One accreditor, one clear rule
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), through its Commission on Accreditation, is the sole recognized accreditor of U.S. social work programs. It accredits baccalaureate (BSW) and master’s (MSW) programs (practice/research doctorates like the DSW and PhD are not CSWE-accredited).
About CSWE
Founded in 1952, CSWE accredits more than 750 BSW and MSW programs, including many online programs, on roughly an eight-year cycle with a self-study and site visit. A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program can qualify a student for advanced-standing MSW admission, shortening the master’s.
CSWE and social work licensure
- LBSW / LSWA CSWE-accredited BSW and the ASWB Bachelors exam, where the state offers bachelor-level licensure.
- LMSWA CSWE-accredited MSW and the ASWB Masters exam.
- LCSW / LICSWA CSWE-accredited MSW, two to three years of supervised clinical experience, and the ASWB Clinical exam — the credential for independent clinical practice.
Recognition vs. requirement
A useful subtlety: CSWE is CHEA-recognized, and in 2026 it withdrew from U.S. Department of Education recognition (as several programmatic accreditors did). That did not change its role — it remains the accreditor that every state licensing board points to. It is a clean example of the fact that an accreditor’s federal-recognition status is separate from whether the field requires its accreditation. See the recognition page.
Verify a social work program
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits social work programs? The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), through its Commission on Accreditation — the sole recognized accreditor of U.S. BSW and MSW programs.
- Do I need a CSWE-accredited degree to be licensed? Yes. Every state requires a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW for standard licensure, and without one you generally cannot sit for the ASWB licensing exam.
- What levels does CSWE accredit? Baccalaureate (BSW) and master's (MSW) programs. Practice and research doctorates (DSW, PhD) are not CSWE-accredited.
- Does CSWE accredit online MSW programs? Yes. Many online BSW and MSW programs hold CSWE accreditation and meet licensure requirements.
- What exam do social workers take? The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam, at the Bachelors, Masters, or Clinical level depending on the license.
- Is CSWE recognized by the government? CSWE is CHEA-recognized. It withdrew from U.S. Department of Education recognition in 2026, which did not change its role as the required accreditor for licensure.
- Can a BSW lead to an LCSW? Not directly — LCSW licensure requires a CSWE-accredited MSW plus supervised clinical hours. A CSWE-accredited BSW can qualify you for advanced-standing MSW admission.
- How do I verify a social work program? Search the program in the CSWE accredited-programs directory and confirm licensure requirements with your state social work board.