Social workers in both types of settings are equally responsible to their clients. Certification is one statement of professional commitment to clients. Any efforts to enhance the professionalism of social work benefits all practitioners. A large body of certified social workers ensures serious consideration in political, economic, and service delivery issues. Further, an increasing body of third-party insurance companies look to state certification as a determinant of reimbursement eligibility.
All states have laws regulating the practice of social work.
Most use the same examinations as in North Carolina. The state of North Carolina views mandatory certification as equivalent to a license. Reciprocity between state licenses is common and North Carolina is no exception, but a person must have taken a written examination in order to be considered for reciprocity. The need for certification can be affected by current status. Students in clinical field placement do not need to be certified as clinical social workers.