Start your social work career alongside the King Mountain Natural Arch, which features an uphill path showcasing stunning rock formations, and within a statewide network of approximately 2,440 social workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In fact, all areas of social work nationally are expected to grow by 6% by 2034. 

This guide for how to become a social worker in Idaho covers educational requirements, how to get licensed, social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker in Idaho, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Gem State.

Information below was retrieved February 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

Request more info from the University of Denver.

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

Request more info from Syracuse University.

Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

Request more info from Simmons University.

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

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Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

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Common Steps to Become an Idaho Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in Idaho, you must earn a social work degree from an accredited program (typically a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW, depending on the license level) and obtain the license that aligns with your intended scope of practice. Idaho licenses social workers at multiple levels, including the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Social Worker Independent (LSWI), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Master Social Worker Independent (LMSWI), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Depending on your goals, you may also need to meet additional requirements such as a background check and supervised experience. Below are the steps to obtain each license type in Idaho; this information was summarized from the Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners.

1. Earn a CSWE-Accredited Social Work Degree

To become a licensed social worker in Idaho, you must complete a degree in social work from an accredited social work program (CSWE accreditation is common, and the Board also recognizes programs that meet Idaho’s requirements under state law and Board rules).  Idaho issues several license types, including LBSW, LMSW, LSWI (independent at the bachelor’s level), LMSWI (independent at the master’s level), and LCSW (clinical). Each level has its own education, exam, and (for independent/clinical) supervised experience requirements.

2. Fulfill your social work supervised experience requirement, and pass your national/state exams

Idaho licenses social workers at multiple levels, with increasing requirements depending on the scope of practice and whether you plan to practice independently or clinically.

• Licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW): A person with an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work who has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s exam.
• Licensed master social worker (LMSW): A person with an accredited master’s degree in social work who has passed the ASWB master’s exam.
• Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the ASWB clinical exam. To become an LCSW in Idaho, applicants must complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and pass the ASWB Clinical exam (with Board guidance specifying these requirements must be completed within the required timeframe).

3. Get Licensed

Once you’ve completed your hours and experience, you may apply to become a licensed social worker in Idaho. 

Learn more about how to become a social worker.

As of February 2026, there are 8 accredited BSW and MSW degree programs in Idaho. A bachelor’s degree in social work online or on-campus can allow you to enter an advanced standing MSW program that you can often complete in about one year. A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. There are five universities offering accredited BSW programs in Idaho:

For master’s-level and clinical licensure in Idaho (including the LMSW/LMSWI and LCSW pathways), you typically need an MSW from an accredited social work program, along with any required exams and supervised experience.  Some individuals further their education and experience in social work by pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree.

MSW programs in Idaho teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. MSW programs may include coursework on topics such as human development, social work policy and intervention. There are three fully accredited MSW programs in Idaho.

There are three fully accredited online MSW programs in Idaho. This online MSW program offers the same curriculum and coursework as traditional on-campus Idaho programs. Students are taught by the same professors who teach on campus, and they complete fieldwork as part of the program.

Idaho issues multiple social work license types, including Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Social Worker Independent (LSWI), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Master Social Worker Independent (LMSWI), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In Idaho, a BSW can qualify you for bachelor-level licensure (LBSW), while master’s-level and clinical licensure (LMSW/LMSWI and LCSW) generally require an MSW (or doctoral degree in social work) along with the required exam(s) and, for independent/clinical pathways, supervised experience. 

All information below on LBSW, LMSW and LCSW credentials was retrieved from the Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners.

In Idaho, baccalaureate social work is a generalist, non-clinical scope of practice that can include assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, information and referral, supportive counseling, supervision, consultation, advocacy, education, and community organization. Bachelor-level social workers are prohibited from performing psychotherapy.

In Idaho, the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential authorizes advanced, non-clinical social work practice, but independent practice requires a separate independent license (LMSWI).

In Idaho, the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential authorizes independent clinical social work practice, including psychotherapy (within the scope defined in Idaho law and rule).

Information on the above social work salaries in Idaho was retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Idaho in February 2026.

Idaho social work students can find funding through university-based scholarships, professional associations, and (in some cases) state or federal loan repayment programs for eligible service roles. Below are several Idaho-based scholarship opportunities for social work students (eligibility varies by school/program), along with resources to explore loan repayment options for qualifying behavioral health and rural/underserved-area roles.  

Social workers in Idaho can connect with state and national organizations that support professional development, advocacy, ethical practice, and networking.  Better social work means better solutions for welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, healthcare reform and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in Idaho and beyond.

Idaho does not have a formal “reciprocity” agreement with other states, but it does offer licensure for out-of-state social workers through licensure by endorsement. If you already hold a social work license in another jurisdiction, you can apply for the equivalent Idaho license level by submitting an endorsement application, meeting Idaho’s education requirements, and providing any required documentation (such as official ASWB exam scores and transcripts), along with the applicable fees.

Social workers must renew their license every year. Additionally, social workers must complete 20 hours of continuing education, including one hour in professional ethics. To renew, complete the online renewal form and pay fees.

The best way to look up (or verify) an Idaho social work license is through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) License Search / License Verification tool. You can search by a licensee’s name to find details such as license number, license status, and other public license information. 

Information last updated February 2026.