2026 data Maine board official source

Maine Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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

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

Maine's path to licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensure runs through 3,027 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. Maine 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 $80, and renewal costs $78 every 2 years. 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 Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
41/100
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) · Maine

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
3,027 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee B
$80
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B-
$39/yr
$78 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 Maine

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,027 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$80
Renewal Fee
$78
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 Maine licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Maine?
Maine requires 3027 education/training hours, passing an exam (ASWB Clinical Exam), and an initial fee of $80. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Maine?
Maine licenses licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s who complete its requirements (3027 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Maine licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Maine 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 Maine licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Maine 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 Maine. 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 Maine?
Licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s in Maine must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $78.

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

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Maine, 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 Maine 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.