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Apply for Standard LICSW

License Requirements by Exam

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. 
License requirements for a Standard 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

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

  • Apply by Examination

    Apply by examination if you do not have a current social work license in another state or jurisdiction. (Apply by examination if you hold a current LGSW or LISW in Minnesota.)

    Application Action Steps:

     

    1. Submit application and fee(s)

     

    2. Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check

    Unless you hold a current permanent or temporary Minnesota social work license, you must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check (CBC).
    • Provide a current email address on your application to avoid delays.
    • The CBC Program Office will email instructions and forms to you, once the Board has received your application and fee.
    • Submit fingerprints to the CBC Program Office, not the Board of Social Work.
    • Review the Criminal Background Check page for additional information.

    3. Submit required supporting documentation

    Your application will not be processed without the required supporting documents. Supporting documentation may be submitted separately from the Application for Licensure and application fee, but should be submitted as soon as possible after an application is submitted.

    Official Transcript
    • You must submit an official transcript to the Board including your degreemajor, and date degree conferred.
      NOTE: You are NOT required to resubmit your official transcript if submitted to the Board with a previous application.
    • Contact the registrar's office at your school to request an official transcript sent directly from your school to the Board office.
    • Mail to:
      Board of Social Work
      335 Randolph Ave, Suite 245
      Saint Paul, MN 55102
    • Email to:
      social.work@state.mn.us
      (secure, certified PDF from your school)
    360 Clinical Clock Hours:
    • Documentation of 360 clinical clock hours in six clinical knowledge areas is required
    • Review the complete requirement under the "360 Clinical Clock Hours" tab (see above)
    • Download and complete the 360 Clinical Clock Hours Forms 1-3
    Verification of Supervised Practice:
    • Documentation of 200 hours of supervision over 4,000 to 8,000 hours of clinical practice is required, including 1,800 direct clinical client contact hours.
    • Download and complete the Clinical Supervision Verification form(s) OR submit Supervision Verification form(s) on your profile in Online Services
    • Review the Supervised Practice page for complete clinical supervised practice requirements
    • You are not required to resubmit verification of supervised practice, if previously submitted to the board.
     

    4. Register for and take ASWB exam

    The Board will send you a letter by mail if you are approved to take the ASWB exam.
    • Exam approval will be granted when all required supporting documents have been submitted and your application has been reviewed.
      • If required supporting documentation has not been submitted, your exam approval will be delayed.
      • The Board can grant exam approval before you have submitted fingerprints for the CBC, but your license cannot be issued until the CBC is complete.
      • Contact ASWB to register for the exam and pay any required fees. ASWB will send you information on how to schedule your exam.
    Optional—ASWB Nonstandard Testing Accommodations for the exam:
    Applicants in need of nonstandard testing arrangements should contact the ASWB prior to registering for the exam. Visit the ASWB website for more information. Scroll down and click on 'LEARN MORE' listed under each of the following options:
    • Arrangements for disability or other health condition
    • Lactation arrangements
    • English as a second language arrangements
    You may also email: specialarrangements@aswb.org with your questions, or to receive the applicable ASWB form.
    • Your official exam score will be automatically forwarded to the Board by ASWB approximately two weeks after you take the exam.
    • The Board will send you a letter by mail after receiving your exam results regarding next steps to complete your application.
    Passing the exam is not the equivalent of being licensed.
     

    5. Pay initial license fee online

    Once your application is complete and you are approved for a license, your profile in Online Services will be updated and the Board will send you a letter to notify you of the approval.
    • The initial license fee is based on a two-year license fee renewal term which is prorated based on the number of months until your first license renewal.
    • Your first license renewal will be in your birth month, two calendar years from the date your license is issued.
    • If you hold a current social work license in Minnesota, you remain on your established renewal term.
    Your license is not effective until the Board receives your initial license fee online or by mail.
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