state), $887-$10,333 per semester part time (out of state)
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — Oshkosh (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $4,266 per semester in state, $5,077-$8,223 per semester out of state
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls — River Falls (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $9,508 per year in state, $10,580-$17,971 per year out of state
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point — Stevens Point, Marshfield, Wausau (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $3,689 per semester full time (in state), $484 per credit part time (in state), $4,346-$8,199 per semester full time (out of state), $362-$683 per semester part time (out of state)
- University of Wisconsin-Superior — Superior (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $4,406 per semester in state (on campus), $5,212-$8,363 per semester out of state (on campus), $330 per credit (online)
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — Whitewater (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $8,616 per semester full time (in state), $10,031-$18,716 per semester full time (out of state),
- Viterbo University — La Crosse (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $33,500 per year
MSW Programs Available in Wisconsin
- Concordia University Wisconsin — Mequon (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist Specialization
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $770 per credit
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — Green Bay (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist, Child Welfare Emphasis, Clinical Mental Health Emphasis, Individual Area of Emphasis, School Social Work Emphasis
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
- 2024 Tuition: $3,775 per semester full time (in state), $315-$3,460 per semester part time (in-state), $4,558-$8,069 per semester full time (out of state), $380-$8,069 per semester part time (out of state)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist, Mental Health, Child, Youth, and Family Welfare
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends only
- 2024 Tuition: $6,162 per semester full time, $939-$7,198 per semester part time
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Health, Mental Health, Child Welfare, Trauma-Informed Care
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
- 2024 Tuition: $6,364 per semester full time (in state), $1,041-$5,603 per semester part time (in state), $9,139-$13,079 per semester full time (out of state), $1,388-$11,479 per semester part time (out of state)
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — Oshkosh (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical Mental Health, Advanced Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $5,025 per semester full time (in state), $7,072-$9,967 per semester full time (out of state)
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — Whitewater (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $5,272 per semester full time (in state), $586 per credit part time (in state), $10,802 per semester full time (out of state), $1,200 per credit part time (out of state)
Wisconsin Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Job growth for Wisconsin social workers is expected to match national trends. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, Wisconsin social workers earn $50,000-$60,000 a year, depending on their career specialization. Clinical social workers tend to earn on the higher end of this range.
Wisconsin’s salaries are slightly lower than the national average, but a low cost of living makes this state competitive for social workers.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $57,380 | $27.59 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,860 | $30.22 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $54,630 | $26.27 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $60,050 | $28.87 |
Social Work Associations in Wisconsin
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Wisconsin Chapter: The Wisconsin chapter of NASW offers a career center, professional training opportunities, legislative advocacy, and more.
- Wisconsin Social Services Association (WSSA): The WSSA is a professional membership association that connects human services workers across Wisconsin. Members can access professional development, networking opportunities, and other resources.
- Wisconsin Nursing Home Social Workers Association, Inc. (WNHSWA): The WNHSWA is a membership association for long-term care social workers. The organization offers educational programs and advocates for best standards of care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in Wisconsin?
Available Wisconsin social work licenses include certified social worker (CSW), advanced practice social worker (APSW), independent social worker (ISW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Each license has different educational requirements, career paths, and scopes of practice.
How do I get licensed as a social worker in Wisconsin?
To qualify for a Wisconsin social work license, you first need to complete a BSW or MSW. Then, pass the exam and apply to the Department of Safety and Professional Services. If aiming for clinical licensure, you may need extra supervised hours.
How much do social workers in Wisconsin make?
Social worker salaries in Wisconsin vary by licensure and experience. Social workers earn, on average, $50,000 to $60,000 a year. Clinical social workers earn more due to their specialized skills.
How long does it take to become a social worker in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, it takes about four years to complete a BSW degree and pursue entry-level licensure. An MSW degree takes one to three additional years of study, depending on the program. LCSW licensure may require more supervised work hours. This could add two or more years to your timeline.
