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

Tennessee Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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

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

Tennessee sets the entry bar for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s at 3,378 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 Tennessee's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Upfront cost is $141, with renewal running $122 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,378 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$141
Renewal Fee
$122
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 Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee's requirements cover 3378 hours of education or training, the ASWB Clinical Exam exam, and an initial fee of $141. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Tennessee? ▼
To become a licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Tennessee, you must meet the state's requirements including 3378 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Tennessee licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Tennessee from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Tennessee licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensing? ▼
Tennessee 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 Tennessee? ▼
Licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s in Tennessee must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $122.

Related Guides

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 August 2026 PlainCredential comparison corpus maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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