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

Minnesota Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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

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

Minnesota sets the entry bar for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s at 3,351 training hours and a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, with 2 years of supervised work experience expected. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Minnesota's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Upfront cost is $136, with renewal running $119 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

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

Licensing Requirements in Minnesota

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,351 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$136
Renewal Fee
$119
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 Minnesota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Minnesota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Minnesota? ▼
Minnesota's requirements cover 3351 hours of education or training, the ASWB Clinical Exam exam, and an initial fee of $136. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Minnesota? ▼
Certification as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Minnesota means clearing the state's checklist: 3351 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Minnesota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Minnesota 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 Minnesota. Verify the specifics with the Minnesota licensing board.
Does Minnesota 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 Minnesota. 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 Minnesota? ▼
Licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s in Minnesota must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $119.

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.