Tennessee may be known for musical talents from Nashville or the Great Smoky Mountains, but it is also home to over 17,000 social workers as of January 2026. The Tennessee Department of Health’s Board of Social Workers offers four different types of social work licensure for those thinking about becoming a social worker in the state. Each license offers different pathways and has different requirements. 

This career guide for how to become a social worker in Tennessee explains educational requirements, licensure, Tennessee-based social work organizations to join, and more. Once you complete the steps to become a Tennessee social worker, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 a Tennessee Social Worker 

Becoming a social worker in Tennessee typically involves earning a CSWE-accredited social work degree (BSW or MSW), completing the required ASWB exam for your license level, and submitting an application to the Tennessee Department of Health’s Board of Social Workers. Depending on the credential you pursue, you may also need post-degree supervised experience (particularly for advanced practice and clinical licensure). All initial licensure applicants must complete a criminal background check and pay the required fees. The steps below are summarized from the Board’s published statutes/rules and application guidance. 

Information below was retrieved January 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.

1. Complete an Accredited Program

A social work degree, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), is often the first step to earning your social worker licensure in Tennessee. If you complete a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, you may qualify for an application to become a licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW). If you complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, you have the minimum education requirements for all other license types, including becoming a clinical social worker. 

2. Apply to the Board for Exam Approval 

After you meet the eligibility requirements for the license level you’re pursuing, you’ll apply to the Tennessee Board of Social Workers for exam approval. For LBSW and LMSW applicants, this typically follows completion of the required degree. For LCSW and LAPSW applicants, Tennessee requires completion of the supervised experience requirements before the Board will approve you to sit for the Clinical or Advanced Generalist ASWB exam. 

3. Pass the Bachelor’s or Master’s ASWB Exam

In order to become an LBSW or a licensed master’s social worker (LMSW) before pursuing licensure as a clinical or advanced practice social worker, applicants must pass an exam from the Association for Social Work Boards (ASWB). LBSW applicants should pass the bachelor’s exam and LMSW applicants must pass the master’s exam. After the Board approves your application, you’ll take the ASWB exam. Once you pass and your file is complete, the Board can issue the Tennessee license you applied for.

4. Complete  Supervised Post-Degree Experience (LCSW/LAPSW only)

Tennessee requires 3,000 hours of supervised experience for LCSW or LAPSW licensure, plus 100 hours of supervisor contact hours, with supervision spread throughout the experience period.

5. Pass the Clinical or Advanced Generalist Practice ASWB Exam

If you are continuing to pursue licensure as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed advanced practice social worker (LAPSW), you will need to pass the clinical or advanced generalist practice exam, respectively.  

6. Apply for Your License

After achieving a passing score on the ASWB, applicants may apply to the Board of Social Workers for their desired license.

Tennessee offers multiple CSWE-accredited social work degree programs, including on-campus, online, full-time, and part-time formats. For the most up-to-date list of accredited programs, check the CSWE Accreditation Directory.

Tennessee also offers associate-degree transfer pathways in social work, allowing students to start at a community college and transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree. The Tennessee Transfer Pathway helps students understand how to earn their social work degree, starting at a community college and then transferring to a public or private university to complete their undergraduate degree. Tennessee has CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs. Because accreditation status can change, confirm current program listings through the CSWE Accreditation Directory.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in social work accredited by the CSWE may help prepare students for licensure as an LBSW. However, an MSW degree is required for any other licenses issued by the state.For students seeking a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program, Tennessee is home to a couple: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and The University of Memphis.

MSW programs in Tennessee offer various concentrations, curriculum options and certificates. Future LMSWs may choose to focus on direct clinical practice, child and family advocacy, working with adults and families, organizational leadership, gerontology and even veterinary social work.

Each CSWE-accredited MSW program in TN will offer a supervised field experience to apply any skills learned in the field, under supervision.

Tennessee offers several online or hybrid MSW options, depending on the school. Program formats vary, some are fully online, while others combine online coursework with in-person components.

Learn more about MSW Programs:

Tennessee has four social work licenses: LBSW, LMSW, LAPSW, and LCSW. With a BSW, you may qualify for the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) credential. For the other three licenses, LMSW, LAPSW, and LCSW, you’ll need a CSWE-accredited MSW, and the advanced licenses (LAPSW/LCSW) also require supervised experience and the appropriate ASWB exam level. The license information below is summarized from Tennessee’s Board rules (Chapter 1365-01) and the Board’s published licensure guidance. 

If you have a licensed baccalaureate social worker license, you may be able to work in entry-level positions in many industries, such as a case manager aide, probation officer, human services employee, community outreach worker, behavior management aide, and more. To become an LBSW in Tennessee, you may need the following: 

With an LMSW, you may be able to move into higher social work positions, though you are not licensed as a clinical social worker (LCSW). In Tennessee, clinical social work is restricted to LCSWs, or to LMSWs/LAPSWs who are practicing under the supervision of an LCSW and meeting applicable standards. Learn more about the difference between an LMSW and LCSW license. Career options for an LMSW may include roles in child welfare, aging and disability services, case management, and social services administration, depending on the employer and setting. (Some roles, such as school social work, may have additional requirements beyond social work licensure.)

As an LCSW, you may have the training and experience necessary to assess individuals, diagnose mental health and behavioral conditions and provide treatment. You may be able to also provide therapy to individuals, groups and families in a variety of settings. You might work with a community health department or organization, a hospital or medical facility or in private practice.

Learn more about how to become an LCSW.

The LAPSW credential is Tennessee’s advanced practice, nonclinical social work license. It may support more independent practice in areas such as advocacy, case management, program/organizational work, research, and other advanced generalist services, depending on the role and setting. Clinical social work is a separate licensure track (LCSW) with its own supervised clinical experience and exam requirements.  But you cannot provide clinical work without credentialed supervision. 

When deciding whether a career in social work is the right path, you might want to consider social worker salaries. 

Information on the above social work salaries in Tennessee was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Tennessee in January 2026.

You might be concerned about the cost of earning a social work degree. One way to address this is by pursuing scholarships. Social work scholarships in Tennessee include:

As a social work student, you may benefit from joining a state, national or university-based social work organization. These associations can provide professional development resources, mentoring, networking opportunities, and information about continuing education and conferences. Some organizations also offer scholarships, awards, and student leadership opportunities.

If you’re licensed in another state, Tennessee may allow you to apply for licensure by reciprocity (sometimes called endorsement), as long as you meet the Board’s requirements (including being licensed in good standing and residing or being employed in Tennessee).To apply by reciprocity, you must submit a completed application and required fees, complete the required criminal background check, provide a letter of good standing from the state where you’re licensed, and show you have not previously failed the exam required by Tennessee’s Board. Tennessee also requires that the applicant reside or be employed in Tennessee.

In addition to your application to the Board, you’ll need evidence of your past training and licensure. Prepare to provide verification that your out-of-state license is in good standing, documentation showing you’ve not previously failed the Board-required exam, and other supporting documentation required by the Board’s reciprocity process (for example, copies of your license/renewal certificate and the Board’s required forms).If you qualify for reciprocity, the Board may grant the license without requiring you to take another exam, at its discretion and if you meet all reciprocity conditions (including not having previously failed the Board’s required exam). If you don’t qualify for reciprocity, you must apply by examination instead.

All licensed social workers in Tennessee have to complete CE to renew their licenses every two years. 

The best way to look up a social work license in Tennessee is through the Tennessee Department of Health’s online Licensure Verification system. This database lets you search by a licensee’s name and/or license number to confirm current license status and view publicly available credential details. Social work practice is regulated by the Tennessee Department of Health’s Board of Social Workers, and the scope of practice varies by license type (LBSW, LMSW, LAPSW, or LCSW).

Information last updated in January 2026.