Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$56,730 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board and monitor board communications.
- 5. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $56,730, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in North Carolina earn 6% below the national median of $60,060. North Carolina ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$56,730Hourly estimate
$27.276% below national median
Difference: -$3,330
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#25 of 50 statesfor Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $80,230 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $78,820 |
| #3 | Minnesota | $77,100 |
| #4 | California | $75,320 |
| #5 | Oregon | $71,830 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $56,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $63,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $48,760 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Georgia | $50,810 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $41,750 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board
1207 S Cox Street, Suite F, Asheboro, NC, 27203
Phone: 3366251679ext226
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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 North Carolina?
North Carolina lists Third-party exam 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 North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in North Carolina is $56,730. Salaries range from $37,670 (10th percentile) to $78,230 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in North Carolina earn 6% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $56,730.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 2,700 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board. Review agency details at https://www.ncswboard.gov/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.