Looking to become a social worker in New York? You’ve come to the right spot! While there are similarities in licensing requirements from state to state, each state is unique. In addition to providing the essentials below, you can click the link we have provided for New York’s official licensing body. There you can find additional information on potential requirements like background checks, state-to-state license transfers, and continuing education requirements. We hope this handy guide assists in your efforts to become a certified social worker in your state!
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In New York, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with a Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designations Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) both require education at at least the master’s level.
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. The candidate for licensure at the LMSW level must pass the master’s-level exam as prescribed by the Board. An LMSW provides a wide range of services. An LMSW may provide preventive and treatment services pertaining to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. The LMSW is able to practice in social casework, clinical social work, community organization, social work research, and social work administration.
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE and hold a current LMSW license. The LCSW must have received three years (3000 hours) or more of postgraduate experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment plans, or its part-time equivalent, under the supervision of a psychiatrist, a licensed psychologist, or a licensed clinical social worker in a facility setting or other supervised settings approved by the department. The LCSW candidate must then pass the clinical-level exam as prescribed by the Board. The LCSW should be able to demonstrate skill and interventions directly related to individuals, families, groups, communities, or organizations. The LCSW may supervise Licensed Master Social Workers.
Each Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must complete 36 hours of approved continuing education courses for each triennial registration period. No more than 12 hours of continuing education activities in any 36 month period, or one-third of the total hours in periods of other length, may consist of self-study educational activities from New York State Education Department approved providers.
LMSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: N/A
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 3 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical