Apply for Provisional LGSW
Provisional License Pathway
Provisional Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) is a master's license type. Apply for a provisional license if you do not have a current social work license of the equivalent type in any 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
- 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 provisional 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.
- Current social work students must wait until their degree is conferred to apply for a provisional license.
- Review application requirements and submit required documentation to avoid delays in processing your application.
- Find out when a license is required
Application deadlines:
- 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