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Maine Licensed Master Social Worker, Conditional Clinical (MC)

AKA: Maine MC License

How to Become a Social Worker in Maine - 2026 Guide
Social Worker License

by Social Worker License Staff

Updated: March 6th, 2026

Maine Licensing Body

Last verified: March 6th, 2026

This guide was last reviewed against the official materials published by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure, along with the applicable Maine Revised Statutes governing social workers (Title 32, Chapter 83) and the Maine Administrative Rules for social worker licensure (02-416 C.M.R. Chapter 13). These sources establish the state’s requirements for education, examination, supervision, and renewal for licenses such as LSX, LSW, LMSW, and LCSW.

Verification process: We review the board’s official licensing guidance and application instructions, confirm statutory requirements in the Maine Revised Statutes, and cross-check supervision, examination, and continuing education requirements against the administrative rules governing social worker licensure before updating this guide.

Licensed Master Social Worker, Conditional Clinical (MC) Licensing in Maine

The Licensed Master Social Worker, Conditional Clinical (LMSW-CC) license in Maine allows a master’s-level social worker to begin gaining supervised clinical experience required for full clinical licensure. This credential is designed for professionals who have completed a qualifying graduate social work degree and passed the required licensing examination but still need to complete supervised clinical practice before becoming fully licensed for independent clinical work.

The license is issued and regulated by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure. Under Maine law, this credential allows a social worker to provide clinical social work services under supervision while working toward the experience requirements for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license.

Overview of the LMSW-CC pathway

  • Graduate education: Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited educational institution.
  • Licensing examination: Pass the examination prescribed by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.
  • Conditional clinical practice: Work under qualified supervision while gaining clinical experience required for full clinical licensure.
  • Progression to LCSW: After completing the required supervised clinical experience and meeting board requirements, apply for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.

Process for Becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker, Conditional Clinical (MC) in Maine

The LMSW-CC license allows qualified social workers to begin supervised clinical practice while working toward full clinical licensure. The basic process involves completing graduate education, passing the required exam, applying for the license, and gaining supervised clinical experience.

1. Complete a qualifying graduate degree

Maine requires a master’s or doctoral degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited educational institution. Most applicants meet this requirement by earning a Master of Social Work (MSW). The statutory qualifications appear in 32 M.R.S. §7053.

2. Pass the required social work licensing exam

Applicants must successfully complete the examination prescribed by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure. Maine uses exams administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Register through ASWB and follow its authorization and scheduling process.

3. Apply for the LMSW-CC license

Submit your application through Maine’s online licensing system:

  • Online application portal: ALMS Online
  • Required materials typically include:
    • Proof of graduate social work degree
    • Exam verification
    • Completed application and disclosures

4. Begin supervised clinical practice

Once licensed as an LMSW-CC, you may provide clinical social work services under supervision while accumulating the supervised clinical experience required for full clinical licensure.

5. Apply for LCSW licensure after completing supervision

After meeting Maine’s supervised clinical experience requirements, you may apply to upgrade your credential to a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure publishes licensing forms, rules, and application details on its official website.