A. The LCSW and ACSW are two different credentials awarded by two different organizations. The LCSW is a license to practice clinical social work and is awarded by the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board, which is a state regulatory board governed by state law. The LCSW is required to practice clinical social work in the state of North Carolina. The ACSW credential is awarded by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), which is a private professional organization. It is not a substitute for the LCSW license.