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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. 

License requirements for LICSW by examination under Minnesota Statutes section 148E.055 are as follows: 
  • 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

License requirements for LICSW by endorsement under Minnesota Statutes section 148E.055 are as follows: 
  • 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

Plan ahead!
  • 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
One-year application deadline:
  • 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
Check your application status online:
  • 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
Update your email + mailing address:
  • The Board will contact you about your application via mail
  • If your address changes, login to Online Services to update your mailing address

Application Process

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