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

New York Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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 New York data shows for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s

New York sets the entry bar for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s at 3,589 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 New York's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

The initial price tag is $178, and renewal costs $149 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
25/100
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) · New York

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
3,589 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$178
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$75/yr
$149 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 New York

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,589 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$178
Renewal Fee
$149
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 New York licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with New York licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York? ▼
In New York, the license path calls for 3589 education/training hours, a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, and a $178 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York? ▼
To become a licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in New York, you must meet the state's requirements including 3589 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the New York licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to New York from another state? ▼
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The New York licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does New York require a background check for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensing? ▼
New York does require a background check before issuing a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York? ▼
To stay licensed as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in New York, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $149.

Related Guides

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

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York, 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 New York 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.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.