Social Worker - LSW License in Nevada
Quick Answer
Nevada licenses social workers at multiple tiers, with the LCSW requiring 3,000 supervised clinical hours. The appropriate ASWB exam is required. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $505. Nevada ranks among the lowest states for per capita mental health professionals.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $505 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Social Worker - LSW license in Nevada
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $150
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $125
- Total Estimated Cost
- $505
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Social Worker - LSW license in Nevada. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Nevada licensing board.
Social Worker - LSW Salary in Nevada
Entry Level
$47,900
Median
$109,220
Experienced
$151,470
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Social Worker - LSW in Nevada.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Exam (level varies)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$150.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Social Worker - LSW Licensing in Nevada: What to Know
Nevada licenses social workers through the Board of Examiners for Social Workers, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) credentials. The LCSW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over two years. Continuing education of 30 hours is required biennially. Nevada faces significant behavioral health workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas outside the Las Vegas and Reno metro areas. The state consistently ranks among the lowest nationally in per capita mental health professionals. The growth of the Las Vegas metro area has increased demand for social workers in child welfare, behavioral health, and school settings. The University of Nevada Las Vegas and University of Nevada Reno produce social work graduates, but demand far outstrips supply. Nevada has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact and offers some military spouse licensing accommodations given the presence of Nellis Air Force Base and other installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Social Worker - LSW license cost in Nevada?
- The estimated total cost is $505, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Social Worker - LSW license in Nevada?
- The process typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Social Worker - LSW license in Nevada?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Social Worker - LSW requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.