Because the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives states the authority to protect public health and safety, it is not possible for the United States to offer a national social work license. The responsibility for licensing and regulating social workers lies with each state.

ASWB has worked for several years to help state regulators and lawmakers adopt policies and laws that promote practice mobility. In 2023, ASWB completed work with the Department of Defense and the Council of State Governments to develop a licensing compact to support social work practice mobility. The next step is for state legislatures to adopt the legislation that allows their licensees to participate in the Social Work Compact.

Follow ASWB on social media to stay up to date on the compact.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aswbonline/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aswbonline/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aswb-association-of-social-work-boards