Social Work Licensure Notice
This information is provided in good faith to applicants as of November 1, 2024.
The Syracuse MSW Online 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 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 initial licensure, if applicable. 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 the appropriate pathway to pursue licensure 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.
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: 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 hours 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: 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.
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’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: 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
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 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: 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: 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.
Nebraska
What is Issued: Certification
Recommended Initial Title: Provisional Certification as a Master Social Worker (PCMSW)
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:
- Theories of personality development, ego psychology, object relations, human behavior and social environment
- Methods of casework or clinical interventions, social work practice and direct practice
- Theories of cross-cultural development and race relations
- Marriage and family dynamics, family systems and therapy with children
- Group behavior and dynamics
- Theories of psychopathology, adaptive and maladaptive functioning
- Chemical dependency and substance abuse
- 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:
- Social work values and ethics
- Diversity, social justice, and at-risk populations
- Human behavior in the social environment
- Social welfare policy and service delivery systems
- 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) or
- 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 – Laws and Rules
State Board: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board
Federal Disclosure: Meets State 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 – Laws and Rules
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: 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.
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 – Rules and 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 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: South Carolina – State Regulations
State Board Name: 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 Name: South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners
Federal Disclosure: Meets Requirements
Tennessee
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: 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
Utah
What is Issued: License
Recommended Initial Title: Licensed 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 (PCSW)
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.