How to Become a Social Worker in Minnesota
:: 2026 Guide
Select the appropriate option below to learn how to become a social worker in Minnesota.
The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential in Minnesota is intended for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program or a related degree that meets board requirements. LSWs typically work in supervised settings providing generalist services such as case management, resource coordination, and client support, but they are not authorized to practice clinical social work independently.
The Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) credential in Minnesota is designed for individuals who have earned a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and passed the required ASWB master’s examination. LGSWs may perform advanced social work duties, including clinical services, but clinical practice must occur under supervision until independent licensure is obtained.
The Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) credential in Minnesota is intended for professionals who have completed a master’s degree in social work (MSW) and the required post-degree supervised practice experience for independent practice. LISWs may provide non-clinical social work services independently, such as program management, policy work, and advanced casework, but they are not authorized to independently provide clinical psychotherapy.
The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) credential is Minnesota’s highest clinical social work license and is intended for professionals who have completed an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, fulfilled the required supervised clinical experience, and passed the ASWB Clinical examination. LICSWs are authorized to practice independent clinical social work, including diagnosis, psychotherapy, and treatment of mental health conditions without supervision.
Minnesota offers licensure by reciprocity (endorsement) for social workers who are already licensed in another state and want to obtain an equivalent Minnesota credential. This pathway is intended for professionals whose education, ASWB exam level, and supervised experience are substantially equivalent to Minnesota’s requirements, and applicants must typically provide license verification, official transcripts, and ASWB exam score transfers for review by the Minnesota Board of Social Work.
A social work career is one dedicated to helping individuals live a fuller and healthier life through community and personal development, counseling, mental health campaigns, and policy formulation. The Minnesota Board of Social Work is the licensing body for professionals in this field. The licensure process serves as a filter that ensures that only adequately qualified and experienced people provide social work services in the state.
With a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a social worker is expected to have been introduced to the fundamentals of human behavior which comes in handy in their work at clinics, correctional centers, non-profits, and government organizations, among others.