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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Nevada

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Nevada, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Nevada

Estimated timeline: 21 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Affidavit or referral required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    1) Hold a master's or doctorate of social work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (official transcripts required).

  6. 6

    2) Submit verification of completion of 3,000 hours of supervised, postgraduate social work meeting Board specifications.

  7. 7

    3) Pass the national (ASWB) advanced generalist examination.

  8. 8

    5) Submit fingerprints for a background check.

  9. 9

    A three-month provisional license is available for individuals meeting the eligibility requirements for the next scheduled State Board examination.

  10. 10

    Fees are: application--$40

    • initial license--$100
    • annual license renewal--$150
    • examination--$260 (payable to ASWB)
    • license by endorsement (no exam required)--$100
    • 3-month provisional license--$75
    • fingerprints - $38.25.

Exam and processing details

  • national (ASWB) advanced generalist examination

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Board of Examiners for Social Workers

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,850 median (17% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #32 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Nevada eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Affidavit or referral required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required national (ASWB) advanced generalist examination.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Experience: Affidavit or referral required.; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Board of Examiners for Social Workers and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Nevada

With a median salary of $49,850, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Nevada earn 17% below the national median of $60,060. Nevada ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,294

Median annual salary

$49,850

Hourly estimate

$23.97
17% below national median

Difference: -$10,210

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,660
  • P2525th percentile$38,600
  • P50Median$49,850
  • P7575th percentile$70,990
  • P9090th percentile$82,770

State vs National Median

State: $49,850
National: $60,060

Total employment: 1,140 | Annual openings: N/A

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking

#32 of 50 statesfor Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$80,230
#2Connecticut$78,820
#3Minnesota$77,100
#4California$75,320
#5Oregon$71,830

Nearby States Comparison

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Nevada$49,850Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required21 years
Oregon$71,830Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Idaho$50,900Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Utah$60,060Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$46,650Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
California$75,320No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Idaho50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Utah50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
California60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Board of Examiners for Social Workers

4600 Kietzke Lane, C-121, Reno, 89502

Phone: 7756882555

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Nevada?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Nevada?

Nevada lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss.

What education do you need to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Nevada?

The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Nevada.

What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Nevada?

The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Nevada is $49,850. Salaries range from $36,660 (10th percentile) to $82,770 (90th percentile).

How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Nevada compare to the national average?

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Nevada earn 17% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $49,850.

How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Nevada?

Nevada employs approximately 1,140 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Nevada from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Nevada?

The licensing agency is Board of Examiners for Social Workers. Review agency details at http://socwork.nv.gov/.

How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Nevada?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.