Apply for Standard LSW

License Requirements by Exam

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is the bachelor's license type. Apply for licensure by examination if you do not have a current social work license in another state.

License requirements for a Standard LSW by examination under Minnesota Statutes section 148E.055 are as follows:

Academic Degree: Baccalaureate (bachelor'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
Examination: Passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelors 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
Ethical Standards: Must not have engaged in conduct in violation of the Board's ethical standards of practice

The Board recommends that current social work students apply for a license by exam six months before graduation for the best application process.

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.
The Board recommends that current social work students apply for a standard license by exam about six months before graduation for the best application process.
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

Application deadlines:

Applications for standard licensure by exam 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 and pay another application 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

Apply by Examination

Apply for licensure by examination if you do not have a current social work license in another state or jurisdiction. Current social work students may apply for a license six months before graduation to take the ASWB exam. For more information see Top Ten Application Tips for Students.

Application Action Steps:

1. Submit application and fee(s)
- Apply online: Apply and pay fee using the Board's Online Services .
- Apply by mail: Download the Application for Licensure form and submit fee by mail with check or money order.
2. Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check

Unless you hold a current standard 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 degree, major, 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)
- Current social work students: Wait to submit your official transcript until after graduation; contact your school to confirm your degree conferred date will be included on transcript.
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.
- Current Social Work Students: Do NOT submit your application to the board until you are within six (6) months of completing your social work degree requirements.
- 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

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.
Your license is not effective until the Board receives your initial license fee online or by mail.
Provisional to Standard License

Upon completion of the requirements of a provisional license, it is necessary for the applicant to pursue a standard license to continue to engage in social work practice under Minnesota Statute Chapter 148E. A Provisional to Standard License Application must be submitted, and all required steps, including submission of the initial licensure fee upon approval for licensure, must be completed within one year or the application is closed.
1. Submit application
- Apply online: Apply using the Board's Online Services .
- Apply by mail: Download the Provisional to Standard License Application and submit to:
  - Board of Social Work
    335 Randolph Ave, Suite 245
    Saint Paul, MN 55102
2. Pay initial license fee
- Once the Provisional to Standard License Application is reviewed and approved, the Board will mail a License Fee Statement identifying the initial license fee. You must pay this fee as soon as possible to continue practicing social work per MS148E. The new license will be effective the day the Board receives this fee.
Application Fees

Effective October 1st 2026, the criminal background check fee will increase to $35

All fees submitted to the Board are non-refundable and must be submitted with an Application for Licensure form online or by mail. Apply and pay using the Board's Online Services or download the Application for Licensure form if applying by examination or endorsement and submit via mail with check or money order.

Application Basis Application
Fee CBC
Fee Total
Fee

Examination $75 $32 $107
Resources
- When is a license required?
- Criminal Background Check information
- Temporary License information
- Information for social work students
- BOSW video: License Application Process for Social Work Students
Fact sheets:
External Links:
- Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) website
- ASWB Social Work License Regulation Information (ASWB resource to compare license types and requirements between different jurisdictions)
- ASWB Exam Resources
- ASWB "Testing Software Sample Screens"
- ASWB Exam Candidate Handbook
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Directory of Accredited Programs

Licensee/Applicants

Online Services Login

Public License Lookup

Forms

CE Provider list

Public

Public License Lookup

File a Complaint

Apply for Standard LSW

License Requirements by Exam

Processing Time, Deadlines, and Important Information

Application Process

Apply by Examination

Application Action Steps:

1. Submit application and fee(s)

2. Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check

3. Submit required supporting documentation

4. Register for and take ASWB exam

5. Pay initial license fee

Provisional to Standard License

1. Submit application

2. Pay initial license fee

Application Fees

Effective October 1st 2026, the criminal background check fee will increase to $35

Resources

Application Basis	Application Fee	CBC Fee	Total Fee
Examination	$75	$32	$107