Apply for LSW
License Requirements
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is the bachelor's license type. Apply by examination if you do not have a current social work license in another state or jurisdiction, or apply by endorsement if you have a current social work license in another state or jurisdiction. The Board recommends that current social work students apply for a license six months before graduation for the best application process.
- 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 permanent 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
- Active Social Work License: Hold an active license or credential as a baccalaureate-level social worker in another jurisdiction
- Academic Degree: Bachelor’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 permanent 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 permanent 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 license 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 permanent 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
- Log in 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, log in to update your mailing address