MSW Licensure

This information is provided in good faith to applicants as of November 1, 2024.

The Social Work@Simmons Social Work program leads to a Master of Social Work degree. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program is designed to meet the eligibility requirements for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam and not an initial license. Licensure requirements, including levels of licensure vary by state, and students should contact their state licensing board to determine the state specific requirements for licensure, including any additional requirements beyond the scope of the program.

The table below provides a state by state breakdown of comparable licenses, including a determination of eligibility for licensure. This information provided is designed as a baseline determination of whether the program meets individual state specific requirements. Licensure requirements, the type of license to apply for, and appropriate pathway to pursue are subject to change and may differ based on individual student backgrounds, including coursework taken outside the scope of the program. Students should do their own due diligence and determine the appropriate pathway and license type for themselves.

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Alabama

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Alabama – State Regulations

State Board: Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Alaska

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Alaska – State Regulations

State Board: Alaska Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Arizona

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Arizona – State Regulations

State Board: Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Arkansas

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Arkansas – State Regulations

State Board: Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

California

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): California does not require an exam for its initial license.

Curriculum Requirements: For programs completed outside of CA:

12 hrs of CA law and ethics
6 hours of coursework or applied experience in Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention
7 hours of coursework in Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting in California
10 hours of coursework in Human Sexuality
15 hours of coursework in Alcoholism and Chemical Substance Abuse & Dependency
10 hours of coursework in Aging, Long Term Care and Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse
15 hours/1 semester unit of coursework in California Cultures and the Social and Psychological Implications of Socioeconomic Position
15 hours of coursework in Spousal/Partner Abuse Assessment, Detection and Intervention

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: California – State Regulations

State Board: California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information:

The Associate Clinical Social Worker title is intended for applicants that hold a master’s degree in social work and have not completed their post-graduate experience. Individuals holding the aforementioned title complete post-graduate experiences to later earn additional licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
The ASWB Clinical examination must be taken prior to application to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
The above listed hours of coursework may be fulfilled through the continuing education providers listed on this site

Colorado

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s):

State Jurisprudence exam
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Advanced examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Colorado – State Regulations

State Board: Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Connecticut

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Connecticut does not currently require an exam for its initial license.

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Connecticut – State Regulations

State Board: Connecticut State Department of Public Health – Social Work Licensure

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information: The ASWB master’s level examination requirement has been suspended until January 1, 2026.

Delaware

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Masters Social Worker (MSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Delaware – State Regulations

State Board: Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

District of Columbia

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: District of Columbia – Municipal Regulations

State Board: District of Columbia – Board of Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information: A Licensed Graduate Social Worker must practice under supervision. Applicants must complete 3000 hours of supervised postgraduate experience to gain licensure to practice unsupervised.

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Florida

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Florida does not require an exam for its initial license.

Curriculum Requirements:

Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)
Complete 24 semester hours or 32 quarter hours in theory of human behavior and practice methods as courses in clinically oriented services, including a minimum of one course in psychopathology. Courses not considered to be clinically oriented are: policy, administration, organization and communities.

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Florida – State Regulations

State Board: Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information:

Eight-hour laws and rules course from board approved provider required before licensure exam
An individual who has not satisfied the post graduate or post master’s level experience requirements must register as an intern in the profession for which they are seeking licensure before beginning the post-master’s experience requirement.
Florida requires a letter from a school official on university letterhead verifying the setting in which you provided clinical services to clients, and that the supervised field placement was completed during the master’s or doctorate program.

Georgia

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Georgia – State Regulations

State Board: Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Hawai’i

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s, Advanced, or Clinical examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Hawai’i – State Regulations

State Board: Hawai’i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional & Vocational Licensing Division – Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Idaho

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Idaho – State Regulations

State Board: Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Illinois

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Illinois does not require an exam for its initial license.

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Illinois – State Regulations

State Board: Illinois Social Work Examining and Disciplinary Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Indiana

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Indiana – State Regulations

State Board: Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Iowa

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Iowa – State Regulations

State Board: Iowa Board of Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Kansas

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Kansas – State Regulations

State Board: Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board – Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Kentucky

What is Issued: Certification

Recommended Initial Title: Certified Social Worker (CSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Kentucky – State Regulations

State Board: Kentucky Board of Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

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Louisiana

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title:

Certified Social Worker
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Louisiana – State Regulations

State Board: Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information: Louisiana applies the Certified Social Worker designation to graduates that have just completed their program. It is a temporary certification which entitles the MSW graduate to perform social work duties and responsibilities while pursuing licensure. Status as a CSW is required to sit for the ASWB examination. Once the graduate has passed the ASWB examination, the LMSW is issued.

Maine

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title:

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Licensed Master Social Worker Conditional Clinical

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Maine – State Regulations

State Board: Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information: The Licensed Master Social Worker license is a non-clinical master level independent license. The Licensed Master Social Worker Conditional Clinical license is a master level license for those who intend to pursue a clinical license after the completion of their supervision hours.

Maryland

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Maryland – State Regulations

State Board: Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Massachusetts

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Massachusetts – State Regulations

State Board: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Michigan

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Limited Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Michigan does not require an exam for its initial license.

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Michigan – State Regulation

State Board: Michigan Board of Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Minnesota

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Minnesota – State Regulations

State Board: Minnesota Board of Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Mississippi

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Mississippi – State Regulations

State Board: Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Missouri

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Missouri – State Regulations

State Board: Missouri Committee for Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Montana

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master’s Social Worker Candidate

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Montana – State Regulations

State Board: Montana Board of Behavioral Health

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information: The Licensed Master’s Social Worker Candidate designation is intended for applicants that have completed a master’s degree in social work, but have not completed 2000 hours of supervised experience.The state requires that applicants without this experience register as an LMSW candidate.

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Nebraska

What is Issued: Certification

Recommended Initial Title:

Provisional Certification as a Master Social Worker (PCMSW)
Certified Master Social Worker (CMST)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Advanced Generalist, Master’s or Clinical level examination.

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Nebraska – State Regulations

State Board: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services – Mental Health and Social Work Practice

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information: The Provisional Certification as a Master Social Worker is intended for applicants that have completed a master’s degree in social work but have not completed 3000 hours of supervised experience. The state requires that applicants without this experience register as a PCMSW.

Nevada

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Nevada – State Regulations

State Board: Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

New Hampshire

What is Issued: Not Applicable

Recommended Initial Title: Candidate for Licensure

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical examination

Curriculum Requirements:

Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)
Coursework shall include at least 5 of the following areas of study:

a. Theories of personality development, ego psychology, object relations, human behavior and social environment
b. Methods of casework or clinical interventions, social work practice and direct practice
c. Theories of cross-cultural development and race relations
d. Marriage and family dynamics, family systems and therapy with children
e. Group behavior and dynamics
f. Theories of psychopathology, adaptive and maladaptive functioning
g. Chemical dependency and substance abuse
h. Research methods including policy practice evaluation

Internship in a clinical setting and field placement.

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: New Hampshire – State Regulations

State Board: New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information:

For each social work license, the state requires a minimum of 3,000 supervised hours outside the scope of the program and does not have an initial license that graduates can immediately obtain. The Board of Mental Health Practice does not provide requirements to be a “candidate for licensure”. The requirements listed above are reflective of those needed to become a clinical social worker.
The ASWB Clinical examination must be taken while the applicant is a candidate for licensure

New Jersey

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: New Jersey – State Regulations

State Board: New Jersey State Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

New Mexico

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s):

New Mexico Jurisprudence examination
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level exam

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: New Mexico – State Regulations

State Board: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information:

3 hour course in New Mexico Cultures, by coursework, workshop, seminar, or passing the New Mexico cultural exam. Students will register for this course following graduation from their program.
If the applicant has met all requirements, with the exception of the required coursework in New Mexico cultures, the Board may issue a Provisional License, which is valid for twelve months.

New York

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level exam

Curriculum Requirements:

Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)
Program must include at least 60 semester hours or the equivalent of graduate study. No more than half of the total semester hours may be advanced standing credit granted for social work study at the baccalaureate level.
Program must contain curricular content including but not limited to:

a. Social work values and ethics
b. Diversity, social justice, and at-risk populations
c. Human behavior in the social environment
d. Social welfare policy and service delivery systems
e. Foundation and advanced social work practice

Social work practice evaluation and research.

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: New York – State Regulations

State Board: New York State Board for Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information:

New York state requires completed coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider.
Out-of-state applicants must be individually evaluated to determine if they have satisfied the education requirements equivalent to a New York state license-qualifying program.

North Carolina

What is Issued:

Certification or
License

Recommended Initial Title:

Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination or the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: North Carolina – State Regulations

State Board: North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information: The Certified Master Social Worker designation is for those who have not completed any postgraduate experience, and do not intend to engage in clinical social work practice. The Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate title is intended for social workers that have not yet satisfied the post-graduate experience requirements for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

North Dakota

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: North Dakota – State Regulations

State Board: North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Ohio

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Ohio – State Regulations

State Board: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Oklahoma

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Oklahoma – State Regulations

State Board: Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Oregon

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title:

Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) or
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s):

Oregon Rules and Laws examination
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Oregon – State Regulations

State Board: Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information: The Clinical Social Work Associate title is intended for those applicants that hold a master’s degree in social work and have not yet completed their post-graduate experience, but do intend to engage in clinical practice. The Licensed Master Social Worker license is a non-clinical license.

Pennsylvania

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Pennsylvania – State Regulations

State Board: Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information: Applicants must complete 3 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting for initial licensure.

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Rhode Island

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Rhode Island does not require an exam for its initial license.

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Rhode Island – State Regulations

State Board: Rhode Island Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information: The Licensed Clinical Social Worker title is intended for applicants that hold a master’s degree in social work, and have not completed their post-graduate experience.

South Carolina

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: South Carolina – State Regulations

State Board: South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

South Dakota

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Certified Social Worker (CSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: South Dakota – State Regulations

State Board: South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Tennessee

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Tennessee – State Regulations

State Board: Tennessee Board of Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Texas

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s):

Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners Jurisprudence examination
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Texas – State Regulations

State Board: Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

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Utah

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Certified Social Worker (CSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Utah does not require an exam for its initial license.

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Utah – State Regulations

State Board: Utah Behavioral Health Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Vermont

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Vermont – State Regulations

State Board: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation – Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Virginia

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Virginia – State Regulations

State Board: Virginia Board of Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Washington

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Social Worker Associate

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Advanced level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Washington – State Regulations

State Board: Washington Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers Advisory Committee

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information: The Social Worker Associate title is intended for applicants that have not completed their post-graduate experience. Individuals holding the aforementioned title complete post-graduate experiences to later earn additional licensure as a Licensed Advanced Social Worker or Licensed Independent Social Worker.

West Virginia

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: West Virginia – State Regulations

State Board: West Virginia Board of Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Wisconsin

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s):

Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code examination
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Wisconsin – State Regulations

State Board: Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Wyoming

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: Provisional Clinical Social Worker

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical level examination

Curriculum Requirements: Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Wyoming – State Regulations

State Board: Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements

Additional Important Information: The Provisional Clinical Social Worker title is intended for applicants that hold a master’s degree in social work, and have not completed their post-graduate experience. Individuals holding the aforementioned title complete post-graduate experiences to later earn additional licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.