Become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Connecticut
AKA: Connecticut LMSW License
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How to Become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Connecticut
Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) in Connecticut provide assessment, case management, supportive counseling, and coordinated referrals across hospitals, schools, community mental health, and nonprofit settings. Under state law, LMSWs practice clinical social work under supervision; independent clinical practice requires LCSW licensure. See CGS § 20-195n.
Requirements at a Glance
| Item | What to Prepare | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Education | MSW from a CSWE-accredited program; request official transcript per DPH instructions | CSWE Accreditation |
| Exam | ASWB Master’s exam requirement is suspended until Jan 1, 2026 (see DPH). Monitor DPH for updates. | DPH – LMSW Licensing |
| Application | Complete online application and pay fees (initial application fee listed by DPH) | CT eLicense Portal |
| Renewal | Annual renewal; complete 15 hours of CE each 12-month registration period | DPH – CE |
Follow the directions on DPH’s official pages for the most current requirements.
Engage in a mix of assessment, treatment planning, supportive counseling, and coordinated referrals that measurably improve access to care. Work across settings such as hospital behavioral health, schools, veteran-serving agencies, and community nonprofits while adhering to Connecticut regulations.
Tip: Keep a single folder for transcripts, confirmations, receipts, and (if applicable) score reports. Organized files reduce follow-up delays.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) regulates LMSW licensure. Check updates on the DPH site.
Educational Requirements for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Connecticut
Earn a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation ensures preparation that aligns with Connecticut’s licensure standards. See the CSWE program directory.
Expect a blend of seminars, practice labs, and supervised placements aligned to CSWE competencies.
Importance of Accreditation
A CSWE-accredited degree is the foundation for Connecticut LMSW eligibility and supports recognition by employers and payers.
Verification and Documentation
After degree conferral, have your program send official transcripts to DPH per portal instructions. Submit through the eLicense portal.
Align academic documentation with DPH requirements to streamline approval.
Examination Requirements for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Connecticut
Important: DPH has suspended the ASWB Master’s exam requirement for LMSW licensure until January 1, 2026. Review DPH’s licensing page for current status and any next steps. If/when the exam is required again, register via ASWB and follow DPH’s score reporting instructions.
If the exam resumes
- Ensure your legal name matches exactly on your government ID, ASWB profile, and eLicense account.
- Use ASWB’s official prep resources and verify accommodations where applicable.
Supervision Requirements and Path to LCSW
Supervised experience is not required for LMSW licensure. To qualify for independent clinical practice (LCSW), Connecticut requires post-master’s experience and supervision, plus the ASWB Clinical exam. Confirm hour totals, supervision requirements, and documentation on DPH’s LCSW page.
- Name matching: Keep your name consistent across ID, ASWB (if applicable), and eLicense to avoid record-matching delays.
- Transcript handling: Request official transcripts per DPH instructions; “issued to student” or opened envelopes are often rejected.
Application Process for LMSW Licensure in Connecticut
Start Your Application
Apply online via the CT eLicense portal. DPH’s LMSW page lists the current initial application fee and required documents.
Gather Required Documents
- Official transcript verifying MSW from a CSWE-accredited program (sent per DPH instructions).
- Verification of any licenses held in other jurisdictions, if applicable.
Submit & Track
Submit online, pay the fee, and monitor status via your eLicense account. Be responsive to any DPH requests for additional information.
Licensure Renewal Requirements for LMSW in Connecticut
Renewal Timeline and Process
Licenses renew on an annual cycle (12-month registration period) via the eLicense portal. Renew on time to prevent interruptions in practice.
Continuing Education Requirements
Complete 15 hours of continuing education during each 12-month registration period. Keep CE documentation for audit per DPH guidance. See DPH – CE Requirements.
Regional Issues
State Laws and Regulations
Connecticut’s practice standards and scope are defined by statute and DPH guidance. Review CGS § 20-195n and § 20-195s to understand LMSW scope (supervised clinical practice and conditions for offering a mental health diagnosis).
Practice Settings and Populations
LMSWs serve urban, suburban, and rural communities across hospitals, schools, integrated primary care, and community agencies. Cultural humility and language access remain core to effective service delivery.
Telehealth
For telepractice, review DPH’s pages for any registration requirements and follow payer-specific rules. See DPH’s LMSW hub for “Mental or Behavioral Telehealth Registration.”
Additional Considerations
Ethical Standards
LMSWs must uphold ethical practice and client protections consistent with DPH regulations and professional codes. When in doubt, consult DPH guidance and supervisory consultation.
Advancement & Specialization
Build focused expertise (e.g., child & family, integrated care, trauma, geriatrics) through CE, certificates, and supervised practice as you progress toward LCSW if independent clinical work is your goal.
Networking & Professional Development
Join state and national associations for CE, supervision resources, and policy updates. Conferences, listservs, and peer groups accelerate competency growth and career mobility.
FAQs
Do tele-supervision hours count toward LCSW?
Connecticut recognizes supervision that meets DPH criteria and is properly documented. Confirm supervisor eligibility and security/platform requirements on DPH pages before logging hours.
How long are ASWB scores valid if I delay applying?
ASWB manages score reporting and retention; verify current policies on ASWB and confirm any CT-specific timelines with DPH.
Is there expedited or temporary licensure for military spouses?
Connecticut may offer recognition or expedited review when statutory criteria are met. Check the latest instructions and documentation on the DPH site.
Can I provide telehealth to clients located in other states?
Licensure is tied to the client’s location. Obtain authorization in the client’s state before treatment across state lines. Review CT telepractice information on DPH and the other state’s rules.
What issues most often delay licensure?
Name mismatches across ID/ASWB/eLicense, unofficial or student-issued transcripts, and incomplete responses to DPH requests are common culprits. Keep receipts and tracking for all submissions.