OnlineCounselingPrograms.com is owned by 2U, LLC, parent company of edX. Our goal is to help learners make confident, informed decisions about their education and career. Some programs shown here are offered by universities that partner with 2U, for which 2U provides marketing and operational support and receives compensation. Other programs shown may be paid advertisements from third parties. Both types of programs are identified with the word AD or Advertisement. We aim to keep information current and accurate. Learn more about edX and our partners.
How to Become a Licensed Social Worker—LMSW, LCSW
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). In New York, for example, LCSW candidates in most cases must be licensed as an LMSW while they complete their supervised experience.
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; in Virginia, for example, the LCSW is qualified at the autonomous practice level.
In most states, the path to a social work license follows the same basic sequence. First, earn a social work degree: according to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), most state requirements call for a degree from a CSWE-accredited program to pursue licensure or sit for a licensing exam. Next, apply to your state licensing board and, once the board approves you, register for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam at the level you’re approved to take. Clinical licensure, such as the LCSW, also requires supervised practice experience after the MSW and a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam.
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.
What Does a Social Worker Do?
So, what does a social worker do? Social workers provide services to individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. CSWE’s accreditation standards describe the profession’s purpose as promoting human and community well-being, including the elimination of poverty, and the NASW Code of Ethics says the profession gives particular attention to the needs of people who are vulnerable, oppressed or living in poverty. NASW’s clinical practice standards list settings that include community mental health centers, substance use treatment and recovery programs, courts and other criminal justice settings, child welfare agencies and aging services.
Depending on the role, social workers may provide therapy, counseling, case management and referrals. Under the federal 2018 Standard Occupational Classification, the activities of mental health and substance abuse social workers may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management and client advocacy, while healthcare social workers provide patients with information and counseling and make referrals for other services. Different social work roles require different skills and specializations.
What Do LMSW and LCSW Mean?
LMSW stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. 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 does not permit independent clinical practice. In New York, for example, an LMSW may practice clinical social work only under supervision by an LCSW, licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. In Virginia, the Board of Social Work describes the LMSW as a license for non-clinical, generalist services, and state law also lets a master’s social worker provide clinical services under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. An LCSW, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker, represents the next level of licensure: Virginia’s board describes the LCSW as qualified at the autonomous practice level to provide direct diagnostic, preventive and treatment services, and ASWB notes that clinical licensees can practice independently and can engage in private practice.
According to NASW's Practice Standards for Clinical Social Workers (2025), 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. According to ASWB, jurisdictions vary in the categories of practice they license, so 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.
Sponsored Online MSW Programs
| Institution & Program | Delivery Mode | Test requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Online | No GRE required | |
| Online | No GRE required | |
| Online | No GRE required | |
| Online | No GRE required | |
| Online | No GMAT or GRE required |
While these are common steps for how to become an LCSW, it is important to research your state’s requirements.
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. Under CSWE’s 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, master’s programs offer advanced standing to graduates of CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs, and a traditional MSW requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Some state boards also accept a doctoral degree in social work: North Carolina accepts an MSW, DSW or PhD in social work for the LCSW, and Texas’s LCSW rule accepts a master’s or doctoral degree in social work. It is vital to confirm your program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, because most states require a degree from a CSWE-accredited program to pursue licensure. Your state board then decides whether you’re eligible to take the ASWB exam, which is required to pursue licensure in your state.
After you earn your master’s degree, some states may require additional coursework or mandated training before or after licensure. California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences, for example, requires courses such as child abuse assessment and reporting and suicide risk assessment and intervention before you can be approved for the clinical exam, and Florida requires an 8-hour laws and rules course and a 3-hour HIV/AIDS course. ASWB also notes that some boards require additional state-specific examinations that ASWB does not administer. Check your licensing board directly for the requirements that apply in your jurisdiction.
Becoming a licensed clinical social worker requires completing supervised clinical experience after the MSW: ASWB describes the clinical license category as requiring supervised practice experience post-degree. In New York, for example, this experience must be in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning. The number of supervised clinical hours and other specifics vary by state; California, North Carolina and Virginia each require at least 3,000 supervised hours, as the state sections below explain.
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.
ASWB currently charges a registration fee of $230 for the Associate, Bachelors, or Masters exam and $260 for the Advanced Generalist or Clinical exam. Note that these fees are separate from any fees required by your state licensing board.
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, ASWB lists common requirements such as completing the state license application, passing the required licensing exam, completing a criminal history records check and paying all applicable fees. State-specific social work licensing requirements are addressed later on this page.
The number of Continuing Education (CE) hours required to renew an LCSW license varies by state, as do limits on how those hours can be earned. New York requires 36 hours per three-year registration period, with no more than 12 hours of self-study, while Washington requires 32 hours every two years, including six hours in professional ethics and law, and no longer limits distance learning. Check your state board to confirm its continuing education requirements and renewal fee.
While these are common steps for how to become an LMSW, it is important to research your state’s requirements.
A bachelor’s degree is the first step toward social work licensure: ASWB’s bachelor’s-level license category requires a BSW from an accredited institution, and CSWE requires MSW applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree.
A bachelor’s in social work (BSW) is a common first step toward a social work career. In states that license social workers at the bachelor’s level, a BSW from an accredited institution and a passing score on the ASWB Bachelors exam can qualify you for a license, and BSW graduates can apply to advanced-standing MSW programs. BSW programs are valuable for teaching students about diverse populations, human behavior, and the basics of social work. CSWE requires baccalaureate programs to provide at least 400 hours of field education.
Some students may choose to get a bachelor’s degree in a related field. CSWE’s standards require MSW applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, so 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.
Clinical and advanced social work licensure often requires a master’s degree or higher: ASWB describes the Advanced Generalist and Clinical license categories as requiring an MSW from an accredited institution plus supervised post-degree experience. Some states also license social workers at the bachelor’s level. In states that issue the LMSW credential, an MSW is commonly required for that license; New York, for example, requires an MSW and the ASWB Masters exam for the LMSW.
There are a variety of MSW programs available. These programs require a bachelor’s degree, and graduates of CSWE-accredited BSW programs can apply to advanced-standing programs, which CSWE requires to ensure students don’t repeat generalist content they completed in the BSW; CSWE’s interpretation guide gives the example of 400 BSW field hours plus 500 MSW field hours to reach the 900-hour total. Another option for those considering social work is an online MSW degree. CSWE’s accreditation covers all of a program’s options, including online options, and it treats a program as an online option when a student can complete more than 50% of it online.
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, and require master’s programs to provide a minimum of 900 hours of field education before graduation. According to CSWE’s interpretation guide, field placements can be completed in person, virtually, or through a combination of both, and each program determines its own mix. Social work internships can take place in a variety of settings.
A major component in becoming an LMSW is passing a formal licensing exam, typically the ASWB Masters exam for master’s-level licenses. 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.
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 requires a higher clinical license. In New York, for example, an LMSW may practice clinical social work, including diagnosis and psychotherapy, only under supervision, and in Texas, an LMSW gaining clinical experience works under a supervision plan with an LCSW supervisor. In other states, the equivalent master’s-level license may have a different name or different scope: Florida’s certified master social worker license, for example, doesn’t authorize clinical services. It’s important to research the social work licensure requirements in your state.
Lifelong learning is essential to social work, and continuing education is required for license renewal. In New York, for example, LMSWs complete the same 36 hours of continuing education per three-year registration period as LCSWs. Renewal cycles and continuing education requirements vary by state, so confirm the rules that apply to your credential and jurisdiction.
Sponsored Online MSW Programs
| Institution & Program | Delivery Mode | Test requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Online | No GRE required | |
| Online | No GRE required | |
| Online | No GRE required |
Different Careers in Social Work
There are a variety of careers in social work. NASW’s clinical practice standards list settings that include private practice, schools, hospitals and hospices, primary healthcare centers, businesses and employee assistance programs. Different organizations have different needs for social workers, and CSWE-accredited master’s programs prepare students for practice at both generalist and specialized levels, so understanding these differences can help you prepare for specific positions.
Social workers in schools work with children and families: the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification describes child, family and school social workers as improving the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and, in schools, addressing problems such as misbehavior and truancy. Healthcare social workers, by contrast, provide psychosocial support to people coping with chronic, acute or terminal illnesses.
Alternatively, social workers may work in non-clinical roles, including macro social work and administration. CSWE’s standards prepare social workers for practice not only with individuals and families but also with groups, organizations and communities, and Florida, for example, issues a separate administrative license for master’s-level social workers who don’t provide clinical services. Understanding the differences between these specialties is important when starting a career in social work.
Social Worker Salaries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers had a median annual wage of $61,780 in May 2025. Wages vary by occupation, location, and workplace. These are the May 2025 median annual wages for the four social work occupations BLS reports nationally:
- Social Workers, All Other: $71,900
- Healthcare Social Workers: $67,880
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $60,280
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: $59,550
State-Specific Licensing Requirements
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California
The Board of Behavioral Sciences governs social work licensure in California. To become a licensed clinical social worker in California requires the following:
- Earn an MSW from a CSWE-accredited school of social work and complete the board-required courses.
- Register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW).
- Submit fingerprints and complete the criminal background review.
- Take and pass the California Law & Ethics exam.
- Complete 3,000 total supervised hours over at least 104 weeks.
- Apply for and pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida
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 board’s LCSW requirements include:
- Complete an MSW from a CSWE-accredited school of social work that includes 24 semester hours (or 32 quarter hours) of clinically oriented coursework, including at least one course in psychopathology.
- Register as a registered clinical social worker intern before starting supervised experience in Florida; experience doesn’t count toward licensure until the intern registration is issued and the board has approved your supervisor.
- Complete two years of post-master’s supervised clinical experience consisting of at least 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy, at least 100 hours of supervision in no less than 100 weeks, and one hour of supervision every two weeks.
- Complete the required 8-hour Florida laws and rules course and 3-hour HIV/AIDS course before licensure, plus a 2-hour domestic violence course within six months of licensure.
- Take and pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
- Submit fingerprints electronically through a Livescan provider and satisfy the background screening requirements.
- Licensed clinical social workers from other states may qualify for licensure by endorsement if they hold an active, unencumbered license, have actively practiced for at least two of the four years before applying and meet Florida’s other conditions.
- Florida also offers dual licensure as a marriage and family therapist for clinical social workers who have held their license for at least three years and pass the marriage and family therapy exam.
Florida doesn’t issue an LMSW. Its non-clinical master’s-level credential is the certified master social worker (CMSW), an administrative license that requires post-master’s experience and the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam and doesn’t authorize clinical services.
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York
To become a licensed clinical social worker in New York, follow the LCSW license requirements published by the New York State Office of the Professions. Requirements include:
- Earn an MSW that includes at least 12 semester hours of clinical coursework acceptable to the Department.
- In most cases, be licensed and currently registered as an LMSW in New York while completing the supervised experience.
- Apply for and pass the ASWB Clinical examination.
- Complete at least 36 months of supervised post-MSW experience, including at least 2,000 client contact hours, in diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment planning acceptable to the Department.
- Complete New York State-approved training in the identification and reporting of child abuse.
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina
The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board governs clinical social work licensure in the state. Requirements include:
- Earn an MSW, DSW, or PhD in social work from a CSWE-accredited school.
- Hold the associate license (LCSWA) to engage in clinical social work practice while you complete supervised experience.
- Complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice over no less than two years and no more than six years.
- Complete at least 100 hours of supervision, at a ratio of one hour of supervision for every 30 hours of practice.
- Pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas
The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners is housed within the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. Current board guidance includes the following:
- Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, or a doctoral degree in social work from an accredited institution acceptable to the Behavioral Health Executive Council, including a completed field placement in social work, under the board’s LCSW licensing rule. The board’s LCSW application guidance also lists programs in candidacy for CSWE accreditation, which the rule text doesn’t name, so graduates of a candidacy program should confirm their eligibility with the board before applying.
- To accrue clinical experience in Texas, hold an LMSW license and complete a supervision plan with an LCSW supervisor.
- Complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised professional clinical experience over at least 24 months.
- Complete at least 100 hours of supervisory sessions under an appropriate supervisor.
- Take and pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
- Complete the Texas Social Workers Jurisprudence exam.
- Submit a certified self-query from the National Practitioner Data Bank and complete the fingerprint background check.
Separately, Texas may grant non-clinical independent practice recognition (IPR) to LMSWs or LBSWs who meet state requirements.
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia
The Virginia Board of Social Work, part of the Department of Health Professions, licenses clinical social workers. Requirements include:
- Earn a master’s degree in social work with a clinical course of study from a CSWE-accredited program, or complete the clinical course of study requirements after a nonclinical MSW.
- Register your supervision with the board before starting supervised post-master’s experience in Virginia.
- Complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised post-master’s experience over no less than two and no more than four consecutive years, including at least 1,380 hours of face-to-face client contact.
- Receive at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision, with no more than 50 of those hours in group supervision.
- Pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
Virginia also issues an LMSW, which the board describes as a license for non-clinical, generalist services and not a prerequisite for the LCSW; under state law, a master’s social worker may also provide clinical services under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker.
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Washington
The Washington State Department of Health handles social worker licensure and uses the title licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). Becoming an LICSW in Washington requires you to:
- Earn a CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work or a social work doctorate.
- Complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience over a period of not less than two years, including at least 1,000 hours of direct client contact.
- Receive at least 100 hours of supervision, including at least 70 hours with a licensed independent clinical social worker and at least 60 hours of one-to-one supervision.
- Take and pass the ASWB clinical exam.
You’ll generally need an associate license to see clients while completing these hours: the Department of Health says a person must hold an active credential to provide health services to clients in most situations.
What’s the Difference Between LMSW and LCSW?
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. In New York, for example, clinical social work requires an LCSW license unless the practitioner is otherwise exempt, and an LMSW may provide clinical services only under supervision; in Virginia, the LCSW practices at the autonomous level, while a master’s social worker provides clinical services under an LCSW’s supervision.
FAQs
Depending on your education path, the timeline varies. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree before an MSW, and BSW graduates can shorten the MSW through advanced standing. Gaining clinical licensure then requires supervised experience after the MSW, and the minimum depends on state law: for example, 104 weeks in California, two years in Florida, 24 months in Texas and 36 months in New York.
Information last updated: October 2026