Membership in the Academy of Certified Social Workers automatically qualifies social workers for independent practice state licenses. The National Association of Social Workers provides a special credential for school social workers. Most state licensing regulations have continuing education requirements. State licenses generally require membership in the National Association of Social Workers. Whether or not a social work education program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education makes little practical difference to most social work students.
Some states grant licenses to some graduates of unaccredited social work programs.
Many credentialing exams, including licensing exams, assume that those who take them know something about the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. For most professional social workers, it is advisable to join professional associations such as the National Association of Social Workers. Holders of the BSW degree are eligible for membership in the Academy of Certified Social Workers. It is impossible to study for licensing exams. Either one knows the material or one doesn't.