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Social workers play an important role in the United States, offering help, support, and advice to people in a wide range of difficult situations. Because of the sensitive issues and information social workers deal with and their ability to affect people's lives, the 50 states and the District of Columbia have developed regulations for the licensing of social workers. Having a license determines the title a social worker can claim and the type of work they can perform. Licensing also protects consumers (those helped by social workers) by ensuring that they get reputable advice.

To be considered for a license, an individual must hold a degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The licensing process begins with taking one of four tests developed by the Association of Social Work Boards (each test is appropriate to a different level of education and experience). The tests are as follows:

• Bachelor's: For new graduates of four-year programs.
• Master's: For those who hold a master's degree but have no post-degree work experience.
• Advanced Generalist: For those who hold a master's degree and have two years of post-degree supervised work experience.
• Clinical: For those who hold a master's degree and have two years of post-degree direct clinical experience.

Some states offer licensing at only one of the above levels, though most offer two or more levels (see the ASWB's comprehensive database of state licensing requirements). Because each state has its own licensing rules, social workers cannot transfer their license from one state to another; however, they can transfer their ASWB exam score when applying for a license in another state.

Because the issues social workers deal with are constantly evolving, most states require social workers to pursue continuing education in order to renew their licenses (license renewal periods range from one to three years). Continuing education can include short academic courses, conferences, independent study courses, Internet courses, lectures, seminars, and workshops. The only states not requiring continuing education for license renewal are Colorado, Hawaii, Michigan, and New York.

Social work is a rewarding career path, but one that comes with great responsibility. Social workers who abuse their position or fail to keep accurate records of their work can be disciplined by the governing body in their state. Serious offenses can lead to revocation of a social worker's license, effectively ending their career.