If you visit a hospital, school, mental health facility, or nonprofit or human service agency in your community, you’re likely to find that social work plays an integral role in the services provided. Even behind the scenes, social workers fight to protect and improve the lives of vulnerable populations, including children and older adults. Social workers address mental and emotional health issues such as abuse, addiction, and poverty.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in clinical social work? If so, you’ll need to become licensed to practice social work. Many social workers pursue licensure first as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and, after supervised practice, go on to earn clinical licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). 

These roles can overlap, but licensure titles and scopes of practice vary by state. In states that use the LMSW title, it generally refers to a practitioner who has earned a master’s degree, most likely a Master of Social Work (MSW). An LCSW license designates a social worker who has completed additional clinical training that permits independent clinical practice, as appropriate under state law.  

If you’re passionate about helping others,  a career in social work may be for you. Explore this guide for information on common steps to becoming a licensed social worker.

So, what does a social worker do? Social workers provide essential services to individuals, families and communities. Social workers generally serve at-risk, underprivileged and disadvantaged populations. This can include working in mental health care focusing on victims of abuse, those experiencing substance use disorders, older adults and people who are incarcerated.

Social workers provide support to individuals through therapy, counseling and guidance. Different social work roles require different skills and specializations. Social workers also help people who are struggling with any number of issues navigate these experiences and find the care and support they need.

Earning a social work degree and obtaining a license are two distinct steps in building your career, and understanding the difference between license types is essential for planning your path.

A master’s-level social work license (commonly referred to as LMSW in many states) generally allows practitioners to work in case management, advocacy, and direct services, but does not permit independent clinical practice. An LCSW, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker, represents the next level of licensure, granting the authority to practice independently in a clinical setting.

According to NASW’s Practice Standards for Clinical Social Workers, clinical social workers are often the first to diagnose disorders and treat people with various mental, emotional, and behavioral health conditions. Clinical social work focuses primarily on the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities, emphasizing a holistic approach to psychotherapy and the client’s relationship with their environment. 

Clinical Social Work is a regulated professional practice, and clinical social workers must meet and maintain the minimum practice requirements while adhering to local, state, and federal regulations. This means that licensure requirements, including titles, supervision rules, and permitted services, vary by state, making it important to check with your state’s licensing board before pursuing a specific credential.

How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker

While these are common steps for how to become an LCSW, it is important to research your state’s requirements.

1. Earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work

The first step to becoming a social worker is a degree. You can either complete a traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program or an advanced standing MSW program to fulfill the licensed social worker education requirements. An advanced-standing MSW requires a Bachelor of Social Work. Typically, a traditional MSW will require you to have completed a bachelor’s degree program in any subject before enrolling. Many states also accept or encourage a doctorate in social work (DSW). ​It is vital to confirm your program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. This accreditation ensures the program meets the standards and competencies required to sit for the ASWB exam, which is required to pursue licensure in your state. 

2. Complete Additional Coursework

After you earn your master’s degree, some states may require additional coursework or mandated training before or after licensure. According to the ​Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), these requirements vary by jurisdiction and can include topics such as laws and rules, ethics, child abuse reporting, infection control, HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence. Check your licensing board directly for the requirements that apply in your jurisdiction.

3. Complete Additional Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience

Becoming a licensed clinical social worker requires completing a supervised clinical experience after the MSW. Completing these hours provides you with valuable clinical experience related to assessment, treatment, advocacy, research, and psychotherapy counseling. The number of supervised clinical hours and other specifics vary by state.

4. Pass the Required Licensing Exams

Each state has an independent licensing board responsible for regulating clinical social work within its borders and for determining licensure requirements. It’s essential that you check with your state board to ensure you have completed all prerequisites before registering for your social work licensing exam through the ASWB.

The ASWB currently requires a $230 fee for the master’s exam and a $260 fee for the advanced generalist or clinical exam. Note that these fees are separate from any fees required by your state licensing board.

5. Apply for LCSW Licensing in Your State

If you’re wondering how to become a social worker, you must learn the requirements outlined by your state licensing board. Though licensure application requirements vary, most states require that you meet clinical experience expectations, complete social worker education requirements, pass the ASWB exam, complete additional coursework and submit an application fee. State-specific social work licensing requirements are addressed in the next section.

6. Continued Learning and Clinical Licensure Renewal

The number of Continuing Education (CE) units required to renew an LCSW license varies by state, as does the number of units permitted from online sources. In addition to continuing education units, states generally require a license renewal fee. Check your state board to confirm continuing education and license renewal requirements.

How to Become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

While these are common steps for how to become an LCSW, it is important to research your state’s requirements.

1. Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is often required for anyone pursuing a career in social work.

A bachelor’s in social work (BSW) is a common first step toward a social work career. Graduates with this degree may work in entry-level social work administration positions. A BSW may prepare students for direct-service positions as case workers or mental health assistants. BSW programs are valuable for teaching students about diverse populations, human behavior, and the basics of social work. These programs require students to complete undergraduate-level internships.

Some students may choose to get a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Many master’s programs accept students with a liberal arts background; however, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health, education, or women’s studies, may provide a useful foundation.

2. Earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work

Clinical and advanced social work licensure often requires a master’s degree or higher. There are also entry-level social work roles available to some candidates with a BSW or another relevant bachelor’s degree, depending on the position and state law. In states that issue the LMSW credential, an MSW is commonly required for that license.​

There are a variety of MSW programs available. These programs generally require a bachelor’s degree or a BSW. Students with a BSW can often apply to an advanced-standing program, which may require fewer credits and internship hours, accelerating the process. Another option for those considering social work is an online MSW degree. Many schools offer both on-campus and online MSW programs. There are well-respected programs with high-quality resources available online. This could provide greater flexibility for students with busy schedules.

3. Complete Post-Graduate Hours

An essential component of any MSW program is field education. To gain experience, students must work directly with the public. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards require that these internship experiences provide essential training in real-world social work. Most master’s programs in social work require students to complete at least 900 hours of field education before graduation. Both online and on-campus programs require in-person fieldwork. Social work internships can take place in a variety of settings.

4. Pass the Required Licensing Exams

A major component in becoming an LMSW is passing a formal licensing exam. However, before you begin the test application process, check with your local licensing board regarding laws, regulations, and fees. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) administers licensing exams used by many U.S. jurisdictions. For exam registration, content outline, scoring, and security information, visit the ASWB website for tips on first-time licensure.

5. Apply for Social Work Licensure in Your State

Social work licensure is regulated by individual states, so license names and requirements vary by jurisdiction. After earning an MSW, graduates in some states may be eligible for a master’s-level social work license, such as an LMSW, though other states use different titles or licensing structures.

An LMSW is a license, not a degree. In states that use this title, it generally refers to a master’s-level social work credential that may support nonclinical practice, supervised clinical practice, or both, depending on state law. Because practice authority differs by jurisdiction, prospective social workers should review the rules in the state where they plan to work.

In some states, an LMSW may provide certain clinical social work services only under supervision, while independent clinical practice typically requires a higher clinical license. In other states, the equivalent master’s-level license may have a different name or different scope. It’s important to research the social work licensure requirements in your state.

6. Continued Learning and License Renewal

Lifelong learning is essential to social work. It helps you stay current with regulations and is required for license renewal. Renewal cycles and continuing education requirements vary by state, so confirm the rules that apply to your credential and jurisdiction.

There are a variety of careers in social work, as social workers can work in clinical roles in private practice, corporate settings, schools, healthcare, and other settings. Different organizations have different needs for social workers. The problems addressed in a school versus those in a corporate HR department will differ significantly. Understanding these differences and receiving specialized education tailored to the individual needs of these organizations will prepare you for specific positions.

Social workers in schools are more likely to interact with children and families, whereas in healthcare settings, they may primarily work with older patients.

Alternatively, social workers may work in non-clinical roles. These can include macro social work and administration roles. Macro social work focuses on developing community programs and improving social support systems. This is essential work to ensure that social work services are available and effective for those who need them. Social workers have many options when choosing their specialization. Understanding the differences between these specialties is important when starting a career in social work.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): Social Workers, projects that overall employment of social workers will grow by 6% between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Although social worker salaries depend on educational level, licensure, certifications, and experience, the median annual salary for social workers in May 2024 was $61,330.

Salary ranges vary based on many factors, including position, location, workplace, and specialization. Earning an MSW or higher can lead to licensure and potentially an increased salary. Here are a few careers in social work and their mean annual salaries in 2024:

The Board of Behavioral Sciences governs social work licensure in California. To become a licensed clinical social worker in California requires the following:

Prospective Florida social workers must become licensed through the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. To become a licensed clinical social worker in Florida, the requirements include:

To become a licensed clinical social worker in New York, follow the requirements published by the New York State Office of the Professions. Requirements include:

The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board governs clinical social work licensure in the state. Requirements include:

The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners is housed within the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. Current board guidance includes the following:

Washington licenses are managed by the Washington State Department of Health, which uses the title licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). Current requirements include:

The Washington State Department of Health handles social worker licensure. Becoming a social worker in Washington requires you to:

Although they perform some of the same tasks, the scope of an LMSW practice is different from that of an LCSW. In jurisdictions that use those titles, an LCSW may be able to practice psychotherapy and work in direct-service clinical roles independently, while a LMSW may require supervision or have a different scope of practice under state law.

Information last updated: April 2026