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

Massachusetts Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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

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

Massachusetts's path to licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensure runs through 3,635 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. Massachusetts folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Budget $186 to get started, plus $154 at each renewal 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,635 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$186
Renewal Fee
$154
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 Massachusetts licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Massachusetts licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts's requirements cover 3635 hours of education or training, the ASWB Clinical Exam exam, and an initial fee of $186. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Massachusetts? ▼
To become a licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Massachusetts, you must meet the state's requirements including 3635 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Massachusetts licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Massachusetts from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s nationally works like this: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Massachusetts. Verify the specifics with the Massachusetts licensing board.
Does Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts ties continued licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $154 renewal fee.

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.