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LCSW Licensure Walk Through - The Examination Process

The Examination Process

In order to become eligible to participate in the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) examinations (Standard Written Examination and Written Clinical Vignette Examination), you must submit a completed LCSW Examination Eligibility Application .

Once your application is approved, you will receive an eligibility letter from the Board. Approximately two weeks later, you will receive the LCSW Standard Written Examination Candidate Handbook, also available in Forms and Publications, in the mail with your eligibility information printed on the back.

Once you pass the LCSW Standard Written Examination, you can apply to sit for the LCSW Written Clinical Vignette Examination.  To do so, you need to submit a LCSW Examination/Re-Examination form, available in Forms and Publications, with the required $100 fee. The processing time for this form is 60 days.  You must take the LCSW Written Clinical Vignette Examination no later than one year from the date of passing the Standard Written Examination.

If you take and fail an examination, you must re-take it no later than one year from the date of failure. Also, after failing an examination, you must wait a minimum of six months from the date of failure before the Board can approve you again to take the examination. You must submit a LCSW Examination/Re-Examination form with the required $100 fee in order to retake the test. Again, the processing time for this form is 60 days.

Abandonment of Examination Eligibility

Meeting your examination deadlines is critical. The Board will abandon your application if you fail to sit for the examination by your deadline. In order to become re-eligible, you will need to re-submit an application for examination eligibility and meet all requirements. The process of submitting a new application after abandonment can be time-consuming and stressful.

Notes on Working and ASW Registration While in the Examination Process

Individuals in the examination process do not need an ASW registration number in order to take the examination.  However, you need to check with your employer to see if you will need to retain an ASW registration number for employment purposes.

If you continue to work while in the exam process, you are required to work under supervision.  Also, you must work as either an employee or a volunteer.  You cannot practice independently until the Board issues your license.

Initial License Issuance

Upon passing the Written Clinical Vignette Examination, you will receive an application for your LCSW initial license at the test site center. This form requires only a simple one-page application and a fee. You must submit this form to the Board within one year of passing the Written Clinical Vignette Examination. Once the Board receives this fee and processes the application, you will receive a LCSW license number.

Updated: February 25, 2008