Become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Delaware
AKA: Delaware LMSW License
What's Here? - Table of Contents
Delaware urgently seeks more Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs). From crisis support to long-term therapy, these professionals bring evidence-based care directly to communities across the state.
| Item | What to Prepare | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Degree & Accreditation | MSW from a CSWE-accredited program (official transcript per Board instructions) | CSWE Accreditation |
| Application | Apply online in DELPROS; upload required documents and pay fees | DELPROS |
| Criminal Background Check | State & FBI fingerprinting via IdentoGO using the DPR service code (no paper authorization form) | DPR — CBC |
| Child Protection Registry | Submit the Delaware Child Protection Registry (CPR) Consent as instructed | CPR Portal |
| National Exam | ASWB Master’s — Board approval in DELPROS before registering with ASWB | Board — Examinations • ASWB |
| Fees | $205 application fee (non-refundable; paid in DELPROS) | Board — Fee Schedule |
| Renewal | Biennial by Jan 31 (odd years); 30 CE hours per full period incl. ≥6 ethics & ≥1 mandatory reporting (≤10 self-directed) | Board — Renewal • Board — CE |
Always follow the instructions on the Board’s official pages.
Becoming an LMSW in Delaware opens doors to a career centered on measurable client outcomes and community impact. You’ll provide evidence-based interventions, advocacy, and coordinated referrals for individuals and families, under the scope permitted by state law and agency policy.
Earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Programs combine coursework in ethics, human behavior, policy, and research with field education aligned to CSWE competencies. Always verify school status in the CSWE directory (avoid static lists).
Arrange for your official transcript to be sent as directed in DELPROS. The Board specifies acceptable delivery methods and may require documents be sent directly by the institution.
Delaware requires the ASWB Master’s examination for LMSW licensure. Follow this order to avoid eligibility and score-matching issues:
Name-match tip: Make sure your legal name matches exactly on your ID, DELPROS, and ASWB profiles.
Use the ASWB Examination Guidebook and (optional) full-length practice tests. Build a study calendar and do at least one timed mock to check pacing.
Criminal Background Check (CBC): Delaware uses IdentoGO for digital fingerprinting. The prior paper Authorization form and walk-in police-station submissions are no longer used. Start on the DPR CBC page to get your service code and schedule your fingerprints.
Child Protection Registry (CPR) Consent: Submit the Delaware CPR consent through the state’s CPR portal as instructed (register, complete the consent, and upload as required).
Direct supervised practice is not required to obtain or maintain an LMSW license in Delaware. If you plan to pursue the LCSW, you’ll later need Board-specified supervised clinical experience under approved supervisors (see the LCSW guide and regulations).
Create a DELPROS account and apply under “Bachelors or Masters Social Worker.” You can save and return as needed; required third-party documents (e.g., transcripts, ASWB scores) must be sent as directed. Access DELPROS here.
The Board reviews complete applications (including third-party documents). Track status in your DELPROS dashboard and respond promptly to any Board requests.
All Social Worker licenses in Active status expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years. Renew through DELPROS before the deadline to avoid lapses.
During each full biennial period (Feb 1 → Jan 31 odd years), LMSWs must complete 30 hours of CE, including ≥6 hours in ethics and ≥1 hour in mandatory reporting. No more than 10 hours may be self-directed. Proration rules apply for first-cycle licensees. Use the DELPROS CE Tracker and retain certificates (upload only if audited).
Practice within Delaware’s license law and Board regulations (scope, supervision boundaries, duty to report). Review the Board’s license law and rules before offering services.
Delaware’s compact geography includes urban, suburban, and rural communities with varied resource access. Cultural humility, language access, and coordinated referrals (e.g., housing, transportation, food security) strengthen outcomes statewide.
Many payers accept the Board’s online license lookup or require an official verification sent by the Board. Start at the Board site and follow each payer’s PSV instructions.
Tele-supervision may be permitted when delivered via secure, synchronous platforms. Confirm current supervision criteria in the Board’s regulations before logging hours.
US$230 (paid to ASWB after Board approval to test).
No separate jurisprudence exam is listed for LMSW; the required exam is the ASWB Master’s. Always confirm current requirements on the Board’s site.
Using the old paper process, name mismatches, or incomplete IdentoGO submissions can delay results. Follow the DPR CBC page exactly and keep receipts/transaction IDs.
