Apply for LICSW
License Requirements
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) is a master's license type plus clinical supervised practice. Apply by examination if you do not have a current social work license in a state or jurisdiction other than Minnesota, or apply by endorsement if you have a current social work license in another state or jurisdiction.
- Academic Degree: Master's degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work, or a similar accreditation body that the board designates, or a doctorate in social work from an accredited university
- 360 Clinical Clock Hours: If applying by examination, documentation of 360 clock hours in six clinical knowledge areas is required (review complete requirements under Application Process below)
- Examination: Passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical exam
- Criminal Background Check: All applicants for initial licensure must complete a criminal background check (CBC) under Minnesota Statutes section 214.075, unless you hold a current standard or temporary social work license in Minnesota
- Supervised Practice: Documentation of 4,000 hours of clinical supervised practice is required (review complete requirements under Application Process by examination below)
- Ethical Standards: Must not have engaged in conduct in violation of the Board's ethical standards of practice
- Active Social Work License: Hold an active license or credential as an independent clinical level social worker in another jurisdiction
- Academic Degree: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Criminal Background Check: All applicants for initial licensure must complete a criminal background check (CBC) under Minnesota Statutes section 214.075, unless you hold a current standard or temporary social work license in Minnesota
- Ethical Standards: Must not have engaged in conduct in violation of the Board's ethical standards of practice
Processing Time, Deadlines, and Important Information
- Getting your standard license involves multiple steps and generally takes at least three months—in many cases it takes longer
- Applications are reviewed in order of date received and initial application review typically takes between 30 and 60 days from the date an application is received by the Board
- Review application requirements and submit required documentation to avoid delays in processing your application
- Find out when a license is required
- If you are eligible, a temporary license allows you to begin authorized social work practice for a time-limited period and can typically be issued more quickly than a standard license
- Applications remain open for one year from the date your application and fee are received by the Board
- If you do not complete all application requirements by the one-year deadline, your application will close and you will need to reapply, pay another fee, and may need to complete another CBC
- Login to Online Services to check your application status
- Review your online application checklist regularly and look at the comments added by Board staff on each item for details
- The Board will contact you about your application via mail
- If your address changes, login to Online Services to update your mailing address