New Hampshire Social Work Licensure by Endorsement (Reciprocity)
If you’re already licensed as a social worker in another state, New Hampshire offers a pathway to obtain an equivalent license without repeating your entire education and training. This process is commonly referred to as licensure by endorsement.
Licensure is handled by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice (OPLC), which reviews your current license, education, exam history, and professional standing to determine eligibility.
Who Qualifies for Licensure by Endorsement?
- You hold an active social work license in another U.S. state
- Your license was earned under requirements substantially equivalent to New Hampshire’s standards
- You are in good standing with no unresolved disciplinary issues
What You’ll Need to Apply
- Verification of your current license (sent directly from your licensing board)
- Official transcripts showing your qualifying social work degree (BSW or MSW from a CSWE-approved program)
- ASWB exam scores (sent through ASWB)
- Supervised experience documentation (if applying for advanced or clinical licensure)
- Completed application through the state portal
How to Apply
- Review endorsement requirements on the Board website
- Request license verification from your current state
- Have your ASWB scores transferred to New Hampshire
- Submit your application through the OPLC online portal
How License Matching Works
New Hampshire does not automatically grant identical titles. Instead, the Board evaluates your credentials and issues the closest equivalent license:
- CSW (bachelor’s-level)
- CSW-M (master’s-level)
- LICSW (independent clinical)
Important Considerations
- Equivalency matters: If your original state had lower requirements, you may need to complete additional steps
- Supervision requirements: Advanced licenses (like LICSW) may require proof of supervised clinical experience
- Processing time: Delays often come from missing verification documents or mismatched records
Bottom Line
If your current license meets New Hampshire’s standards, licensure by endorsement can be a faster path to practicing in the state. The key is submitting a complete, consistent application with verified education, exam scores, and licensure history.
