Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) / Hawaii
2026 data Hawaii board official source

Hawaii Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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

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

Hawaii's path to licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensure runs through 3,789 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. Hawaii folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Upfront cost is $213, with renewal running $174 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Hawaii

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,789 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$213
Renewal Fee
$174
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) All Hawaii licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Hawaii licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Hawaii? ▼
Hawaii requires 3789 education/training hours, passing an exam (ASWB Clinical Exam), and an initial fee of $213. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Hawaii? ▼
Hawaii licenses licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s who complete its requirements (3789 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Hawaii licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Hawaii 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 Hawaii licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Hawaii 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 Hawaii. 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 Hawaii? ▼
Licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s in Hawaii must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $174.

Related Guides

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

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.