News Release

August 18th, 2026

North Carolina Surpasses 20,000 Active Social Work Credential Holders

ASHEBORO, N.C. — North Carolina’s social work profession has reached an important milestone. The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board is proud to announce that North Carolina surpassed 20,000 active social work credential holders at the end of July 2026, marking a significant and continued growth of North Carolina’s social work profession.

Social workers play a vital role in supporting the mental health, well-being, and resilience of individuals, families, and communities across North Carolina. Over the past ten years, the number of active social work credential holders has more than doubled, reflecting the profession’s continued growth and the increasing need for qualified social work practitioners throughout the State.

Established by the North Carolina General Assembly, the Board’s mission is to protect the public by establishing standards for qualification, training, and experience while promoting high standards of professional performance among those engaged in the practice of social work. As North Carolina’s credentialed social work workforce continues to grow, the Board remains committed to carrying out that mission by providing fair, consistent, and effective regulation, as it has since 1983.

“The Board and staff of the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board have remained steadfast in playing a vital role in increasing access to the social work profession, and we could not be more excited to celebrate reaching 20,000 certified and licensed social workers in our state,” said Ryan Estes, LCSW, LCAS, Chair of the Board. “Social workers are the backbone of many industries and systems, and ensuring that each of these professionals serves ethically and competently remains our primary focus.”

The Board also recognizes that growth brings new opportunities and responsibilities. As the profession continues to evolve, the Board continues to evolve as well, with several modernization initiatives underway that will further strengthen its regulatory processes and support a strong, ethical, and competent social work profession, while maintaining its focus on public protection.

About the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board

The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board is the State agency responsible for administering and enforcing the North Carolina Social Worker Certification and Licensure Act. The Board protects the public by establishing and enforcing standards for qualification, training, experience, and professional conduct for certified and licensed social workers practicing in North Carolina.