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Georgia Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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

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

Georgia's path to licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensure runs through 3,459 hours of approved instruction, 2 years of supervised work experience, and a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Georgia folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Budget $155 to get started, plus $132 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

On reciprocity, licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s should know: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Georgia

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,459 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$155
Renewal Fee
$132
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 Georgia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Georgia?
Georgia's requirements cover 3459 hours of education or training, the ASWB Clinical Exam exam, and an initial fee of $155. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Georgia?
To become a licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Georgia, you must meet the state's requirements including 3459 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Georgia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Georgia from another state?
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Georgia licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Georgia require a background check for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensing?
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensing in Georgia. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Georgia?
Licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s in Georgia must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $132.

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