Licensed Clinical Social Worker

• Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work
• Electronic Transcripts

See the “Application Instructions” within each application packet for a list of required courses

• ASW Registration Application
• Application for LCSW Licensure (IN-STATE)
• Application for LCSW Licensure (OUT-OF-STATE)

Applicants cannot accrue postdegree supervised experience in California without registering with the Board, except under the 90-day rule.

• ASW Registration Application IN-STATE DEGREE
• ASW Registration Application OUT-OF-STATE or OUT-OF-COUNTRY DEGREE
• 90-day rule FAQ
• Subsequent Registration Application

• Live Scan available only in California.
• Results submitted to DOJ and FBI electronically
• Live Scan Request Form
• Additional information including hard cards for applicants outside of California

• Evaluation of the applicant’s criminal history is part of the application process
• See the Criminal Convictions section for more information
• Criminal Background FAQ – AB2138 – Updated 12/17/2020

• Exam must be TAKEN annually (until passed) to renew ASW Registration
• Exam must be PASSED to receive a subsequent ASW Registration
• LCSW Law and Ethics Exam Candidate Handbook
• Request for Initial Law & Ethics Examination
• Request for Re-Examination
• Law and Ethics Examination FAQ

• Applicants cannot accrue supervised experience in California without registering as an ASW with the Board, except under the 90-day rule.
• 90-Day Rule FAQ
• 3,000 total supervised hours, over 104 weeks (minimum)
• Hours must be submitted with the Application for Licensure
• For important information that will help ensure your hours will count toward licensure, be sure to read the following publications:
• Handbook for Future LCSWs
• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for ASWs
• LCSW Breakdown of Required Experience
• ASW Supervisor Qualifications
• A Guide to Supervision for ASWs

• All requirements above must be fulfilled before clinical exam eligibility will be approved.
• Application for LCSW Licensure (IN-STATE)
• Application for LCSW Licensure (OUT-OF-STATE)
• Exam Candidate Handbook
• Register Exam with ASWB
• More Exam Info

Applicants must request license and pay an initial license fee within one year after passing Clinical Exam

• Request for Initial License Issuance

• Registrations issued by the Board are valid for a 6-year period (five renewals)
• Registrants who have not completed all hours of supervised experience within the 6-year life span, must apply for a subsequent registration number, to continue the path toward licensure
• Many registrants apply for a second (or third, etc.) registration number to gain additional supervised work experience or for employment purposes

• Registrants with a subsequent registration number cannot work in a private practice or a professional corporation setting, no exceptions.

• Applicants must PASS the California Law and Ethics Exam before a subsequent registration can be issued.

• ASW Subsequent Registration Application

• California State University, Bakersfield | Social Work Program
• California State University, Chico | Master of Social Work
• California State University, Dominguez Hills | Additional Courses Required | Master of Social Work
• California State University, East Bay | Master of Social Work
• California State University, Fresno | Department of Social Work Education
• California State University, Fullerton | Social Work Program
• Humboldt State University | Dept of Social Work
• California State University, Long Beach | Department of Social Work
• California State University, Los Angeles | Department of Social Work
• California State University, Monterey Bay | Dept of Social Work
• California State University, Northridge | Dept of Social Work
• California State University, Sacramento | Division of Social Work
• California State University, San Bernardino | Department of Social Work
• San Diego State University | School of Social Work
• San Francisco State University | School of Social Work Education
• San Jose State University | Department of Social Work
• California State University, San Marcos | Dept of Social Work
• California State University, Stanislaus | Department of Social Work

• University of California, Berkeley | School of Social Welfare
• University of California, Los Angeles

• Azusa Pacific University | Social Work Program

• California Baptist University | Master of Social Work

• Loma Linda University | School of Behavioral Health

• University of Southern California | School of Social Work

• Master of Social Work

Expedite Requests

• Military Veteran Expedite Request
• Military Spouse/Domestic Partner Expedite Request (Associate applications, Exam applications, Testing Accommodation requests ONLY)
• Military Spouse/Domestic Partner Fee Waiver and Expedite Request (Licensure applications and Initial License Issuance applications ONLY)
• Refugee/Asylee/Special Immigrant Visa Holders Expedite Request

ASW Registration Applications

• ASW Registration Application IN-STATE DEGREE
• ASW Registration Application OUT-OF-STATE or OUT-OF-COUNTRY DEGREE
• ASW Subsequent Registration Application

Supervision Forms

• ASW Weekly Log of Experience Hours
• Supervision Agreement (for supervisory relationships that began ON OR AFTER January 1, 2022)
• Supervision Agreement - Index of Legal Citations
• Supervisor Responsibility Statement (for supervisory relationships that began PRIOR to January 1, 2022)
• Supervisory Plan (for supervisory relationships that began PRIOR to January 1, 2022)
• Sample Verification of Employment as a Volunteer
• Sample Written Oversight Agreement

Licensure Applications

• Application for LCSW Licensure (IN-STATE)
  • In-State Experience Verification
• Application for LCSW Licensure (OUT-OF-STATE)
  • Out-of-State Experience Verification
  • Verification of License or Registration in Another State or Country

Exam Requests and Info

• Application for INITIAL Law and Ethics Exam (First-time Applicants ONLY)
• Application for Re-Examination
• Register Exam with ASWB

Initial License Request

• Request for Initial License Issuance

• Handbook for Future LCSWs
• 90-day rule FAQ
• Answers to Most Frequently Asked Questions Relating to ASWs
• ASW Supervisor Qualification Summary
• A Guide to Supervision for ASWs
• LCSW Breakdown of Required Experience
• Registrant CE Information Brochure
• Electronic Transcripts and Degree Program Certifications

Exams

• ASWB Clinical Exam Candidate Handbook
• Law & Ethics Exam Candidate Handbook
• Law and Ethics Examination FAQs

Out-of-State or Out-of-Country Applicants

• Guide to LCSW Out-of-State Applicant Requirements