New York Social Work License Requirements
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- New York offers two levels of licensure: the licensed master social worker (LMSW) and the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
- Only social workers with LCSW licenses can perform clinical duties without supervision.
- You need an LMSW license before you can get qualifying supervised experience for LCSW licensure.
With the second highest number of social workers in the U.S., New York presents unique opportunities for those wanting their social work license in the state. Social workers in New York help improve the well-being of this state's vulnerable and diverse communities.
Explore our career guide to learn about getting a New York social work license, including education, field experience, and examination requirements.
New York State Board of Social Work
The New York State Board of Education Office of the Professions is the state's regulatory board for social work licensure. The Office of the Professions administers licensing examinations, processes and evaluates applications, and issues new licenses and renewals. The regulatory board is also responsible for enforcing professional standards and investigating and prosecuting professional misconduct and unlicensed practice.
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New York Social Work Education Requirements
New York requires an MSW for both licensed master social worker (LMSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
With an LMSW, you can provide general social work services under the supervision of an LCSW. You must be licensed as an LMSW before becoming an LCSW. Only an LCSW can provide clinical services independently without supervision.
Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field
Your path to a social work career begins with a bachelor of social work (BSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A BSW typically takes four years to complete and prepares you to pursue entry-level jobs or admission to a master of social work (MSW) or doctorate program.
While you may also earn a bachelor’s in a non-social work field, a BSW may qualify you for advanced standing in master of social work (MSW) programs. Advanced standing shortens the time needed to complete your master’s by applying undergraduate credits to your degree requirements.
Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)
In New York, a CSWE-accredited MSW qualifies you for LMSW licensure or to begin the supervised clinical hours needed for LCSW licensure.
The MSW usually requires two years of full-time enrollment, while advanced standing programs may only take one year. Coursework emphasizes clinical practice, policy and ethics, social justice, diversity, and at-risk populations. Both New York social work licensure levels require the MSW curriculum to include a minimum of 900 internship hours.
Requirements for Initial New York Social Work Licensure
Social workers in New York may apply for either LMSW or LCSW licensure, depending on their career goals. While both licenses require an MSW, LMSWs may only provide clinical services under the supervision of an LCSW. The LCSW license offers social workers more opportunities to practice independently.
Licensed Master of Social Worker (LMSW)
With a New York LMSW license, you can work in clinical settings with supervision. If you plan to become an LCSW, you must fulfill the requirements for LMSW licensure. Applicants for the LMSW license must have an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program that includes 900 hours of fieldwork.
Once you have your degree, follow these steps to become an LMSW:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Complete required coursework in identifying and reporting child abuse offered by a state-approved provider
- Submit an application and a $294 first-time application fee
- Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) master's licensing examination (requires a $230 fee)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
In New York, the LCSW license authorizes you to provide clinical services independently. Like the LMSW, the LCSW license requires an accredited MSW with 900 hours of supervised field experience.
LCSW applicants must also complete a minimum of 12 hours in clinical social work as part of their MSW coursework.
The LCSW license process requires the following additional steps:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Complete the required course in identifying and reporting child abuse offered by a state-approved provider
- Submit an application and a $294 first-time application fee
- Complete three years of full-time or six years of part-time supervised experience in clinical social work that includes diagnosis, assessment, and psychotherapy.
- Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical licensing examination (requires a $260 fee)
Transferring Your Social Work License to New York
New York does not offer licensing reciprocity for out-of-state applicants except for LCSWs with ten or more years of experience. An out-of-state applicant for a New York LMSW license must have a master’s degree, including 900 fieldwork hours, and a passing grade on the ASWB master’s exam.
An LCSW applicant with less than 10 years of licensed experience must meet the educational and supervised clinical experience requirements and submit a passing score on the ASWB clinical exam.
An LCSW with ten or more years of licensed experience may apply for licensure by endorsement by verifying professional experience and the ASWB score.
How to Maintain Your Social Work License in New York
To practice as an LMSW or LCSW in New York, a licensee must maintain registration with the Office of the Professions every three years.
The registration renewal fee for both licensure levels is $224. However, the first renewal is prorated, so you will renew during their birth month. Currently, registered social workers may renew online within the final five months of their registration period.
All renewals require completion of at least 36 continuing education units (CEUs) for each three-year registration period in state-approved coursework in approved subject areas. You do not have to accumulate CEUs during their initial three-year period.
Live in-person, live online, and self-study courses that do not include live instruction are acceptable. You can only submit 12 hours of self-study CEUs for each 36-month registration period. There is no limit on the number of online CEUs through approved providers if the courses include live interaction with the instructor and students.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work in New York
Do social workers need to be licensed in New York?
You need an LMSW or LCSW credential in New York for clinical social work positions. Only social workers with LCSW licenses have the full scope of authority to provide clinical services without supervision.
What are the requirements for social work licensure in New York?
The LMSW license requires a CSWE-accredited MSW and a passing score on the ASWB master’s exam. LCSW requirements include three years of supervised clinical experience and a passing score on the ASWB clinical exam. You can apply to become an LCSW after fulfilling the requirements.
Is social work in demand in New York?
Yes, social workers are in high demand in New York. Employment data for New York projects that social worker jobs will grow 24% from 2020 to 2030. Social work specialties include child, family and school social, healthcare, and mental health and substance misuse.
How long does it take to become a licensed social worker in New York?
It takes 5-6 years to become an LMSW and three more years to complete the supervised experience requirements to become an LCSW. You can become an LMSW after completing a four-year bachelor’s degree and either a two-year traditional MSW or a one-year MSW with advanced standing.
