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How to Get Licensed as a Social Worker in Every US State

By Owl Team

Disclaimer: This article was written in 2022. The details of these requirements may not currently be accurate.

This article is the third in our series of how to get licensed as a therapist in every US state. For more context on the pros and cons of seeking cross-state licensure and how this series was developed, read the series introduction here! Social work licensures vary across states, including the level of licensure: some states offer licensures at the level of Bachelor’s or Master’s with supervision, as well as an independent license. The guidelines below generally apply only for the highest level of independent clinical licensure, though in some cases, cross-state reciprocity is available for pre-licensed clinicians as well.

While there is currently no PSYPACT equivalent for social workers, a Social Work Licensing Compact is in the works, with the first legislation expected summer 2022. In the meantime, Social Work PROfile is a helpful tool that helps social workers organize their applications for cross-state licensure. Read on below for state-by-state instructions!

Alabama

Out-of-state applicants who hold an active social work license in another state of may apply for licensure in Alabama by the state’s reciprocity process if they hold a license in a state whose requirements for licensure are at least equal to those required for LICSWs in Alabama. To apply for an LICSW license by Reciprocity, applicants must:

  1. Provide verification of holding an equivalent license in another state that is active and in good standing
  2. Have at least a Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution
  3. Have passed the ASWB clinical level examination
  4. Provide proof of supervision from a previous supervisor (note: Alabama requires two years of full-time postgraduate experience under supervision of an LICSW or equivalent for independent clinical licensure)

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Alaska

Applicants who hold an active license in another state may apply for their Alaska social work license via a Licensure by Credentials process if, at the time of original issuance, their current license requirements were “equal to or more stringent” than Alaska’s current requirements. The Licensure by Credentials application process entails the submission of:

  1. An application and relevant fees
  2. Verification of current state licensure in good standing (without any unresolved complaints or disciplinary actions before a regulatory authority)
  3. 3 professional references
  4. Passage of the ASWB clinical exam within the last two years; OR 1,500 of work experience AND sufficient continuing education requirements

More information on the Licensure by Credentials process can be found on Page 3 of the state’s Social Work Statues or on page 2 of the LCSW application.

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Arizona

There are two unique paths to licensure in Arizona for social workers currently licensed in another state with previous social work experience—Universal Recognition and Endorsement; however,only the Endorsement process is for therapists who seek to become licensed in Arizona but not establish residency within the state.

Universal recognition: 1 year minimum licensure period in another state at the same level as that being applied for (e.g. LCSW)

  • Proof of Arizona residency required for application

Endorsement: 3 year minimum licensure period in another state at the same level as that being applied for (e.g. LCSW)

  • Arizona residency not required

To apply via endorsement, applicants must meet the minimum licensure requirements of Arizona and submit documentation showing sufficient education, training, and examination results (ASWB clinical exam for LCSWs). Such documentation includes (but is not limited to, remaining application components found in applicant resource guide):

  • A Master’s degree official transcript
  • Verification of current state professional credentials
  • A completion certificate for the Arizona Statutes/Regulations Tutorial
  • Employment history for the previous 7 years
  • A completed application and payment of relevant fees

Non-resident applicants who do not meet the 3 year experience requirement can still apply for their Arizona license but must do so via the Licensure by Examination process instead.

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Arkansas

Applicants currently licensed in a state whose standards for LCSW licensure are considered “substantially equivalent” to those required by the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board for LCSW licensure may obtain their Arkansas social work license via a Licensure by Endorsement process.

To qualify for Licensure by Endorsement, applicants must:

  1. Submit an application and pay the relevant fees
  2. Pass a background check
  3. Provide an official transcript showing at least a Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution
  4. Provide documentation of 24 months (4,000 hours) under the supervision of an LCSW while working in a master’s level social work position
  5. Provide verification of licensure from all states in which applicant currently or has previously held a license

Note, the Board may waive the above supervision requirement if:

  1. The applicant has practiced social work at the independent clinical level for at least the last 3 years; and
  2. The applicant has met the requirements to be licensed independently at the clinical level in the state in which they are currently licensed

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California

California has among the most intensive licensure processes of all states for out-of-state clinical social workers looking to obtain their license in the state. Fortunately, however, the California Board of Behavioral Science has put together clear guidelines for LCSW applicants that makes the process much more approachable. As outlined in the licensure guide, applicants licensed in another state seeking their social work licensure in California may do along one of two primary paths:

Licensure by Credential – a path to licensure for applicants who meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have held a license as a Clinical Social Worker in another state for at least 2 years (license must be current, active, and unrestricted for at least the 2 years preceding application)
  • License held is at the highest level for independent clinical practice in that state
  • Hold a minimum of a Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited university with coursework that fulfills California’s educational guidelines (outlined on pages 103-104 of the Board of Behavioral Sciences statutes)

Licensure by Education/Experience – a path for applicants who do not meet the above criteria for Licensure by Credential. This path requires that applicants provide evidence of substantially meeting all the state’s traditional licensure requirements—as outlined on pages 3-4 of the LCSW licensure guide for out-of-state applicants.

  • Exception: While California traditionally requires 3,000 hours of supervised post-Master’s experience in social work, out-of-state applicants with fewer than 3,000 hours of qualifying supervised experience may use previous experience as a clinical social worker at the highest level for independent practice in their state in place of supervision, up to a maximum of 1,200 hours

Note that applicants of both paths must submit certain California-specific licensure requirements, such as proof of completing suicide risk and child abuse assessment training, as well as passage of the California Law and Ethics examination.

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Colorado

Applicants who hold an active license in another state with equivalent licensure requirements to those in Colorado may apply for their Colorado counseling licensure via the state’s Endorsement process.

In addition to submitting the basic application requirements (application, verification of current license, details of Master’s/doctoral degree, etc.), endorsement applicants must attest to one of the following:

  1. Previous completion of an examination that covers general areas of knowledge in social work or completion of a written exam that tested competence to practice independent social work (e.g. the ASWB clinical level examination); or
  2. An exam was not required by the applicant at the time of their licensure, but they have practiced social work independently for at least 5 of the last 10 years

Out-of-state applicants who do not qualify for Endorsement due to holding a license in a state with non-equivalent licensure requirements may apply via the state’s Licensure by Examination process. This process requires that applicants individually meet the state’s licensure requirements, including passing the appropriate ASWB examination and fulfilling specific supervisory requirements (more details found here).

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Connecticut

Applicants licensed in another state seeking their Connecticut social work license may apply via the state’s endorsement process, which allows the Board to grant a license to applicants who present satisfactory evidence of:

  1. License or certification as a social worker in good standing in another state whose requirements for practicing are substantially similar to or higher than those of Connecticut. Note: Endorsement applicants may substitute 3 years of licensed or certified work experience in clinical social work in lieu of the requirements of the state’s supervision requirements (3,000 hours of post-master’s social work experience)
  2. Successful completion the ASWB clinical level examination

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Delaware

Applicants who have 1) already passed the national ASWB clinical licensing examination AND 2) hold a current, clinical social work license in another jurisdiction may be eligible to apply for their Delaware counseling license via a reciprocity process.

As part of the application process, reciprocity applicants must submit a copy of the laws and regulations from each state where they currently hold a license. This allows the Board to determine if the license standards under which the applicant’s current licensure was granted are substantially similar to those in Delaware.

  • If the other state’s licensing standards are substantially similar (and all other components of the application are complete), then the applicant may obtain their Delaware license via reciprocity
  • If the jurisdiction’s license standards are not substantially similar to Delaware, the applicant must either 1.) have practiced for at least 5 years in the past 7 years to still be eligible for reciprocity (and may be able substitute this work experience for deficits in licensure requirements); or 2.) apply via the traditional licensing process, providing documentation of individually meeting all of Delaware’s licensure requirements.

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Florida

Applicants who currently hold a license in another state are eligible to apply for their Florida social work license by two paths, which vary depending on the applicant’s experience (and thus require applicants to submit varying levels of supporting documentation in the licensure process).

Path 1: Licensure by Endorsement – An application process for those who currently hold an unencumbered license in another state and have been actively practicing at the highest level in that state for at least 3 of the last 5 years.

Path 2: Licensure by Examination – An application process for those who have completed two years of post-Master’s supervised clinical experience (per Florida’s licensure requirements) but do not have 3 years of experience; requires more supporting documentation of education/experience history that is sufficient to fulfill Florida’s requirements for LCSW licensure

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Georgia

The state of Georgia does not currently offer licensure via endorsement or reciprocity for clinical social workers. Each applicant that applies for the clinical social worker license must, therefore, submit a complete regular application with all required documentation and fees to be considered for licensure. However, applicants need not repeat the ASWB national examination or accrue new supervisory hours if their previous exam/supervision experience is sufficient to fulfill Georgia’s requirements.

Requirements for LCSW licensure in Georgia include:

  • A Master’s degree in social work
  • A minimum of 3000 hours of post-Master’s degree supervised experience (acquired over a period of no less than 36 months)
  • Successful completion of the ASWB clinical social work examination

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Hawaii

Although Hawaii does have a process officially called “Endorsement” for applicants who hold a license in another state, endorsement applicants must meet all the same requirements and provide the same documentation for licensure as traditional applicants. Thus, each applicant’s license is evaluated the same regardless of experience or credentials in another state. However, Endorsements do not need to repeat the ASWB national examination or accrue new supervisory hours if their previous exam/supervision experience is sufficient to fulfill Hawaii’s licensure requirements.

Hawaii’s requirements for licensure can be found on the first two pages of the LCSW application and include a master’s or doctoral degree, evidence of a passing score on the ASWB clinical exam, 3000 hours of post-graduate supervised work, and verification of licensure held other states.

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Idaho

Idaho has a fairly straightforward licensure by endorsement process for applicants who:

  1. Hold a current, active social work license in another state (at the level being sought in Idaho) with substantially similar requirements
  2. Have no discipline history within the last five (5) years or had a license revoked, suspended, restricted, or sanctioned by any regulatory entity; applicant must also not have been convicted any crimes “inconsistent with the profession of social work”
  3. Have successfully passed the clinical ASWB examination (note: the Board may waive this examination requirement for applicants who were not required to pass such an examination at the time they obtained a social work license if they have actively practiced social work for at least 5 of the last seven 7 years preceding application)

A helpful checklist on the front page of the license application details the exact documentation required for endorsement applicants. Applicants who are currently licensed in a state in which licensing requirements are not “substantially similar” to Idaho’s must apply for their license via the state’s Licensure by Examination process (the details for which can also be found on the license application).

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Illinois

Applicants who hold an active license in another state may apply for their LCSW license via an endorsement process. The degree of supporting documentation required for licensure by endorsement varies depending on the applicant’s professional experience:

  • Endorsement applicants with less than 10 years of experience must meet all Illinois LCSW licensure requirements and submit all documentation required of regular “Licensure by Examination” applicants (requirements for such applicants can be found on pages 3-4 of the license application)
  • Endorsement applicants who have been licensed at the independent level in another state for at least 10 consecutive years (without discipline) may submit certification of these 10 years of licensure in lieu of traditional licensure documentation materials, including the educational requirement form (“ED form”), the supervision form (“VE-SW form”), and the Official Score Report form.

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Indiana

Indiana offers a very straightforward path to licensure for individuals who hold an active license in another state. Such applicants can apply for their Indiana license via a Licensure by Reciprocity process if they:

  • Have a valid license to practice social work in another state (and have no pending disciplinary actions); and
  • Have passed an examination “substantially equivalent to the level for which licensure is being requested.” For LCSWs, this is the ASWB clinical exam.

Applicants must also pass the Indiana State Jurisprudence Examination; however, individuals must receive approval from the Board prior to being authorized to take the examination). A checklist of all application components for reciprocity applicants can be found here.

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Iowa

Out-of-state applicants licensed in another state may apply to the Iowa Board of Social Work to obtain their social work license in the state via a Licensure by Endorsement process. To be eligible for Endorsement, applicants must:

  1. Provide verification of licensure from every jurisdiction in which they have been licensed and show evidence of meeting initial licensing requirements in another state that are substantially similar to those required in Iowa
  2. Provide an official copy of their academic transcript(s), indicating completion of at least a Master’s degree
  3. Provide an official copy of their ASWB clinical exam score (for independent level clinical social workers) sent directly from the ASWB

Applicants who come from states in which the social work licensure requirements are deemed as not similar to those in Iowa may apply via the traditional Licensure by Verification process, which requires that applicants individually meet and provide verification of all traditional licensure requirements for independent social workers in the state (requirements found here).

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Kansas

The highest level/independent social work license in Kansas is the LSCSW, a different names than many other states. However, the three “steps” of licensure in the state are largely the same as many other jurisdictions. The 3 licensure types are:

  • Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW): allows a Bachelor’s level social worker to practice non-clinical social work in Kansas under supervision
  • Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): allows a Master’s level social worker to practice clinical and non-clinical social work in Kansas under supervision
  • Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW): allows a Master’s level social worker to practice unsupervised/independent social work

Out-of-state applicants who hold an active clinical social work license that allows them to diagnose and treat mental disorders independently may apply for their independent Kansas social work licensure (LSCSW) via the state’s Licensure by Reciprocity process.

To apply via Licensure by Reciprocity, applicants must:

  1. Hold a license in a state whose requirements are “substantially equivalent” to the Kansas requirements, which include:- An MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program; and – Passage of the ASWB exam at the Master’s level or above
  2. Have no history of disciplinary action of a serious nature brought by a registration, certification, or licensing Board
  3. Demonstrate competency in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders by submitting at least two of the following items:- Demonstration of having passed the ASWB clinical exam- Demonstration of 3 years of clinical practice (that included diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders)- An attestation signed by a medical or independent mental health professional that the applicant has demonstrated competence in diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders

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Kentucky

Kentucky offers no reciprocity or endorsement processes for applicants already licensed in another state, so out of state licensees must meet the same requirements as traditional first-time independent social work applicants in the state. However, applicants need not repeat the ASWB national examination or accrue new supervisory hours if their previous exam/supervision experience are sufficient to fulfill Kentucky’s requirements.

Documentation required for the application includes:

  1. A current job description on agency letterhead and signed by the executive director, agency director, or the individual who heads the office
  2. An official transcript from an accepted Master’s or Doctoral degree program
  3. Verification of current state licensure
  4. An official score report for the ASWB clinical exam
  5. Documentation that you have met the state’s supervision requirements (200 hours of supervision by a licensed clinical social worker who has been licensed as a licensed clinical social worker for 3 years); OR documentation that you held a clinical social work license and been engaged in the active practice of clinical social work for 5 years
  6. Submit the required application and pay the required fees

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Louisiana

Louisiana offers an Endorsement process through which out-of-state applicants can obtain their social work license in the state via their current credentials. To be eligible for Endorsement, applicants must:

  1. Hold an active social work license in another state whose standards for licensure are “equivalent or greater to those of Louisiana”
  2. Have at least a Master’s degree in social work
  3. Have passed the ASWB clinical examination

If the Board determines that an applicant’s credentials are from a state whose licensure requirements are not substantially equivalent to those in Louisiana, the Board may require the social worker to obtain the requisite educational, supervision, and examination requirements required of traditional applicants. Such requirements can be found beginning on page 9 of the Louisiana Administrative Code.

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Maine

In June 2021, Maine enacted new legislation to facilitate the application process for individuals licensed in other states to become licensed in Maine. Out-of-state social workers can now apply for their Maine license via an Endorsement process if they are currently licensed in another state with “substantially equivalent license requirements” to those in Maine. Applicants must be in good standing with their current Board of licensure and provide the following documentation to be considered for Licensure by Endorsement:

  1. A completed application and associated fees
  2. An official MSW degree transcript from a CSWE-accredited program
  3. Documentation of clinical social work consultation (i.e. supervision) hours
  4. Proof of passage of the ASWB clinical examination
  5. A copy of the state or county licensure act under which the applicant was previously licensed (to verify substantial equivalency of licensure requirements)
  6. Verification of the applicant’s current social work license

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Maryland

Maryland offers a Licensure by Endorsement process for applicants who hold an active social work license in another state. The Endorsement process has two distinct paths that vary depending on the amount of experience the applicant has.

Path 1 – For applicants with >5 years of clinical social work practice in another state, documentation required for licensure includes:

  1. A completed application and payment of relevant fees
  2. Submission of a current resume
  3. Employment Certification (showing >5 years of practice)
  4. Official MSW transcript with the date the MSW degree was awarded

Path 2 – For applicants with <5 years of clinical social work practice in another state, documentation required for licensure includes:

  1. A completed application and payment of relevant fees
  2. Submission of a current resume
  3. Supervision verification forms
  4. Summary Sheet (asks applicants to list social work and supervision experience)
  5. Official MSW transcript with the date the MSW degree was awarded

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Massachusetts

Applicants who hold a current social work license that is “substantially equivalent” to the relevant Massachusetts license in education and experience requirements may apply for their Massachusetts license via a Reciprocity process. Required documentation to apply via reciprocity includes:

  1. Licensure verification for all licenses (current and expired)
  2. An official, certified transcript for the highest relevant degree
  3. Three professional references qualified to evaluate the applicant’s social work experience.
  4. An official score report for the appropriate level ASWB examination (the ASWB clinical exam for independent/LICSW licensure in Massachusetts)
  5. A criminal history acknowledgment form (CORI form)

Note that the ASWB processes all social work licensing applications on behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers, so all applicants can find relevant application materials and apply for licensure through the ASWB’s Massachusetts-specific licensing page.

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Michigan

Applicants who hold an active license in another state may be eligible to obtain their Michigan social work licensure via the state’s Licensure by Endorsement process. However, the details and documentation applicants must provide for Endorsement varies based on the applicant’s years of experience.

  • Endorsement applicants that have been licensed for and have >10 years of experience must submit a Supervisor’s Verification of Social Work Experience form to verify that they have been engaged in the practice of social work at the master’s level for this period of time.
  • Endorsement applicants that have <10 years of experience must also submit the Supervisor’s Verification of Social Work Experience form but in this case must instead verify that they have completed a minimum of 4,000 hours of supervised work experience, general work experience, or both. Applicants with <10 years of experience must also submit an official score report showing passage of the ASWB Clinical or Advanced Generalist Examination.

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Minnesota

Minnesota offers a fairly straightforward Licensure by Endorsement process for social workers who hold an independent social work license in another state. Requirements to apply for Licensure by Endorsement include:

  • An active independent clinical level social work license in another state (if seeking an independent license—an LICSW—in Minnesota; endorsement processes for prelicensed social workers are also offered, as outlined in the state’s social work statutes)
  • A master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited college or university
  • A completed criminal background check and no history of violating the Minnesota Board’s ethical standard of practice
  • Submission of a completed application and relevant fees

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Mississippi

Mississippi offers a Licensure by Reciprocity process for qualifying applicants who hold a valid social work license in another state. To be eligible for this process applicants must:

  • Pass the examination prescribed by the ASWB for the license level they are pursuing (this is the ASWB clinical exam for independent LCSW licensure)
  • Hold a comparable license in good standing in another state that “Imposes qualifications equal to or greater than the current requirements of the Mississippi Board of Examiners.” Current requirements for Mississippi licensure for comparison can be found here.
  • Have no complaints or disciplinary action pending against them in another state (applicant will not be granted a Mississippi license until such complaints are resolved to the satisfaction of the Board)
  • The applicant has the required degree for licensure according to the current Rules and Regulations of the Board (Master’s degree for independent LCSW licensure)

Mississippi also offers a “Universal Recognition by Reciprocity” process for applicants who are currently licensed in another state but do not meet all the traditional requirements for licensure in Mississippi. However, this process is only available to those who have moved and established residency in Mississippi. More information on this process can be found on the front page of the corresponding application.

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Missouri

Applicants who hold a current social work license in another state may apply to practice social work in Missouri via a Licensure by Reciprocity process as long as they have had no disciplinary action taken against their current license in the preceding 5 years. There are two primary ways an applicant can qualify for Licensure by Reciprocity in Missouri:

  • Path 1 – Available to applicants who have 1.) received a Master’s or doctoral degree from a CSWE-accredited institution; and 2.) been licensed to practice clinical social work for the preceding 5 years in another state
  • Path 2 – Available to applicants currently licensed as a clinical social worker in another state that imposes requirements for licensure that are “substantially the same” as those required by Missouri for clinical social workers (such requirements found here)

Applicants with less than 5 years of experience and whose current state license requirements are deemed not equal to those in Missouri may still apply for licensure in the state but must provide more extensive documentation of individually meeting all requirements of traditional clinical social work applicants in the state (found here).

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Montana

Clinical social work applicants currently licensed in another state looking to obtain their license in Montana may apply via the state’s Endorsement process if they hold a current, active license in good standing in a state that has “substantially equivalent” licensure requirements to those in Montana. Such applicants must:

  1. Submit an application
  2. Provide verification of sufficient supervised post-degree work (3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised work experience over a minimum of 24 months)
  3. Provide verification of passing the ASWB Clinical exam
  4. Complete a background/fingerprint check

Applicants who hold a current, active license in good standing in a state whose licensure requirements are not consideredsubstantially equivalent may still apply via Endorsement but must have a master’s degree in social work from an accredited institution and have completed 5 years of post-degree experience in social work (in addition to the supervised work experience), according to Montana’s Board of Behavioral Health rules.

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Nebraska

Nebraska’s social work is licensing process is unique and slightly more complicated than all other states. While the state does offer two social work certifications (CMSW and CSW)—and you must hold one such certification in order to practice social work in the state—neither certification allows for an individual to practice clinical social work. And Nebraska does not offer a specific clinical social work license.

Only LIMHPs are allowed to assess and treat mental health disorders in Nebraska, so both a LIMHP license and a social work certification are needed to provide clinical social work in the state of Nebraska. Therefore, out-of-state applicants looking to become licensed to practice independent clinical social work in Nebraska must obtain a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) license as well as a CMSW certificate. For information on how to obtain a LIMHP license via reciprocity, visit the Nebraska section of our recently published article “How to Get Licensed as a Counselor in Every US State.”

To obtain a Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) license in Nebraska, there is a reciprocity process for out-of-state applicants. Applicants must either:

  1. Show successful completion of at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience following receipt of the masters’ degree and provide verification of passing the ASWB clinical examination; OR
  2. Have 5 years of active practice experience following initial licensure in another state and successfully complete the Nebraska Jurisprudence Examination

Quick links:

  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
  • Application page (includes application for social work and mental health practitioner licenses)

New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers no processes of reciprocity or endorsement for applicants already licensed in another state, so all out-of-state applicants must meet the same licensure requirements as traditional social work applicants in the state. However, applicants need not repeat the ASWB national examination or accrue new supervisory hours if their previous exam/supervision experience is sufficient to fulfill New Hampshire’s requirements. Such requirements for independent social work licensure include:

  1. Completion of a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school
  2. Completion of a minimum of 2 years of post-masters experience, including completion of a minimum of 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised clinical experience
  3. Passage of the ASWB Clinical level exam (out-of-state applicants do not have to take the exam again if they have already taken it but must contact the ASWB to request a copy of their exam score)

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New Jersey

New Jersey does not officially offer any distinct processes for applicants licensed in another state seeking their social work license in New Jersey. Out-of-state applicants must meet the same licensure requirements as traditional applicants (with one exception noted below), including:

  1. A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited educational program
  2. Two years of full-time supervised experience in the practice of clinical social work under the supervision of a clinical social worker
  3. Satisfactory completion of minimum graduate course requirements (as outlined on page 10 of the state’s social work regulations)
  4. Passage of an appropriate level examination (ASWB Clinical exam for LCSWs)

Important exception regarding supervision: Applicants licensed in another state must upload a copy of their resume to their online profile, as an applicant’s work experience within the past five years may be reviewed in lieu of supervision hours. Licensees in other states will not need to complete the clinical experience portion of the application as long as their resume shows sufficient clinical work within the past five years.

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New Mexico

Applicants who have been licensed in another state for at least 5 years may apply for their New Mexico social work license by the state’s reciprocity process. Reciprocity applicants must provide evidence of meeting the same educational and examination requirements as traditional applicants; however, applicants need not repeat the ASWB national examination if they have already taken it, nor do applicants need to meet the state’s supervisory requirements (as long as they have 5 years of practice experience) to qualify for licensure.

Requirements for applying for a LCSW license by reciprocity include:

  1. A current valid social work license in another state at the level of licensure being sought for a minimum of 5 years
  2. A passing test score from the ASWB clinical exam
  3. A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
  4. Verification of completing one of the following cultural requirements:  (1) a three credit hour course in New Mexico cultures listed on the applicant’s transcript; (2) a board approved course, workshop, or seminar in New Mexico cultures; (3) proof of previously passing the New Mexico cultural examination
  5. Documentation proving that the applicant’s other state license(s) has not been suspended, revoked, voluntarily surrendered, or otherwise restricted
  6. Proof of passing the New Mexico jurisprudence examination with a grade of no less than 70%

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New York

Out-of-state applicants seeking their New York LCSW license may do so via the state’s Licensure by Endorsement process, which is offered to current LCSWs who have been licensed as a clinical social worker in another state for at least 10 years in the 15 years prior to application and whose initial license was issued “on the basis of meeting requirements similar to those in New York State.” Application components for endorsement applicants include:

  • An application and relevant fees
  • Verification of an accredited Master of Social Work degree
  • Verification of initial basis of licensure (in other state) and verification that all current licenses in other states are in good standing
  • Verification of clinical examination score from ASWB
  • Verification of 10 years of licensed practice by licensed colleague(s)

Applicants with <10 years of experience must apply for their New York LCSW license via the standard application process, meeting all the requirements for initial licensure in New York (including specific coursework requirements, three years of full-time supervised experience, among other requirements). Full details of endorsement and standard licensure requirements can be found here.

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North Carolina

While North Carolina does not have an official “reciprocity” process, they do assess out-of-state applicants’ credentials for “substantial equivalency.” To apply for licensurethrough substantial equivalency, applicants must have a current and actively license (obtained by examination) as a social worker in another state whose license requirements are “substantially equivalent” to the requirements in North Carolina.

As outlined on page 5 of the application packet, applicants applying for their license via substantial equivalency will need to:

  1. Apply to the Board via the normal application process (submitting relevant application fees, the completed application form, three professional reference forms, and a sealed official transcript)
  2. Provide the Board with a copy of the state laws that were in place at the time of initial licensure in another state
  3. Provide verification of their current state credential
  4. Provide certified proof of having passed the clinical level ASWB examination (for LCSW level applicants)

After submitting the above materials, the Board will determine whether they will recognize the applicant’s current license as substantially equivalent or not and proceed accordingly.

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North Dakota

North Dakota offers a reciprocity process for applicants who currently hold an active social work license in another state whose licensure requirements (at the time in which the license was issued) are deemed substantially similar to those in place in North Dakota.

In addition to submitting a completed application, all reciprocity applicants must:

  • Provide verification of licensure in all other states that they are currently licensed (must be in good standing)
  • Provide a copy of the laws and rules from the state that were in effect at the time in which the license was initially granted in that state

Applicants who hold a license in a state not deemed substantially similar, may still be eligible to obtain licensure by reciprocity, as the applicant’s previous qualifications and work experience may be evaluated by the Board in place of traditional standards. To be eligible for this, applicants must provide the Board with the following additional materials along with an application:

  • A letter explaining past or present social work experience
  • A letter from a past or present supervisor verifying completion of supervision or past work experience, including how long applicant was supervised and at which job or position
  • A copy of a curriculum vitae or resume showing past work experience
  • Verification of a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam
  • An official MSW transcript sent from one’s college directly to the Board office.

Quick links:

Ohio

Ohio offers a Licensure by Endorsement process for qualifying out-of-state applicants who hold an equivalent license in another state. In order to be considered for Endorsement, applicants must submit:

  • A completed license application and relevant fees
  • An official statement from all states in which the applicant has held a license that verifies licensure status and notes whether any disciplinary actions have been taken or are pending against the applicant
  • A graduate education transcript (Master’s degree or higher)
  • Documentation that the applicant has passed the examination required for the appropriate level of licensure (ASWB clinical exam for independent clinical social workers)

The Board will evaluate the applicant’s training, supervision, and practice experience (among other factors, all listed here) to determine whether to grant an applicant a license via endorsement. Comparison of the applicant’s credentials to those required of LISWs in the standard Ohio application process (outlined here) for “substantial equivalency” is the primary mode by which endorsement licenses are administered.

Note: There is no LCSW license in Ohio. The LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker) license is the independent social work license in the state. Social workers who wish to practice clinical social work with this license must pass the ASWB clinical exam in order to do so.

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Oklahoma

Out-of-state applicants who hold an active social work license in another state can apply for their Oklahoma social work license via the state’s reciprocity process. Reciprocity applicants will be evaluated by the Oklahoma Board to see if the licensing requirements under which the applicant obtained their original license are equal to (or more stringent) than Oklahoma licensing requirements.

To be considered for reciprocity, the applicant must:

  1. Submit an application and relevant fees
  2. Hold at least a Master’s social work degree (for independent level social workers)
  3. Possess an equal social work license in another state that is current, in good standing, and has not been suspended or restricted
  4. Present proof of a passing score on the designated licensure examination (ASWB clinical exam for independent social workers)

A full list of LCSW licensure requirements (for standard and reciprocity applicants) can be found on pages 7-8 of the Agency Rules.

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Oregon

Oregon does not offer any official reciprocity or endorsement processes to out-of-state social workers, so all applicants must meet the same requirements for licensure as traditional applicants. However, out-of-state applicants need not repeat the ASWB national examination or accrue new supervisory hours if their previous exam/supervision experience is sufficient to fulfill Oregon’s requirements. Such requirements for licensure include:

  • A Master’s degree in social work
  • 3500 hours post-MSW supervised experience (over a minimum of 24 months)
  • Passage of the ASWB clinical level exam
  • Successful completion of an the exam on Oregon statutes and rules

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers a Licensure by Reciprocity process for qualifying out-of-state applicants looking to obtain their LCSW license in Pennsylvania. However, despite having the title of reciprocity, this process requires applicants meet (and provide evidence of sufficiently meeting!) all qualifications required of standard non-reciprocity applicants—in addition to verification of existing licensure. However, out-of-state applicants need not repeat the ASWB national examination or accrue new supervisory hours if their previous exam/supervision experience is sufficient to fulfill Pennsylvania’s requirements.

To be eligible for reciprocity as an LCSW, the applicant must:

  1. Show satisfactory completion of the general requirements for licensure (includes a Master’s/Doctoral degree, an ASWB examination of the appropriate type, relevant fees) and demonstrate overall qualifications “at least equal” to those required by standard Pennsylvania LCSW applicants (including 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience)
  2. Provide a letter from the other jurisdiction where the social worker is licensed, certifying licensure and reporting any violations

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Rhode Island

Out-of-state applicants may be eligible to obtain their Rhode Island social work license (LICSW is the independent clinical license in the state) via an endorsement process if they currently hold a comparable license in another state that “Imposes qualifications substantially similar” to those in Rhode Island.

Such qualifications for an LICSW license in Rhode Island include:

  1. A master’s or doctoral degree in social work from an accredited institution (applicants must submit a transcript with application)
  2. 24 months of supervised experience under appropriate supervision
  3. Satisfactory completion of the relevant examination for this license (ASWB clinical examination for LICSWs)
  4. Completion of a license verification form sent directly from the state in which the applicant holds or has held a license

Applicants who come from a state that does not impose substantially similar requirements to those in Rhode Island can still apply for licensure but must apply via the state’s Licensure by Examination process, using individual qualifications—as opposed to previous licensure requirements—as proof of credentialing.

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South Carolina

Note: there are two types of independent social work licenses in South Carolina: LISW – Advanced Practice (AP) and LISW – Clinical Practice (CP). Only the latter can engage in clinical practice (e.g. counseling and psychotherapy); LISW-APs may not practice clinical social work independently.

South Carolina does not currently have any reciprocity or endorsement processes for out-of-state social workers looking to obtain their license in the state. Therefore, out-of-state applicants must meet and provide evidence of successful completion of all the same licensure requirements as standard applicants, in addition to verification of their current licensure in another state. Importantly, however, applicants need not repeat the ASWB national examination or accrue new supervisory hours if their previous exam/supervision experience is sufficient to fulfill South Carolina’s requirements.

To obtain a LISW – CP license, one must:

  1. Submit an application and relevant fees
  2. Hold a Master’s or a Doctorate degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program (and provide an official transcript submitted directly to the Board office that outlines at least 45 academic contact hours each of psychopathology and psychodiagnostics)
  3. Demonstrate 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics during the supervision period or via a South Carolina Board-sponsored specialty course in professional ethics
  4. Show satisfactory completion of 3000 hours of social work practice under clinical supervision (must have occurred after licensure as a Masters Social Worker and over a minimum 2-year period)
  5. Pass the ASWB clinical level exam (and send an official score report to the Board office)
  6. Provide verification of licensure from all state boards in which one has previously or currently holds a license

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South Dakota

There are multiple levels of social work licensure in South Dakota, the highest of which (and only independent license) is the Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP). Out-of-state social work applicants may be eligible to apply for the CSW-PIP license via South Dakota’s endorsement process if they possess at least equal qualifications to those required by standard applicants in the state.

As outlined by South Dakota law, endorsement applicants can obtain their licensure without taking a new examination or obtaining new supervised experience if they:

  1. Are licensed or registered in a state “that imposes substantially the same requirements as this chapter”
  2. Provide verification of licensure from any states they currently or have previously held a license in
  3. Have taken and passed the appropriate examination (e.g. the ASWB clinical or advanced generalist exam for independent licensure)
  4. Provide an official transcript from an accredited Master’s degree program
  5. Provide proof of sufficient supervision from the state in which original social work licensure was obtained (South Dakota law requires 2 years of supervised experience for independent licensure)

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Tennessee

Note: There are two types of independent social work licenses in Tennessee: LAPSWs and LCSWs. The Licensed Advanced Practitioner Social Worker (LAPSW) license allows for individuals to practice non-clinical social work independently (or clinical work under the supervision of an LCSW). Only Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) in Tennessee can independently practice clinical social work.

Tennessee offers a Licensure by Reciprocity process through which out-of-state clinical social workers can obtain their independent clinical license in Tennessee. Applicants are eligible for reciprocity if they are currently licensed in a state whose requirements for licensure are at least “as stringent” as those in Tennessee (Tennessee requirements for LCSW licensure found here). The reciprocity process allows the Board to grant an out-of-state applicant licensure without retaking an examination or repeating supervision hours, provided they:

  1. Complete an application and pay the relevant fees
  2. Pass a background check
  3. Submit a letter of good standing from the out-of-state state licensing board showing that the applicant’s license is active
  4. Proof that the applicant has not previously failed the examination required by the Board (the ASWB clinical examination)

If an applicant does not qualify for Licensure by Reciprocity, the applicant can still apply for their LCSW license but must apply via the Licensure by Examination path—which requires applicants provide more thorough evidence of individually meeting all of Tennessee’s licensure requirements. Licensure by Examination applicants do not need to repeat their supervision experience or hold a Tennessee prelicense, provided they have met the minimum requirements set by Tennessee in a different state.

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Texas

While Texas does not have any official reciprocity or endorsement processes through which out-of-state applicants can obtain their LCSW license, the state does recognize an applicant’s previous examination and supervisory experience in the granting of licenses to out-of-state clinicians if they are comparable to those required by the state of Texas

According to the Texas social work rulebook, the Board may issue a license to an applicant who is currently licensed in another jurisdiction if the Board determines that the applicant demonstrates “sufficient experience and competence” and the applicant:

  1. Is in good standing with the regulatory body of another licensing jurisdiction at the time of application to Texas
  2. Has successfully passed the licensing examination appropriate to the category of licensure in which they are seeking (ASWB clinical level examination for LCSWs)
  3. Has passed the Texas-specific jurisprudence examination conducted by the Board

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Utah

There are two paths to licensure for out-of-state applicants looking to obtain their LCSW license in Utah.

Licensure by Endorsement – For applicants who have been licensed for at least 1 year as a licensed clinical social worker (in good standing) in another state with requirements deemed equivalent to Utah.

  • A map of states deemed equivalent and non-equivalent to Utah found here.
  • All endorsement applicants are also required to submit documentation of at least 3 hours of continuing education in the area of professional ethics and responsibilities and 2 hours in suicide prevention (hours must have been obtained in the last three years)
  • To apply, applicants must provide:
  • Official verification of their license
  • Official verification of passing the ASWB clinical exam (if licensed in a state in which not all independent licensure require the ASWB exam, these states can be found on the map)
  • Verification of 4,000 hours of “Active Practice as a LCSW” or equivalent (if licensed in a state deemed not equivalent; West Virginia is currently the only U.S. state in which this applies, according to the map)

Licensure not by Endorsement – For applicants licensed <1 year as an LCSW. More documentation of education and supervision is required via this path. To apply, applicants must provide evidence of:

  1. Official verification of passing the ASWB clinical exam
  2. Verification of obtaining a Master’s degree in social work
  3. Verification of completing 4,000 hours of experience under supervision from a LCSW while licensed as a CSW (or equivalent)
  4. Official verification of license from your supervisor for the state that experience hours were completed in
  5. Official verification of license from the state(s) in which you are currently licensed.

Quick links:

Vermont

Vermont offers multiple paths to licensure for out-of state applicants seeking their clinical social work license in Vermont. These paths vary based on an applicant’s experience and the requirements of the state in which they are currently licensed.

Licensure by Endorsement – For applicants who hold an active license to practice independent clinical social work in state whose requirements for licensing are “substantially equivalent” to the requirements in Vermont

  • Applicants must submit an application, pay the relevant fees, and provide verification of their license as part of the application

Fast Track Endorsement – For applicants actively licensed in good standing in another state with substantially similar requirements and who have been licensed for 3+ years preceding their application

  • Applicants must submit an application, pay the relevant fees, and provide verification of their license and 3 years of experience as part of the application

“5 Year Rule” Licensure Process – For applicants who hold an active license in another state who have practiced 1,200 hours per year (or more) for a minimum of 5 years; provides a path to licensure to applicants, regardless of whether their original licensure state had licensing requirements substantially similar to Vermont’s (also known as the “Uniform process for endorsement from other states“)

  • Applicants must submit an application, pay the relevant fees, and provide verification of their license and 5 years of experience as part of the application

All applicants must also complete and pass the VT State Jurisprudence Exam prior to licensure.

Applicants who qualify for none of the above paths can still apply for their Vermont license but most do so via the more documentation-intensive Licensure by Examination path.

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Virginia

Virginia offers a Licensure by Endorsement process for applicants who hold an active and “substantially equivalent” clinical social work license in another state. To apply, LCSW endorsement applicants must provide the Virginia Board with sufficient evidence to indicate substantial equivalency of credentials, including:

  1. A completed application and relevant fees
  2. Documentation of holding an active, unrestricted social work license in another state at the level comparable to the level in which they are applying in Virginia (e.g. LCSW)
  3. Proof of a passing score on the ASWB clinical examination
  4. Documentation of any other health or mental health licensure, if applicable.
  5. A current report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).
  6. Either: Verification of sufficient post-licensure experience (active practice for 24 out of the past 60 months) OR evidence of substantially similar supervised experience (3,000 hours of supervised post-master’s degree experience)
  7. Certification that the applicant is not involved in any pending or unresolved board actions or malpractice claims in other states

Quick links:

Washington

Washington offers both a reciprocity process and a probationary license program for out-of-state applicants seeking their LICSW in the state. To obtain full licensure, all applicants—regardless of path—must meet the full licensure requirements for a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington.

Probationary Licensure – Applicants who hold a license of similar scope to LICSWs in Washington are eligible to obtain a probationary licensure that allows the applicant to practice in the state while the Social Work Committee verifies the applicant’s credentials and/or while the applicant works to make up any differences between their current education/experience credentials and those required by Washington.

  • Every state’s independent licensure (with the exception of Nevada) has been deemed by the Committee to have an equivalent and/or greater scope than Washington (note: scope of licensure is different than licensure requirements). Thus, all non-Nevada out-of-state applicants are eligible for a probationary license
  • The probationary license is a 1-year temporary license that can be issued to applicants applying for Washington’s reciprocity program; the probationary license requires that the license holder practice in a behavioral health agency (no independent practice is permitted)

Reciprocity Process – The probationary license program “does not eliminate other options for out of state applicants.” Thus, applicants who qualify for full licensure based on “substantial equivalency of licensure standards” do not need to go through the probationary licensure process. To determine whether your current state has substantially equivalent requirements to those in Washington, review the LICSW licensure requirements found here.

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Washington DC

Washington DC offers a Licensure by Endorsement process for applicants who meet both of the following requirements:

  1. The applicant obtained initial licensure by examination at the equivalent level of licensure for which the applicant is applying (ASWB Clinical Exam for LICSWs)
  2. The applicant is currently licensed in good standing as a social worker in another state whose licensure requirements, as determined by Board, were “substantially equivalent” at the time of licensure to the current requirements of Washington DC

To apply, applicants must submit:

  1. An application and related fees
  2. Verification of their current license, as well as licensure verification from the original state of licensure (if different from current licensure) proving that the license is current and in good standing
  3. A certified transcript
  4. Certified ASWB national exam results
  5. A total of 3 references (2 professional references and 1 personal reference)

Quick links:

West Virginia

West Virginia has no formal reciprocity or endorsement processes through which out-of-state applicants can obtain their social work license in the state, so out-of-state applicant’s must meet the same education and experience required of traditional applicants, in addition to providing verification of their current state licensure. However, applicants need not repeat the ASWB national examination or accrue new supervisory hours if their previous exam/supervision experience is sufficient to fulfill West Virginia’s requirements.

Requirements for LICSW licensure in West Virginia include:

  1. A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited social work program, and/or a PhD or DSW degree in social work from a university that is accredited by the CSWE (additional field placement and course requirement specifications found here)
  2. Successful completion of the ASWB clinical level examination
  3. Verification of license standing in other state(s) of licensure
  4. Verification of a minimum of 2 years of full-time employment and/or 3,000 hours of practice in full- or part-time employment (with at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision)

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Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers a Reciprocity process for applicants who currently hold a similar social work license in another state. Through this process, applicant’s current licensure is evaluated for “reciprocal equivalency,” which compares the applicant’s current state licensing standards to those of Wisconsin to determine if they are substantially equivalent (Wisconsin’s requirements for LCSW licensure found here)

  • Like most reciprocity processes, this review is based on a comparison of the applicant’s current state licensing requirements; it is not based on the applicant’s individual qualifications. However, individuals from states whose requirements for licensure are not considered substantially equivalent may use their individual qualifications to apply through the state’s Licensure by Examination process, the traditional path to licensure for non-reciprocity/in-state applicants

To apply for their LCSW license via Reciprocity, applicants must:

  1. Submit a completed application and relevant fees
  2. Provide verification of their current license and licensure status, including convictions and pending charges (if applicable)
  3. Complete the Wisconsin-specific Statutes and Rules Examination

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Wyoming

Out-of-state applicants seeking their LCSW license in Wyoming may apply via the state’s Reciprocity process if the laws under which they obtained their current license are “substantially similar” to those in Wyoming (requirements for license can be found starting on page 10 of the state’s Mental Health Professions Rules and Regulations) and the applicant:

  1. Has obtained a master’s degree or higher in social work
  2. Has passed the ASWB clinical level examination
  3. Holds a license in another state that is free from discipline and in good standing (if a license is held in more than one state, the applicant must provide verification that all licenses held within the last 5 years have not had any discipline against them)

A detailed checklist of all reciprocity application components (including relevant fees and other required documentation) can be found here.

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