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

Montana Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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

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

To practice as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Montana, the state licensing board requires 3,757 documented education or training hours, a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, and 2 years of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Montana's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

The initial price tag is $207, and renewal costs $170 every 2 years. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

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

Licensing Requirements in Montana

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,757 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$207
Renewal Fee
$170
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 Montana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Montana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Montana? ▼
Montana's requirements cover 3757 hours of education or training, the ASWB Clinical Exam exam, and an initial fee of $207. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Montana? ▼
Certification as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Montana means clearing the state's checklist: 3757 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Montana licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Montana 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 Montana licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Montana 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 Montana. 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 Montana? ▼
To stay licensed as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Montana, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $170.

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.