Become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Connecticut
AKA: Connecticut LMSW License
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Connecticut’s Licensed Master Social Worker credential is for people who have earned a qualifying MSW and want to begin licensed social work practice in the state. For many applicants, the path involves completing a CSWE-accredited master’s degree, meeting Connecticut’s examination rules, and applying through the Department of Public Health’s online system. This guide explains each step so you can understand what Connecticut requires and move through the licensing process with more confidence.
Tip: Keep a single folder for transcripts, confirmations, receipts, and (if applicable) score reports. Organized files reduce follow-up delays.
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.
A CSWE-accredited degree is the foundation for Connecticut LMSW eligibility and supports recognition by employers and payers.
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.
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.
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.
Apply online via the CT eLicense portal. DPH’s LMSW page lists the current initial application fee and required documents.
Submit online, pay the fee, and monitor status via your eLicense account. Be responsive to any DPH requests for additional information.
Licenses renew on an annual cycle (12-month registration period) via the eLicense portal. Renew on time to prevent interruptions in practice.
Complete 15 hours of continuing education during each 12-month registration period. Keep CE documentation for audit per DPH guidance. See DPH – CE Requirements.
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).
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.
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.”
LMSWs must uphold ethical practice and client protections consistent with DPH regulations and professional codes. When in doubt, consult DPH guidance and supervisory consultation.
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.
Join state and national associations for CE, supervision resources, and policy updates. Conferences, listservs, and peer groups accelerate competency growth and career mobility.
Connecticut recognizes supervision that meets DPH criteria and is properly documented. Confirm supervisor eligibility and security/platform requirements on DPH pages before logging hours.
ASWB manages score reporting and retention; verify current policies on ASWB and confirm any CT-specific timelines with DPH.
Connecticut may offer recognition or expedited review when statutory criteria are met. Check the latest instructions and documentation on the DPH site.
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.
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.
