Massachusetts Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) Guide - 2024

Massachusetts Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) Licensure Process

In addition to the duties of the LSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker will work under the supervision of a LICSW. LCSWs will perform every kind of clinical social work responsibility.

Here are the categories of requirements for attaining the LCSW license in Massachusetts:

Educational Requirements

The educational qualification for LCSW licensure requires you to attain one of the following levels of education:

• Master’s degree in Social Works (MSW) from a CSWE-approved institution.
• Doctor of Social Works (DSW) from a CSWE-approved institution.
• Ph.D. in Social Works from a CSWE-approved institution.

Here you can find all schools offering social work degree programs in Massachusetts.

Examination Requirements

Massachusetts Social Work Board requires applicants to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) National Masters Social Works Exam. However, the board must screen your application and give the go-ahead before you take this exam.

You can register online for the national master’s social works exam. You can also register by mail, phone, or fax by downloading, filling, and submitting the exam registration form.

Reference Requirements

Applicants are required to have two professional references and one advanced field placement supervisory reference. At least one of these references must be an LCSW or LICSW license holder or a holder of an equivalent license from another state.

Applying for Licensure as a Licensed Certified Social Worker.

Complete and submit an online licensure application form to the board OR send your application to the email address for application. The ASWB processes licensure applications on behalf of the state board.

Your application should contain the following documents;

• Certified transcripts of the highest suitable degree from your college. Your college can send the transcript electronically to this email address or in a sealed official envelope.
• A completed criminal background check in a signed, notarized criminal history acknowledgment form.
• A 2-inch by 2-inch color passport photograph. The photograph must be clear and either scanned and submitted during the online application or sent with the other application documents via mail.
• Two professional references.

You will also need to pay an application fee of $173.

• Pay your LCSW licensure fee of $68.
• The board will notify you by mail if your application has gained its approval or if there are issues to resolve. If your application is approved, proceed to register for the ASWB exam. The ASWB exam registration fee is $230.
• The ASWB will send your result to the board if you pass the exam.