Licensure

This information is provided in good faith to applicants as of March 2023.

The OnlineMSW@Fordham 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 TitleLicensed 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Alabama – State Regulations

State Board: Alabama State Board of Social Worker Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Alaska

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Alaska – State Regulations

State Board: Alaska Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Arizona

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Arizona – State Regulations

State Board: Arizona Sate Board of Behavioral Health Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Arkansas

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Arkansas – State Regulations

State Board: Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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California

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleAssociate Clinical Social Worker (ASW)

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).

For programs completed outside of CA:

  1. 12 hours of CA law and ethics
  2. 6 hours of coursework or applied experience in Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention
  3. 7 hours of coursework in Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting in California
  4. 10 hours of coursework in Human Sexuality
  5. 15 hours of coursework in Alcoholism and Chemical Substance Abuse & Dependency
  6. 10 hours of coursework in Aging, Long Term Care and Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse
  7. 15 hours/1 semester unit of coursework in California Cultures and the Social and Psychological Implications of Socioeconomic Position
  8. 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 State Requirements

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Colorado

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Social Worker (LSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s):

  1. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s exam
  2. State jurisprudence 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: Colorado – State Regulations

State Board: Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Connecticut

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Connecticut – State Regulations

State Board: Connecticut Department of Health – Social Work Licensure

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Delaware

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Master’s Social Worker (MSW)

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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Delaware – State Regulations

State Board: Delaware Board of Social Workers Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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District of Columbia

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)

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)

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 State Requirements

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Florida

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleRegistered Clinical Social Work Intern

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

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

Curriculum Requirements: 

  1. Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)
  2. 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 and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

Additional Important Information: 

  1. Eight-hour Florida laws and rules course from board approved provider required before exam
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.

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Georgia

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Georgia – State Regulations

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

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Hawaii

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Social Worker (LSW)

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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Hawaii – State Regulations

State Board: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division – Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Idaho

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Idaho – State Regulations

State Board: Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Illinois

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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 State Requirements

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Indiana

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Social Worker (LSW)

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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Indiana – State Regulations

State Board: Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Iowa

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Iowa – State Regulations

State Board: Iowa Board of Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Kansas

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Kansas – State Regulations

State Board: Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Kentucky

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleCertified Social worker (CSW)

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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Kentucky – State Regulations

State Board: Kentucky Board of Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Louisiana

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

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 State Requirements

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Maine

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title: 

  1. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
  2. 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 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: Maine – State Regulations

State Board: Maine State Board of Social Work Licensure

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

Additional Important Information: The Licensed Master Social Worker Conditional (Clinical) title is for those Master Social Workers that have not yet completed the consultation hours required for LCSW (independent licensure).

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Maryland

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Maryland – State Regulations

State Board: Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Massachusetts

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Massachusetts – State Regulations

State Board: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Michigan

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLimited Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

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

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 State Requirements

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Minnesota

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)

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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Minnesota – State Regulations

State Board: Minnesota Board of Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Mississippi

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Mississippi – State Regulations

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

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Missouri

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Missouri – State Regulations

State Board: Missouri Committee for Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Montana

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s 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: Montana – State Regulations

State Board: Montana Board of Behavioral Health

Federal Disclosure: No Determination Has Been Made

Additional Important Information: State requires supervised experience outside the scope of the program and does not have an initial license that graduates can immediately obtain

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Nebraska

What is Issued: Certification

Recommended Initial TitleProvisional Certification as a Master Social Worker (PCMSW)

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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Nebraska – State Regulations

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

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

Additional Important Information: The provisional certificate is intended for applicants that need to obtain 3,000 hours of supervised experience in social work. If the hours are not completed, an individual may apply for another provisional certificate, after which no additional certificates will be issued.

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Nevada

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

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 State Requirements

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New Hampshire

What is Issued: Not applicable

Recommended Initial TitleCandidate for Licensure

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

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

Curriculum Requirements: 

  1. Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)
  2. 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
I. 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: No Determination Has Been Made

Additional Important Information: 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.

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New Jersey

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Social Worker (LSW)

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)

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 State Requirements

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New Mexico

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): 

  1. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level exam
  2. State jurisprudence 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 State Requirements

Additional Important Information: 

  1. 3 credit hour course in New Mexico Cultures, by coursework, workshop, seminar, or passing the New Mexico cultural exam
  2. 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.

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New York

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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: 

  1. Identify the specialized knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, and behaviors that extend and enhance the nine Social Work Competencies (per CSWE)
  2. 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. 
  3. 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

4. Social work practice evaluation and research.

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: New York – State Regulations

State Board: New York Office of the Professions, Licensed Master Social Worker

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

Additional Important Information: 

  1. New York state requires completed coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider.
  2. 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.

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North Carolina

What is Issued: 

  1. Certification
  2. License

Recommended Initial Title

  1. Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
  2. 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 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: North Carolina – State Regulations

State Board: North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

Additional Important Information: The LCSWA is intended for social workers that have not satisfied the experience requirements for licensure as an LCSW.

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North Dakota

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

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 State Requirements

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Ohio

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Social Worker (LSW)

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)

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 State Requirements

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Oklahoma

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

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 State Requirements

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Oregon

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title

  1. Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA)
  2. 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Oregon – State Regulations

State Board: Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

Additional Important Information: The Clinical Social Work associate license is the first step towards a clinical license in Oregon. It is intended for those applicants that have obtained an MSW, but have not completed the 3,500 hours of post-graduate clinical experience.

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Pennsylvania

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Social Worker (LSW)

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)

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 State Requirements

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Rhode Island

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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 Examiners in Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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South Carolina

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed 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)

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 State Requirements

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South Dakota

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleCertified Social Worker (CSW)

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)

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 State Requirements

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Tennessee

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Master’s 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Tennessee – State Regulations

State Board: Tennessee Board of Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Texas

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): 

  1. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level exam
  2. State jurisprudence 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: Texas – State Regulations

State Board: Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Meets State 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): 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: Utah – State Regulations

State Board: Utah Social Worker Licensing Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Vermont

What is Issued: License

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

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): 

  1. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level exam
  2. State jurisprudence 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: Vermont – State Regulations

State Board: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation – Social Workers

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Virginia

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Master’s 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)

Field Experience Requirements: CSWE Standard of 900 Hours

State Regulation: Virginia – State Regulations

State Board: Virginia Board of Social Work

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

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Washington

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial Title

  1. Licensed Social Worker Associate-Advanced
  2. Licensed Social Worker Associate-Independent Clinical

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Washington does not require an exam for its initial licenses

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: No Determination Has Been Made

Additional Important Information: Both the Licensed Social Worker Associate-Advanced and Licensed Social Worker-Independent Clinical titles are intended for applicants that have not yet completed their postgraduate experiences. Individuals holding the aforementioned titles complete postgraduate experiences to later earn full licensure as a Licensed Advanced Social Worker or Licensed Independent Social Worker.

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West Virginia

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleLicensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)

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)

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 State Requirements

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Wisconsin

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleAdvanced Practice Social Worker (APSW)

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): 

  1. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s level exam
  2. Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code 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 State Requirements

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Wyoming

What is Issued: License

Recommended Initial TitleProvisional Clinical Social Worker

Accreditation Requirements: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Examination(s): Wyoming does not require an exam for its initial title.

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 Profession Licensing Board

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements

Additional Important Information: Following provisional licensure, an individual may continue progress under the supervision of a qualified clinical supervisor towards practicing as a Clinical Social Worker.

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