In New York State, there are two professional licenses for social workers, with different qualifications. Only licensed social work professionals may legally use the title Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York State. The Licensed Clinical Social Worker may provide all social work services, including clinical services such as the diagnosis of mental, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and addictive disorders, the development of treatment plans, and the provision of psychotherapy. The Licensed Master Social Worker may provide these clinical services only under supervision of an LCSW, licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
New York Licensed Master Social Workers have earned a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree from a graduate school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and passed a national licensing exam.
The specific requirements for licensure are contained in Title 8, Article 154, Section 7704 of New York State Education Law and Part 74 and Section 52.30 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. The Law and Regulations are available in the Laws, Rules & Regulations section of the social work website.
The fee for licensure and first registration is $294.
The fee for a limited permit is $70.
In 2018, there were 2,778 licenses issued for this occupation.
In 2019, there were 3,047 licenses issued for this occupation.
As of July 1, 2020, there were 27,450 registered licenses for this occupation.
New York State Education Department
Office of the Professions
State Board for Social Work
89 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor
Albany, New York 12234
Phone: (518) 474-3817 Press 1 then Ext. 450
Fax: (518) 486-2981
Email: swbd@nysed.gov
21-1022 - Medical and Public Health Social Workers
To learn more about this occupation search the Occupational Information Network (O*Net).
Association of Social Worker Boards
400 Southridge Parkway, Suite B
Culpeper, VA 22701
Candidate Service: (888) 579-3926
E-mail: info@aswb.org
Fees stated and other information contained in this report are subject to change. Please contact the licensing authority listed above for the most current information.
This page was last updated on 12/28/20.
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