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Licensure Requirements by State
Although located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University offers online degree programs available in states across the country. FSU’s online advanced and traditional Master of Social Work programs offer a supportive community focus, preparing graduates to excel in the highly varied field of social work.
Whether you have a baccalaureate in social work or are coming into the field with a degree in another concentration, FSU offers a distinct curriculum aimed at providing students with an engaging learning environment.
FSU’s online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and prepares graduates to seek licensure and employment in any state.
Click on your state to find out your licensure requirements:
Alabama
To become a licensed clinical social worker in Alabama, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 19 years of age
- Must be a United States citizen or, if not a citizen of the United States, you must be legally present in the United States with appropriate documentation from the federal government
- Must ascribe to a professional code of ethics developed and adopted by the board. (Administrative Code 850-X-9 Standards of Professional Conduct & Ethics)
- Has a Master of Social Work from a college or university approved, accredited, or in candidacy granted by the Council on Social Work Education
- Have 24 months of LCSW-supervised social work experience and have a current active license at the master's level if applying as a candidate for the examination
- Before licensure can be granted in Alabama, passage of the Association of Social Work Boards Examination for the level in which applying is required
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Alabama’s state requirements to ensure you are the correct path to licensure.
Alaska
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Alaska, you will need to take the following steps:
- Acquire two years of full-time postgraduate clinical social work experience or 3,000 hours of part-time clinical social work experience before applying for licensure
- You must be supervised by a licensed social worker, licensed psychologist, or a licensed psychiatrist
- Submit an LCSW application to the Board
- The application includes forms that your clinical supervisor(s) must complete to verify your experience
- Pass the ASWB Clinical exam to become licensed
- There are 170 multiple-choice questions about clinical social work on the test, 150 of which are scored
- After your test date, the ASWB will automatically transfer your scores to the Board
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Alaska state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Arizona
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Arizona, you will need to take the following steps:
- Provide verification of a minimum of 3200 hours of supervised work experience in the practice of clinical social work in no less than 24 months
- 1600 of these hours must be in direct client contact
- Apply for your license with the ASWB paying the $250 application fee and pass a criminal background check
- Receive a passing grade on the clinical examination offered by the Arizona Social Work Board
- Pass the ASWB clinical exam. You can find the application for the ASWB clinical exam here
- Pay the fee and pass the exam within one year of applying for your LCSW
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Arizona state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Arkansas
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in Arkansas, you will need to take the following steps:
- Complete 4,000 hours of post-graduate, supervised social work experience
- Complete the criminal background check and receive your provisional license
- Complete the LCSW application
- Pass the ASWB exam
- Receive your LMSW license
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Arkansas state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
California
Those wishing to become an LCSW in California must meet the following requirements:
- Graduate from a CSWE-Accredited School
- Those who have completed their degree outside of the state of California are also required to demonstrate that the credits in the degree cover several specific fields
- Register as Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW)
- Apply to become Associate Clinical Social Workers (ACSW)
- Pass a California Law & Ethics Exam
- Fulfill at least 3,000 hours of work experience in a clinical setting
- Complete Licensing and Examination Packet and earn a passing score on the ASWB exam
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check California’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Colorado
The most advanced level of social work licensure in Colorado is the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), which enables you to independently practice clinical social work.
In order to become an LCSW, you must:
- Accumulate the required experience
- Pass the Mental Health Profession's Jurisprudence Exam
- Take and pass the ASWB Clinical exam
- Complete the LCSW application
- Receive your LCSW license from the Board
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Colorado’s state requirements to ensure you are the correct path to licensure.
Connecticut
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Connecticut, you will need to take the following steps:
- Hold a master's or doctorate degree from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Successfully completed three thousand (3000) hours of post-master's social work experience including not less than one hundred (100) hours of work experience under professional supervision by a licensed clinical or certified independent social worker
- Successfully completed the Clinical Level Examination of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
- A report of successful completion of the Clinical Level Examination (ASWB)
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Connecticut’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Delaware
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Delaware, you will need to take the following steps:
- Complete two years (3,200 hours) of supervised post-degree clinical experience prior to becoming licensed
- At least 1,600 hours should be under the supervision of an LCSW
- Apply for an LCSW license by submitting the Application for Licensure as a Clinical Worker packet to the Board
- Pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
- The Board reviews applications monthly at their scheduled meetings. During their next meeting following submission of your application, they will review your materials and determine whether you are eligible to register for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical exam required for LCSW licensure.
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Delaware state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Florida
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida, you will need to take the following steps:
- Complete two years of supervised clinical social work experience
- Complete the required supplemental courses for licensure
- Submit an application for an LCSW license to the Board
- Complete the ASWB Clinical exam
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Florida’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Georgia
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Georgia, you will need to take the following steps:
- To earn the title Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Learn about the LCSW) in Georgia, you must first get a Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on.
- Before applying for your Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Those hours must include a minimum of 3,000 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy work experience in the practice of clinical social.
- Pay the non-refundable $100 fee and apply for application with the Georgia state board application for Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Georgia state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Hawaii
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Hawaii you will need to complete the following steps:
- Earn a Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited university or college
- Fulfill a minimum of 3000 hours of post-graduate clinical social work experience supervised by a qualified supervisor per the Board’s requirements
- Perform 2000 hours of assessment, psychotherapy and clinical diagnosis. No more than 900 hours may be client-centered advocacy, evaluation or consultation
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Hawaii’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Idaho
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential allows for the independent practice of clinical social work, including services such as psychodiagnostic assessment and treatment.
In Idaho, LCSWs are also the only social workers who are able to practice privately (in other words, outside of an agency or organization).
If you wish to become an LCSW in Idaho, you must fill the following requirements:
- Gain the required experience
- Complete the LCSW application
- Pass the ASWB Clinical exam
- Receive your LCSW license
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Idaho’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Illinois
Those wishing to become an LCSW in Illinois must meet the following requirements:
- Graduate from a CSWE accredited program
- Complete 3,000 hours of Professional Practice under supervision from an LCSW-credentialed professional
- Complete an application
- Earn a passing score on ASWB clinical exam
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Illinois’ state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Indiana
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Indiana, you will need to take the following steps:
- Earn a Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited university or college
- Submit proof of two (2) years of experience in the practice of clinical social work in counseling of clients in a clinical setting
- Fill out the application provided on the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board
- Pass the State’s jurisprudence examination
Once you have submitted your application you must apply with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
To do this you will need to:
- Pass the ASWB Clinical level exam
Once you pass the test you will be eligible to receive your new title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Indiana.
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Indiana’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Iowa
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in Iowa, you will need to take the following steps:
- Possess an MSW from a program that is accredited by the CSWE or hold a doctoral degree in social work
- Gain work experience before becoming eligible for licensure in Iowa
- Submit an LISW application to the Board
- Pass the AWSB clinical exam
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Iowa state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Kansas
Those who wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Kansas, must:
- Get a Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited university or college.
- Provide verification of at least 4,000 hours of clinical professional experience under an approved supervision plan to apply for your LCSW title. Of the 4,000 hours at least 2000 should be direct client contact and 1500 hours should be face-to-face direct contact with the client providing assessment and psychotherapy treatment.
- Get three references including
- Apply with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for their Clinical Level test. Once you pass the test, you will be eligible to receive your new title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Kansas state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Kentucky
Those wishing to become an LCSW in Kentucky must meet the following requirements:
- Earn the Certified Social Worker (CSW) status
- Association of Social Workers Board (ASWB) Master’s level exam
- Two Years Full-Time Experience (200 hours of supervised work experience
- Pass AWSB Exam
- License Application
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Kentucky’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Louisiana
Those wishing to become an LCSW in Louisiana must meet the following requirements:
- Earn a degree from CSWE accredited school
- Have at least 5,760 hours of professional social work experience
- Complete 3,840 hours are performed under the observation of a supervisor and 96 hours are executed in a face-to-face capacity with that same supervisor
- Pass the Association of Social Workers Board Exam
- Complete the LCSW application
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Louisiana’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Maine
To independently practice clinical social work in Maine, you must hold the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. Being a clinical social worker means that in addition to providing non-clinical services, you can also assess, diagnose, and treat emotional and mental disorders.
In order to obtain the LCSW, you must:
- Submit an LMSW-CC application
- Pass the ASWB Master’s exam.
- Receive your LMSW-CC license and gain the required experience
- Complete the LCSW application
- Pass the ASWB Clinical exam
- Receive your LCSW license
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Maine’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Maryland
In Maryland, the LCSW is a master’s-level social work license that allows an individual to practice non-clinical social work independently and to provide clinical social work services under supervision.
To become an LCSW in Maryland, you must:
- Accumulate the required supervised experience
- Submit an LCSW application
- Take and pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam
- Receive your LCSW license from the Board
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Louisiana’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Massachusetts
Those wishing to become an LCSW in Massachusetts must meet the following requirements:
- Provide three professional references, including a minimum of one who is LCSW or LICSW licensed
- Provide a sealed graduate transcript from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program
- Pay an application fee
- Fulfill 3,500 clinical hours spread across a minimum of two years; and a subset of 100 hours under the direct supervision of a licensed LICSW professional
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Massachusetts’ state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Michigan
Michigan has a Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) certification with a clinical designation.Students who graduate with an LMSW with a Clinical designation are qualified to provide clinical services such as diagnosis and psychotherapy.
Those wishing to become (LMSW) with a clinical specialty must meet the following requirements:
- Submit an application for a limited LMSW license (if completing your supervised experience in Michigan)
- Complete 4,000 hours of supervised social work experience
- Complete the required ASWB licensing exam
- Apply for an LMSW license
- Receive your LMSW license from the Board
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Michigan’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Mississippi
If you wish to the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Mississippi, you will need to take the following steps:
- An LCSW in Mississippi must already be a licensed master’s social worker in good standing at the time of application
- All applicants seeking to become an LCSW must have passed the ASWB at either the advanced or clinical level
- LMSWs seeking to become an LCSW must contract with a MBOE approved licensed certified social work for supervision of clinical work experience needed to be granted licensure
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Mississippi state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Missouri
Those wishing to become an LCSW in Missouri must meet the following requirements:
- Achieve the status of Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Receive supervised clinical experience Hours
- Pass the Association of Social Workers Board’s (ASWB) Exam Success
- Complete 3,000 clinical experience hours under the guidance of a qualified LCSW
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Missouri’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Montana
Those wishing to become an LCSW in Montana must meet the following requirements:
- Have a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
- Following graduation, complete 3,000 hours of supervised psychotherapy or clinical social work in no less than 24 months, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of individual and/or group supervision with at least 50 of these hours being under direct supervision of an LCSW
- Pass the Association of Social Work Board’s (ASWB) Examinations, Advanced and Clinical
Once requirements are met, applicants must submit the following to the Montana State Board of Licensed Social Workers:
- Submit a completed and signed application
- Pay the appropriate fee
- Supervisory Experience Forms completed by the applicant and supervisor
- Official transcript showing master’s or doctoral degree sent directly from the school
- Three current reference letters, addressed directly to the board, from licensed social workers, licensed psychologists, or licensed psychiatrists
- Fingerprint and background check from the Department of Justice, Montana Criminal Records
- Verification of ASWB examination scores sent directly from ASWB
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Montana’s state requirements to ensure you are the correct path to licensure.
Nebraska
If you would like to provide clinical services and use the title “clinical social worker,” you must hold both an LMHP license and a CMSW certificate.
Those who wish to do clinical work, must:
- Apply for a provisional LMHP license
- Gain the required experience (you must acquire 3,000 hours of supervised mental health experience under your provisional license, 1,500 hours of which must be in direct contact with clients)
- Pass the ASWB Clinical exam
- Complete the LMHP application
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Nebraska's state requirements to ensure you are the correct path to licensure.
Nevada
In Nevada, to acquire an LCSW license the applicant must:
- Acquire 3,000 hours of supervised field experience in an internship in addition to a master's degree, 2,000 of which must come from direct, face-to-face service using psychotherapy
- Pays fees of $40 for the application and $100 for the initial license
- Submit a background check, photo ID, and fingerprints with the application
- For applicants who wish to start working before taking the exam, there is the option to pay an additional $75 for a provisional license, which must be notarized by a public notary
- Take and pass the ASWB clinical exam within 60 days of the Board's acceptance of the application
- Exam fee: $260
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Nevada’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
New Jersey
Those wishing to become an LCSW in New Jersey must meet the following requirements:
- Fulfill a minimum education requirement of an MSW degree from a program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Fulfill a minimum of 12 graduate-level semester hours covering social work practice
The LSW credential is a preliminary requirement by the state before submitting your LCSW application.
To achieve this initial credential, you need to:
- Successfully pass the ASWB exam
- Submit a completed application, along with your transcripts, to the New Jersey State Board of Social Work
- Complete a background check
With your online MSW degree complete and your LSW credential attained, you will then need to:
- Complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in no less than two (but no more than four) years
- Complete minimum of 1,920 of these hours be documented as face-to-face work with clients and patients.
- Pass ASWB’s Master’s Exam
- Submit a license application
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check New Jersey’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
New Mexico
The highest level of licensure offered by the Board is the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Social workers holding this license can independently provide clinical services and practice privately (outside of agencies or organizations).
Applicants are required to:
- Submit an LCSW application
- Receive your provisional license and pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist or Clinical exam
- Receive your LCSW from the Board
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check New Mexico’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
New York
Those wishing to become an LCSW in New York must meet the following requirements:
- Earn Master Social Worker (LMSW) standing
- Complete a CSWE accredited MSW program
- Complete 900 hours of field education experience
- Have three years of supervised experience
- Pass ASWB examination
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check New York’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
North Carolina
Those wishing to become an LCSW in North Carolina must meet the following requirements:
- Graduate from CSWE Accredited Program
- Complete 3,000 Hours of Professional Practice
- A minimum of 100 hours under the supervision of an LCSW-credentialed mentor
- Obtain documented continuing education for certification (40 hours)
- Passing Score on ASWB Clinical Exam
- Complete North Carolina’s LCSW licensure application
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check North Carolina’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
North Dakota
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Dakota, you will need to take the following steps:
- To attain the title Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in North Dakota, you must first get a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited university or college
- Be working for an agency or organization in Social Work. You will also need to provide three references including a field supervisor, social worker and faculty supervisor. There will also be a state and federal criminal check and Child Abuse Central Index checks will be required.
- Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s Level Exam scoring a minimum of 70.
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check North Dakota state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Oklahoma
Those wishing to become an LCSW in Oklahoma must meet the following requirements:
- Have a master’s degree in social work from a Board-approved and CSWE accredited social work program
- Following graduation, complete two years of full-time, or the equivalent part-time, post-degree experience in the practice of clinical social work under the professional supervision of an LCSW
- This includes a total of 4,000 hours with 3,000 hours of direct client contact and at least 100 hours of face-to-face educational supervision
- Pass the Association of Social Work Board’s (ASWB) Examination: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, or Clinical
Once requirements are met, applicants must submit the following to the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Social Workers at least 3 weeks prior to the next board meeting:
- Completed application forms
- Appropriate fee
- Official transcript showing master’s degree sent directly from the school
- Evaluation forms of supervised clinical experience
- Fingerprint and background check from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
- Verification of ASWB examination scores sent directly from ASWB
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Oklahoma’s state requirements to ensure you are the correct path to licensure.
Oregon
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Oregon you will need to take the following steps:
- 3500 Clinical practice hours
- 2000 of those hours must be directly with clients
- 100 hours of supervision, of which at least 50 must be individual
- a minimum of 24 months of supervised practice
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Oregon state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Pennsylvania
Those wishing to become an LCSW in Pennsylvania must meet the following requirements:
- Earn an MSW degree from an accredited program
- After your degree, you can submit an application to the state of Pennsylvania to earn the Licensed Social Worker/Licensed Graduate Social Worker credential (LSW)
- LSW applicants in Pennsylvania must ensure that they have completed (or are within a semester of graduating) from a program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Earn a passing score of more than 70% on the Association of Social Workers Board Master’s Level Exam
- Meet a minimum of 3,000 supervised field experience hours within a clinical setting
- 150 of those hours must be under direct supervision
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Pennsylvania’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure
Rhode Island
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Rhode Island, you will need to take the following steps:
- You must have a Master’s degree in social work from an institute that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- There are no supervised work requirements to obtain an LCSW in Rhode Island
- Applicants for this level of licensure must pass the Master’s level social work exam issued by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Rhode Island’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
South Carolina
Those wishing to become an LCSW in South Carolina must meet the following requirements:
- Have a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
- Obtain Current State LMSW License
- Apply to South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiner with appropriate fee
- Provide Official transcript reflecting their completion of an MSW degree
- Fulfill 300tients
- Passing ASWB Clinical Exam Score (at least 96 o0 hours of supervised work experience in a clinical environment, 100 of the 300 hours must be direct contact with paut of 170 questions answered correctly)
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check South Carolina’s state requirements to ensure you are the correct path to licensure.
South Dakota
Those wishing to become an LCSW in South Dakota must meet the following requirements:
- Submit applications and transcripts
- Complete an MSW degree program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) at a university that is also CSWE-accredited
- Successfully complete the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Exam
- Pay necessary fees
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check South Dakota’s’ state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Tennessee
Those wishing to become an LCSW in Tennessee must meet the following requirements:
- Earn a degree from CSWE-Accredited School
- Achieve LMSW Status and gain Work Hours
- Provide documentation of at least 3,000 hours of work experience in a clinical setting
- Document a minimum of 100 hours of work under the close supervision of a clinical mentor who has held the LCSW designation for a minimum of three years
- Pass the ASWB Exam
- Complete LCSW Application
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Tennessee’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Texas
Those wishing to become an LCSW in Texas must meet the following requirements:
- Provide transcripts from a CSWE-accredited school
- Achieve an LMSW credential
- Get work experience with documented 100-hour supervision plan
- Complete an application packet and a passing ASWB Score
Once these materials, alongside the application form itself and the Examination Security Form that simply verifies your identity, are submitted, you must await notification from the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners (TSBSWE). The notification will authorize you to register for the Association of Social Workers Board (ASWB) Master’s level exam.Texas mandates that LCSW applicants:
- Complete at least two years, or 24 months of full-time work within a clinic or practice under the guidance of an LCSW supervisor that has been approved TSBSWE
- Provide transcripts, passing test scores, and a $111 application fee
- Provide documentation confirming you have completed the Jurisprudence exam (if their earlier result is for some reason no longer valid or incomplete)
- Provide documents that recount the candidate's social work employment history form, and
- Provide a clinical supervision verification form, which confirms that the candidate has indeed completed a minimum of 100 hours of supervised experience
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Texas’ state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Utah
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Utah, you will need to take the following steps:
- To apply for an LCSW, you must first hold a CSW in Utah
- A minimum of a master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program is requisite
- CSWs seeking licensure at this level must accrue a minimum of 4,000 hours of supervised work experience in a professional setting
- LCSWs must successfully complete the ASWB clinical level exam
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Utah state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Virginia
Those wishing to become an LCSW in Virginia must meet the following requirements:
- Earn an MSW degree with a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Fulfill 3,000 additional supervised hours within clinical practice
- Submit an application for approval of selected supervisor and clinic location
- Pass the Association of Social Workers Board’s (ASWB) clinical level exam
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Virginia’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Washington
Becoming licensed as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) will allow you to practice independently in the state of Washington. An LICSW is the highest level license a social worker in the state can hold. Licensure candidates must possess a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school.
Those who wish to be an LICSW must:
- Apply to become a Licensed Social Worker Associate-Independent Clinical (LSWAIC)
- Acquire 4,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience
- Submit the LICSW application
- Take and pass the ASWB Clinical exam
- Receive your LICSW license from the Department
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Wyoming’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
West Virginia
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in West Virginia, you will need to take the following steps:
- The licensing requirements for social work in West Virginia to become licensed
- After the LCSW has completed their master’s degree
- Candidates seeking licensure as an LCSW in West Virginia
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check West Virginia’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Wisconsin
Those wishing to become an LCSW in Wisconsin must meet the following requirements:
- Have a master’s or doctoral degree in social work with a concentration in clinical social work, including completion of supervised clinical field training
- Following graduation, become certified as an advanced practice social worker or as an independent social worker and complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience in no less than 2 years, including at least 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and including DSM diagnosis and treatment of individuals
- Pass the open book Wisconsin Statutes and Rules examination and the Association of Social Work Board’s (ASWB) Clinical Examination
Once requirements are met, applicants must submit the following to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services:
- Completed application forms
- Appropriate fee
- Wisconsin Statutes and Rules examination (if not taken within last 5 years)
- Official transcript showing master’s or doctoral degree sent directly from the school and for any post-graduate coursework
- Verification of clinical coursework
- Documentation of post-graduate clinical experience and supervised clinical field training
- Verification of ASWB examination scores sent directly from ASWB
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Wisconsin’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Wyoming
If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Wyoming, you will need to take the following steps:
- Complete a master's degree in social work obtained from a CSWE accredited social work program is required before licensure as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
- Complete a set period of clinical work experience before the application process can proceed
- Pass the ASWB administered Advanced Generalist or Clinical level examination
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Wyoming’s state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Florida State University is ranked #19 among the Top Public Universities nationwide and among the Best Value public universities.
Ranked a Top 30 Social Work Programs by U.S. News and World Report and a Top 30 Best Value Colleges by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.
We rigorously adhere to the accreditation standards established by the Council on Social Work Education.
Connect with an MSW Admissions Advisor
Whether you just have a simple question or need advice to determine if this Master of Social Work program is right for you, our friendly MSW advisors are here to guide you. They can chat with you about your schedule and guide you through the entire admissions process so that you feel confident moving forward.
Get in touch with an Online MSW advisor
My Advisor has impacted me tremendously ... she supported me the entire way through my MSW application process. She made it easier to complete all the necessary requirements and apply for the social work program I was meant to take.
- S. Thompson