How to Become a Social Worker in Maryland
:: 2026 Guide
Select the appropriate option below to learn how to become a social worker in Maryland.
The Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) credential in Maryland is intended for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and want to practice entry-level social work. LBSWs typically work in roles such as case management, community outreach, and service coordination, but they must practice under supervision and cannot independently provide clinical diagnosis or psychotherapy.
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential in Maryland is designed for individuals who have completed a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and passed the required ASWB master’s examination. LMSWs may perform advanced social work duties such as assessment, program development, and service coordination, but clinical services must generally be provided under appropriate supervision until higher clinical licensure is obtained.
The Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) credential in Maryland is intended for professionals who have earned a master’s degree in social work (MSW) and completed the required post-graduate supervised experience for advanced practice. This license supports advanced non-clinical and some clinical social work roles, including supervision, program administration, policy work, and complex service coordination within agencies and healthcare systems.
The Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (LCSW-C) credential is Maryland’s highest clinical social work license and is designed for professionals who have completed an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, finished the required supervised clinical experience, and passed the ASWB Clinical examination. LCSW-Cs may practice independent clinical social work, including psychotherapy, mental health diagnosis, and treatment of behavioral and emotional disorders without ongoing supervision.
Maryland offers licensure by reciprocity (endorsement) for social workers who are already licensed in another state and wish to obtain an equivalent Maryland credential. This pathway is intended for professionals whose education, ASWB exam level, and supervised experience meet Maryland’s standards, and applicants must typically submit license verification, official transcripts, and ASWB score transfers for review by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners.
When you think of poverty alleviation and child welfare, social workers come to mind. These people, who are dedicated to enhancing lives, are an integral part of our society. The passionate social workers of Maryland help individuals, groups, and families find solutions to their everyday problems.
The ability to help people solve problems requires sensitivity among other things. This is why it is necessary for social workers to get licensed before practicing. Getting licensed is simply your way of assuring people that you are capable and efficient as a social worker.