Social Worker License in Ohio
Quick Answer
Ohio offers one of the most comprehensive social work license structures, from Social Worker Assistant to LISW with Supervision Designation. The LISW requires two years of supervised experience. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $405. Rural Appalachian Ohio faces significant workforce shortages.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $405 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Social Worker license in Ohio
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $75
- Total Estimated Cost
- $405
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Social Worker license in Ohio. 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 Ohio licensing board.
Social Worker Salary in Ohio
Entry Level
$39,080
Median
$60,990
Experienced
$103,190
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 in Ohio.
- 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: ~$100.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Social Worker Licensing in Ohio: What to Know
Ohio licenses social workers through the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, offering Social Worker (SW), Social Worker Assistant (SWA), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), and Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation (LISW-S) credentials. The LISW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least two years of supervised clinical experience. Ohio's supervision designation (LISW-S) allows clinical social workers to supervise others, which is a helpful workforce development feature. Continuing education of 30 hours is required biennially. Ohio's diverse range of license types provides flexibility for social workers at different career stages. Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati metro areas have the strongest demand, but rural Appalachian Ohio faces significant workforce shortages. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and county children services agencies are major employers. Ohio has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Social Worker license cost in Ohio?
- The estimated total cost is $405, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Social Worker license in Ohio?
- 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 license in Ohio?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.