How many of the 50 states have no certification requirements for school social workers?

• A. 25
• B. 12
• C. 18
• D. 35

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how state regulation varies for school social workers. Across the country, some states require a specific school social work credential or rely on a general social work license, while others do not require any state-level certification for practice in schools, leaving hiring standards to districts. Eighteen states fall into the latter group, meaning there is no state-level certification requirement for school social workers. In these states, districts typically set their own criteria, often focusing on having an MSW and meeting district qualifications, rather than a formal state school social work certificate. This is why eighteen is the correct count: it reflects a notable minority of states without a dedicated state credential for school social workers.