2026 data Idaho board official source

Idaho 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 Idaho data shows for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s

Idaho's path to licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensure runs through 3,135 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. Idaho folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

The initial price tag is $99, and renewal costs $92 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

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

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
36/100
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) · Idaho

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
3,135 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C-
$99
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C
$46/yr
$92 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required F
2 years
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,135 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$99
Renewal Fee
$92
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 Idaho licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Idaho?
In Idaho, the license path calls for 3135 education/training hours, a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, and a $99 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Idaho?
Idaho licenses licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s who complete its requirements (3135 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Idaho licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Idaho 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 Idaho licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Idaho 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 Idaho. 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 Idaho?
Licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s in Idaho must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $92.

What to do with this licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) license

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Idaho, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Idaho licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.