2026 data Indiana board official source

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

Indiana's path to licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensure runs through 3,432 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. Indiana folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Upfront cost is $151, with renewal running $129 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in Indiana

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,432 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$151
Renewal Fee
$129
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 Indiana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Indiana?
Indiana's requirements cover 3432 hours of education or training, the ASWB Clinical Exam exam, and an initial fee of $151. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Indiana?
Indiana licenses licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s who complete its requirements (3432 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Indiana licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Indiana 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 Indiana licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Indiana 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 Indiana. 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 Indiana?
Licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s in Indiana must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $129.

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