2026 data Arizona board official source

Arizona Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

Provides mental health counseling. Requires MSW degree and clinical hours.

What the Arizona data shows for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s

To practice as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Arizona, the state licensing board requires 3,832 documented education or training hours, a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, and 2 years of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Arizona's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Budget $221 to get started, plus $179 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s, the reciprocity picture is: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Arizona

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,832 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$221
Renewal Fee
$179
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Arizona licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Arizona?
Arizona's requirements cover 3832 hours of education or training, the ASWB Clinical Exam exam, and an initial fee of $221. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Arizona?
Arizona licenses licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s who complete its requirements (3832 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Arizona licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Arizona from another state?
For licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Arizona licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Arizona require a background check for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensing?
Background screening is part of the licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensing process in Arizona. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Arizona?
Arizona ties continued licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $179 renewal fee.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites