Florida Provisional Clinical Social Worker (PCLW)
AKA: Florida PCLW License
What's Here? - Table of Contents
Florida offers a Provisional Clinical Social Worker (PCLW) credential for individuals who are on the clinical social work pathway but have not yet completed all requirements for full Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure. The provisional credential allows supervised clinical practice while remaining licensure steps—such as required experience or the national exam—are completed.
A PCLW may provide clinical social work services only under supervision.
This credential does not authorize independent practice and is intended to be temporary.
Florida requires provisional clinical social workers to meet with their approved supervisor
face-to-face at least once per month. Employers and supervisors must structure roles and responsibilities to remain within this supervised scope.
To qualify for the clinical social work pathway in Florida, applicants must hold—or be completing—a graduate degree in social work. Florida relies on national accreditation standards, so confirming program accreditation is an essential first step.
Accreditation status can be verified through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
If you are still choosing a program, selecting a CSWE-accredited school aligned with Florida’s clinical licensure pathway can prevent delays later in the process.
Florida’s clinical licensure pathway requires two years of post-master’s supervised experience under a licensed clinical social worker. This experience is documented and reviewed as part of the LCSW licensure process.
The provisional credential allows eligible applicants to work toward these requirements while legally practicing under supervision. All experience must be documented using Florida’s required verification format to count toward licensure.
Florida uses the national clinical social work examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
Depending on an applicant’s status, Florida may allow the exam to be taken before or after provisional approval. Applicants should confirm exam timing before registering to avoid delays or misapplied scores.
Florida’s provisional process is tied to the LCSW application. Applicants generally apply for full licensure first and then, after board approval, request the provisional credential.
Most application steps, uploads, and status updates are managed through Florida’s online licensing system: Florida MQA Online Services.
Because provisional licensure is conditional, applicants should confirm supervision arrangements and remaining requirements before submitting fees or beginning practice.
Florida lists a separate fee for provisional licensure in addition to standard application and licensure fees.
The provisional credential is time-limited and is not intended to be renewed indefinitely.
Applicants should always confirm current fee amounts and timelines on Florida’s official licensing page before submitting payment.
Supervision availability can vary significantly across Florida. Urban areas often offer more supervisors and clinical employers, while rural regions may require earlier planning to secure approved supervision.
Employers may also impose onboarding or documentation requirements that exceed state minimums.
These employer policies do not replace Florida licensure rules but can affect how quickly practice may begin.
No. The provisional credential is temporary and exists only to allow supervised clinical practice while remaining licensure requirements are completed.
No. Independent clinical practice is reserved for fully licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs).
Provisional practice must always occur under approved supervision.
Because licensure rules can change, applicants should rely on Florida’s official clinical social work licensing page for the most current guidance: Florida Board of Clinical Social Work
