nys social work continuing education requirements

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New york social workers ce requirements, accreditations & approvals, external link, this link leads outside of the netce site to:.

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New York Social Workers

The New York State Board for Social Work requires that providers offering continuing education activities must be approved through the New York State Education Department.

NetCE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0033.

Continuing Education Requirement

× professional boundaries course options.

Attention New York Healthcare Professionals: Every person who has previously undergone mandated child abuse training must complete an updated curriculum that includes adverse childhood experiences and trauma, implicit bias, and the identification of child abuse in a virtual setting. Training must be completed by April 1, 2025 .

NetCE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work, #SW-0033.

LMSW and LCSW are required 36 hours of approved continuing education courses every three years, 12 of which may be completed by self-study. Two (2) hours are required, one-time only, on the topic of identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment . (Child abuse identification and reporting hours may not be used for continuing education credit.)

Beginning with registration periods starting April 1, 2023 , licensees are required three (3) hours on the topic of appropriate professional boundaries every renewal. Licensees with registration periods beginning prior to 4/1/2023 do not need to complete the coursework until their next registration period.

* NetCE courses are considered self-study, as defined by the New York State Board for Social Work.

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For More Information

Please contact the New York State Board for Social Work at (518) 474-3817, or refer to https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions-index/social-work  and https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-master-social-worker/continuing-education for additional information regarding your continuing education. Mandatory child abuse training: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-master-social-worker/mandated-training-related-child-abuse .

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CEU Information

NYSSSWA is an approved NYSED CE/CEU Provider. When registering for a Conference, remember to provide your license number for proper CE/CEU credit assignments.

New York State School Social Workers’ Association is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board of Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0057

NYSED Continuing Education Requirements

What are the Continuing Education requirements for “Social Workers”?

“New York State Education Law requires each licensed master social worker (LMSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) to complete 36 hours of acceptable formal continuing education during each three-year registration period. ”

“Some regulations restrict licensees to a certain percentage of self-study for continuing education requirements.”

New NYSED Ethics Requirement:  

“A licensed psychologist, social worker or mental health practitioner required to complete continuing education must complete 3 hours of acceptable course work in appropriate professional boundaries, in each 3-year registration period starting April 1, 2023.”

28. Are courses limited to a traditional “classroom setting” in which I am in the same room with the instructor?

Yes. There is no limit on the number of hours of acceptable continuing education you may take on-line through a Department-approved provider, when the course includes live interaction with the instructor and other students.

Source:    https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-master-social-worker-lmsw/continuing-education/continuing-education-faqs?page=1

Questions About CE/CEU Requirements?

What is the Difference Between CEUs and CEs?

“A minimum of 50 minutes equals one Continuing Education hour of credit. However, some courses may be given in continuing education units. One continuing education unit (CEU) equals 10 continuing education hours. Therefore, 0.1 CEU equals one continuing education hour, 0.2 CEUs equals two continuing education hours, and so on. ” NYSSSWA will begin noting the number of “CEs” being provided to be in compliance with NYSED’s language.

I just got my license.  When do I start collecting CEs/CEUs?

“You are not required to complete continuing education during your initial three-year registration period.”

All licensees in their first 3-year registration period are EXEMPT from doing CEs during that period. They must begin accruing CE hours in their second registration period, which is the start of their fourth year as a licensee.   Only CEs obtained in the registration period it is needed for (your 4th year) , is acceptable.

For General Information from NYSED regarding Continuing Education, click here.

Still have questions?   Please go to the NYSED webpage for their Question and Answer section .

Source for the above information :  http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/swcefaq.h tm

How Do I Obtain NYSSSWA CE hours?

The provision of Continuing Education hours is a multi-step manual process . Nothing is automated so please allow time for processing all components.  In order to receive your CEU certificate, you must have the following:

•       Go to Calendar Events to select your event.
• Go to Calendar Events to select your event.
• See Tutorials for assistance depending on your NYSSSWA membership status.
• Approved P.O.s should be faxed to 516-595-8509 or emailed to: [email protected]
• Complete the sign-in/sign-out sheets or get scanned in and out for EACH Workshop/Keynote Speaker session attended.
• Complete ALL online surveys after the conference has ended. NYSED requires evaluations for ALL Workshops/Keynote Sessions you attend.  (Find links on respective conference web pages.)
• NYSSSWA CE Certificates will be stored and available for attendees to print as needed via their NYSSSWA member account.
• If you have completed all components and after 3 weeks are still not able to access your certificate, please contact [email protected]  

Mandatory Continuing Education Requirement History

For more specific information, please view the April 2014 memorandum from the New York State Education Department. Download here (30 pages). The last few pages of the memorandum address specific comments/questions that were made during the open comment period regarding CEs.

NYSUT Education and Learning Trust (ELT) professional development programs are modeled on best practices, current research-based strategies, real-life applications – and are built on the principle of “members teaching members”.

New York State Social Worker Continuing Education

Requirements: The New York State Education Department requires each licensed master social worker (LMSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) to complete 36 contact hours (i.e. credits) of acceptable formal continuing education during each three-year registration period. There is a phase-in period for licensees whose next registration period starts during the first three years after January 1, 2015. These licensees will have to complete one hour of acceptable formal continuing education for each month in their registration period after January 1, 2015.

Note that per the Office of the State Board for Social Work, continuing education hours may be earned by completing a self-study program, provided that self-study hours do not comprise more than twelve hours in any three-year registration period or one-third of the hours for a registration period other than three years. Consult the New York State Education Department's Licensed Master Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Social Workers FAQ page for more information about your requirements.

Completing Your Recertification Requirements with PLI: Select PLI live seminars, live webcasts, and on-demands qualify for SW CE credit. To request SW CE credit for eligible programs, be sure to enter your license information on your account profile .

Practising Law Institute is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0382.

Attendance Reporting: Licensed master social workers and licensed clinical social workers must attest to completing their continuing education requirement when re-registering for certification in New York. Licensees must retain, in their records, information regarding completed acceptable continuing education for six years from the date of completion of the coursework/educational activity.

Continuing Education

Professional development for practitioners.

Our mission is to prepare social workers for autonomous, knowledge-based, advanced generalist practice within an integrated community of scholars, practitioners and learners.

The department offers continuing education programs to help licensed social workers remain connected with the values of the profession; in learning new theories, concepts, practices and skills; and in networking opportunities within the field.

For more information on the continuing education requirements for licensed social workers in New York state, visit the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions website.

Contact the Social Work Continuing Education Team at [email protected]  or at 607-777-5999 , with questions about social work continuing education at Binghamton University.

Upcoming NYS and PA approved Social Work CE events

Visit us at continuinged.binghamton.edu .

Interested in staying up-to-date on future Social Work continuing education events?

Sign up for our Continuing Education Newsletter  

Binghamton University - SUNY, Department of Social Work is an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs).

This approval is for a three-year term, beginning April 30, 2024, and ending April 30, 2027.

Binghamton University - SUNY, Social Work Department SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0143.

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Last Updated: 7/3/24

• Social Work Continuing Education >
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CEs and Contact Hours Information

Most of our training programs provide the CEs and contact hours listed on this page. Before you register, please check the "CEs/Contact Hours" tab to ensure it provides the credit you need.

Updated Continuing Education Requirements Effective April 1, 2023

The Board of Regents approved regulations on October 4, 2022 that requires psychologists, social workers and mental health practitioners licensed and registered under Articles 153, 154 or 163 of the Education Law, to complete 3 hours of acceptable continuing education on issues related to maintaining appropriate professional boundaries between licensees and patients. The course work must be taken from a provider approved by the Department and counts toward the 36 hours of continuing education required in each 36-month registration period. 

The regulations apply to each psychologist, licensed master social worker, licensed clinical social worker, mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, creative arts therapist and psychoanalyst licensed and registered for registration periods starting on or after April 1, 2023. A licensee does not need to submit continuing education certificates to the State Board, unless audited by the Board or applying for a delayed registration. 

The full advisory notice can be found here . For the most up-to-date licensing requirements please visit the  NYSED Office of Professions website. 

ASWB ACE Approved Continuing Education Provider

The Office of Continuing Education is Association of Social Work Boards Approved Continuing Education (ACE) Provider number 1773. ACE approval shows the Office of Continuing Education has met rigorous standards and demonstrates the ability to offer high-quality continuing education activities to social workers. ACE provider trainings are recognized by 47 U.S. states and 8 Canadian provinces as fulfilling professional Social Work licensure renewal requirements. Visit ASWB to see if your area accepts ACE approved courses. 

Even when a social work board accepts courses offering ASWB ACE credit, licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their jurisdictions. States and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether any individual course may be accepted for credit.

New York Social Work CEs

New York State LMSW and LCSW Contact Hours:    The University at Buffalo School of Social Work, Office of Continuing Education is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an  approved provider  of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0001.  Full attendance at training is required; no partial credit will be awarded for partial attendance. Individual workshop, credit courses, and certificate program descriptions will specify the number of contact hours that are approved.

New York LMHC, LCAT and LMFT Contact Hours

New York State LMHC, LCAT and LMFT Contact Hours:    Continuing education hours to renew license registration are required for these licenses as of 1/1/17.  We are an approved NYSED State Board for Mental Health Practitioners training provider for all three. Our provider numbers are: #MHC-0008, #CAT-0003 and #MFT-0007. Full attendance at training is required; no partial credit will be awarded for partial attendance. Individual workshop, credit courses and certificate program descriptions will specify the number of contact hours that are approved.

New York State Psychology Contact Hours

New York State Psychology Contact Hours:   Beginning January 1, 2021 each Licensed Psychologist must complete 36 hours of approved continuing education courses for each triennial registration period. All courses must be taken from psychology providers approved by the State Education Department. The Office of Continuing Education is proud to be an approved NYS provider, provider number #PSY-0062. Full attendance at training is required; no partial credit will be awarded for partial attendance. Individual workshop, credit courses and certificate program descriptions will specify the number of contact hours that are approved.

NYS OASAS Initial and Renewal Credentialing

The Office of Continuing Education is an approved New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) training provider, certificate #0045.

If you are a professional in need of training hours for the following certifications, your certificate of completion at the end of each of our training programs will indicate the hours that have been approved by NYS OASAS:

• Renewal hours for Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASAC).  The initial 350 hours of CASAC training is only available to those enrolled in our MSW degree program.
• Initial or renewal  hours for Credentialed Prevention Professionals (CPP).
• Initial or renewal  hours for Credentialed Prevention Specialists (CPS).

Visit the  OASAS website  for information about obtaining credentials in substance abuse counseling or prevention.

New York State LMSW and LCSW Contact Hour for select MSW and DSW courses

Individuals taking courses through the University at Buffalo's MSW and DSW programs may qualify for NYSED social work continuing education hours. If you have a license in another state, check with your state regulatory board to determine if NY hours will be accepted in your state. Each credit hour is equal to 15 NYSED social work continuing education hours, e.g. a 3 hour course equals 45 NYSED social work continuing education hours.

Download the appropriate form below to see if you qualify. Please note the Office of Continuing Education is proud to offer this service free of charge as a professional courtesy to our students and alumni.

Other Mental Health Professionals Outside of New York State

Many states and jurisdictions accept courses from either NYS approved providers (see approval information listed above), or from recognized and accredited Universities. 

The University at Buffalo School of Social Work  is accredited by the  Middle States Commission on Higher Education  (MSCHE) and the  Council on Social Work Education . Based on the  MSCHE  website, they are recognized by the United Stated Department of Education (USDE). Please review the MSCHE website to ensure the accreditation is active.

If you are not sure if this meets your states requirements we recommend following up with your licensing board with this information to verify before committing to a course. 

If you have any questions or need any other information about our program to send to your licensing board, please email [email protected] .

NYSED courses for LMSW, LCSW, LMHC, LCAT, LMFT, and PSY limit the number of self-study continuing education hours to 1/3 of the hours needed for license registration renewal. Self-study means the courses can be viewed at any time desired and you do not have access to the instructor for questions. 

NOTE: Live online courses with access to the instructor do not count towards this limit. 

Advisory Notice: Continuing Education on Appropriate Boundaries

A New York State licensed social worker or mental health practitioner who is required to complete continuing education must complete 3 hours of acceptable course work in appropriate professional boundaries in each 3-year registration period, starting April 1, 2023. The New York State Board of Regents approved regulations on October 4, 2022, that requires social workers and mental health practitioners licensed and registered under Articles 153, 154, or 163 of the Education Law, to complete 3 hours of acceptable continuing education on issues related to maintaining appropriate professional boundaries between licensees and patients. The coursework must be taken from a provider approved by the Department and counts toward the 36 hours of continuing education required in each 36-month registration period. The regulations apply to each psychologist, licensed master social worker, licensed clinical social worker, mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, creative arts therapist, and psychoanalyst licensed and registered for registration periods starting on or after April 1, 2023. Licensees with a registration period commencing before April 1, 2023, do not have to complete coursework in appropriate boundaries until their next registration period. A licensee does not need to submit continuing education certificates to the State Board unless audited by the Board or applying for delayed registration. Education Law §7607(2) requires each psychologist to complete 36 hours of acceptable learning activities, a minimum of three hours of which shall be in coursework in the area of professional ethics, including the laws, rules, and regulations for practice in New York. Coursework on appropriate boundaries that references New York laws, rules, and regulations related to unprofessional conduct may be counted toward the ethics requirement in statute. Conversely, coursework in ethics that addresses appropriate boundaries would meet that provision.

Note: To address this new provision, the Office of Global and Lifelong Learning is offering, Maintaining Appropriate Professional Boundaries: Exploring The Ethical Obligations of Mental Health Professionals as a self-study.

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NASW-NYS Continuing Education Schedule

Please excuse our mess as we are currently updating our website. We cannot wait to present the NASW-NYS Learning Center — coming this April!   

Important Notice on NASW-NYS Live Webinars: Registration for all live webinars closes at 5:00PM EST one business day prior to the actual webinar date. Must be registered through NASW-NYS and complete evaluation to receive credit(s).

NASW-NYS has partnered with Eco Cuba Network, the NASW-Michigan Chapter, and the NASW-California Chapter to offer social workers two exciting learning opportunities in Cuba.   Click the image below to learn more and to sign up!  

NASW-NYS Clinical Live Webinar April 12  – LIVE WEBINAR | 12:00PM – 1:30PM Transforming the Cycle of Worry Into Useable Vigilance for Counseling Clients with Food Allergies NASW Member Fee: FREE | Non-Member Fee: $30 NYSED Approved for 1.5 CE Contact Hours Click here for Program Information & Registration

NASW-NYS Macro Live Webinar April 13  – LIVE WEBINAR | 12:30PM – 2:00PM Social Work, Social Media, Ethics and How a Social Media Policy Can Help NASW Member Fee: FREE | Non-Member Fee: $25 NYSED Approved for 1.5 CE Contact Hours Click here for Program Information & Registration

REFUND REQUESTS:  All refund requests must be submitted by e-mail to [email protected] . Valid requests must be received no later than  one week  prior to course date.

All refunds are subject to a $20.00 administrative processing fee. Credit cannot be issued toward a future program date or substituted for another workshop. Refund requests typically require 5-7 business days processing time.

Policy updated as of Wednesday, May 3, 2017 .

Are you an organization/agency looking to provide continuing education credits for your staff? Let NASW-NYS bring the program to you!  Click here  to get in touch with us today and see how we can help you get started.  

NASW – New York State Chapter is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers: Provider ID #0014.

NASW – New York State Chapter is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists. #MFT-0037.

NASW – New York State Chapter is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0053.  

Other Continuing Education Resources

Problem Gambling Training Partnership, a unique collaboration bringing quality education and training to licensed mental health professionals in the State is announcing the registration for the 2017 Conferences.

NASW-NYS is proud to be part of this initiative. We provided this training in 2016 to our membership – and over 300 of the over 500 participants identified as Social Workers. The PGTP is preparing clinicians to respond to the growing need of services for problem gamblers, and social workers are on the front line to answer the call.  Visit www.nypgtp.org for more information . 

The Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative is a collaborative endeavor of the Medical Society of the State of New York, New York State Psychiatric Association, and New York Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers to educate and train community mental health and primary care providers on veterans-specific mental health issues, including among others post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, suicide, suicide prevention and substance use disorders. The initiative is made possible by a grant from the New York Legislature and is administered by the NYS Office of Mental Health.

Topic areas of note for the 2017 year include military cultural competency, women and military culture, EMDR as treatment for PTSD, suicide prevention, post deployment impact on children and families and reintegration . Click here to register for the 2017 Conferences . 

• Become a NASW-NYS Continuing Education Presenter
• LMSW/LCSW Licensing Test Prep Courses 
• About NASW-NYS Chapter’s Continuing Education Program and FAQs
• Understanding New York State Education Department Regulations
• Questions and Answers for Licensed Master Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Social Workers

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Continuing Education Requirements for Social Workers in New York State

In order for a social worker to retain their license in NY they must complete 36 hours of continuing education every three years by a CE provider who has been approved by the NY Social Work Board.  Only 12 of these hours can consist of self-study activities.  Live webinar courses are considered live hours.

The Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is an approved CE provider and offers live in-person, live online, and online self-study courses, which allow you to meet your CE requirement.

Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0435. Approval renewal date: 2/28/2026

CE hours of credit cannot be carried over into your next registration period.

For full details and questions about your CE requirements, contact the Office of the State Board for Social Work, New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, State Education Building - 2nd Floor East Wing, 89 Washington Ave., Albany, New York, 12234, by phone 518-474-3817 ext. 450, by fax 518-486-2981, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

For your registration renewal, you will simply attest that you completed your required CE hours.  However, you must retain your CE records for six years in case you are audited.

The course was so informative and I was glued to my screen for the entire duration. I received so much knowledge concerning ethics in telehealth and I am greatly encouraged to read about all the standards and policies that pertain to my practice. Thank you!.

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Green and Purple Consultancy Network

This was a useful and productive training which allowed me to have a more comprehensive understanding of telemental health services.

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Clinical Therapist

Bayless Integrated Healthcare

I really gained a deeper understanding of Telehealth. I think this course helps pave the way for success in our field. This was very convenient. I am so blessed to take a course like this during the crisis we are facing as a nation. This course really helps me perform at a high level for my job. THANKS!!!!!!!

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Region One Mental Health

The information was informative and the course was easy to follow.

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Therapeutic Behavioral Strategist

Rialto Unified School District

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License Requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker

General requirements.

The practice of licensed clinical social work and the use of the title "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" and the designation of "LCSW" or derivatives thereof in New York State requires licensure as a licensed clinical social worker, unless otherwise exempt under the law.

To be licensed as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York State you must:

• be of good moral character;
• be at least 21 years of age;
• have an education that includes a masters degree in social work (M.S.W.) with at least 12 semester hours of clinical coursework acceptable to the Department;
• have at least 3 years of post M.S.W. supervised experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning acceptable to the Department;
• meet clinical examination requirements; and
• complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider.

Note: In most cases you must be licensed and currently registered to practice as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in New York to complete the supervised experience for licensure as an LCSW. Effective September 1, 2004, the practice of licensed clinical social work is restricted to those licensed or authorized under New York law.

You must file an Application for Licensure ( Form 1 ) and the other forms indicated, along with the appropriate fee, to the Office of the Professions at the address specified on each form. It is your responsibility to follow up with anyone you have asked to send us material.

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 .

You should also read the general licensing information applicable for all professions.

The fee for licensure and first registration is $294.

The fee for a limited permit is $70 (the limited permit fee is not refundable).

Fees are subject to change. The fee due is the one in law when your application is received (unless fees are increased retroactively). You will be billed for the difference if fees have been increased.

• Do not send cash.
• If you apply for licensure electronically using the online Application for Licensure, you will be required to pay by credit card.
• Other payments must be made by personal check or money order payable to the New York State Education Department. Your cancelled check is your receipt.
• Mail any required forms and fees to the indicated address on the form.

Please Note : Payment submitted from outside the United States should be made by check or draft on a United States bank and in United States currency; payments submitted in any other form will not be accepted and will be returned.

Partial Refunds

Individuals who withdraw their licensure application may be entitled to a partial refund.

• For the procedure to withdraw your application, contact the Social Work Unit by e-mailing [email protected] or by calling 518-474-3817 ext. 592 or by faxing 518-402-2323.
• The State Education Department is not responsible for any fees paid to an outside testing or credentials verification agency.

If you withdraw your application, obtain a refund, and then decide to seek New York State licensure at a later date, you will be considered a new applicant, and you will be required to pay the licensure fee and meet the licensure requirements in place at the time you reapply.

Education Requirements

To meet the professional education requirement for licensure as an LCSW, you must present satisfactory evidence of having received a masters degree in social work, or its equivalent, through completion of a satisfactory graduate program in social work which includes two years of full-time study (at least 60 semester hours, or the equivalent). No more than half of the total hours for the program may be advanced standing credit granted for social work study at the baccalaureate level. The graduate program must include curricular content in the following areas:

• social work values and ethics;
• diversity, social justice, and at-risk populations;
• human behavior in the social environment;
• social welfare policy and service delivery systems;
• foundation and advanced social work practice;
• social work practice evaluation and research;
• a field practicum of at least 900 clock hours in social work integrated with the prescribed curricular content; and
• diagnosis and assessment in clinical social work practice;
• clinical social work treatment; and
• clinical social work practice with general and special populations.

The clinical coursework must be offered by an acceptable two-year graduate social work program, such as one registered by the Department as licensure-qualifying for the LCSW. Coursework may be completed either as part of the M.S.W. degree program or after completion of the program to remedy deficiencies in clinical content. Continuing education is not acceptable for the graduate social work education.

In addition to the professional education requirement, every applicant for LCSW licensure or a limited permit must complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse in accordance with Section 6507(3)(a) of the Education Law. See additional information and a list of approved providers for this training.

Examination Requirements

Please note: New York candidates for the Social Work licensure examination must have received the M.S.W. degree and met the experience requirement, in the determination of the Department, as a condition for admission to the examination. An applicant for licensure may not register for an examination until approved by the Office of the Professions.

Licensure as an LCSW requires successful completion of the "Clinical" examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) or an examination determined by the Department to be comparable in content.

To qualify to take the ASWB examination:

• Submit an Application for Licensure ( Form 1 ) and fee ($294) to the New York State Education Department.
• Request your school to verify your education directly to the New York State Education Department on Form 2 .
• Request your supervisor to submit verification of your supervised experience in diagnosis and psychotherapy on Form 4B to the State Education Department. Applicants for licensure must have the supervised experience approved in order to be admitted to the licensing examination.
• The New York State Education Department must approve your education, experience and all application materials. [We will notify you and ASWB when you have satisfied the examination eligibility requirements.]
• You must register directly with the ASWB to take the Clinical examination. Information and the Candidate Handbook for the examination are available on the ASWB website  or through ASWB’s contact information .

Note: Applicants who have passed the ASWB examination for licensure in another jurisdiction must have ASWB submit the score directly to the Department. We will not accept examination scores from third-parties, including the candidate or other jurisdictions. 

ASWB has an Exam Candidates video that provides an overview of the licensing process in all jurisdictions. In order to be approved to take the Masters or Clinical examination for licensure, you must meet all requirements in law and regulation. Please review the requirements for licensure on this site under the “How to Apply” heading on the left navigation bar.

Reasonable Testing Accommodations

If you have a disability and may require reasonable testing accommodations for the examination, you must complete ASWB's Disability Accommodation Form and submit it with supporting documentation directly to ASWB (see contact information ). If your application for a reasonable accommodation is denied, or you have any complaints about your accommodations, please contact the New York State Board for Social Work (see contact information ).

Note: New York State will not accept an examination given under non-standard conditions such as the use of a dictionary or extra time for applicants whose primary language is other than English. A candidate will be required to retake the examination under standard conditions.

Experience Requirements

To meet the experience requirement for licensure as an LCSW, you must have completed at least 36 months (three years) of supervised experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning, as defined in Section 7704 of the Education Law after receipt of the Master of Social Work Degree.

While an applicant for licensure as an LCSW may provide a range of services that are defined in the Education Law, the only acceptable experience is in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning. The applicant may submit a Plan for Supervised Experience ( Form 6 ) to the State Board for approval prior to starting the supervised experience for licensure in New York.

Experience obtained in New York must be obtained as a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or limited permit holder, except the Department may, in limited circumstances, accept other experience where an applicant demonstrates that such experience was obtained in an authorized setting under the supervision of a qualified supervisor.

Experience obtained in another jurisdiction must be obtained after the applicant completes the master’s degree program in social work required for licensure in licensed clinical social work, as prescribed in Section 74.1 (c) of the Commissioner’s Regulations, and such experience must be obtained in a setting authorized in such jurisdiction to provide such services and be under the supervision of a qualified supervisor acceptable to the Department.

All experience that is completed in New York State must be in a setting that is legally authorized to provide psychotherapy and clinical social work services.

An acceptable setting is:

• A professional corporation, professional limited liability partnership or professional limited liability corporation that is authorized to provide services that include psychotherapy;
• A professional service corporation, registered limited liability partnership, or professional service limited liability company authorized to provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed clinical social work;
• A sole proprietorship owned by a licensee who provides services that are within the scope of his or her profession and services that are within the scope of licensed clinical social work;
• A professional partnership owned by licensees who provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed clinical social work;
• A  program or service operated, regulated, funded, or approved by the Department of Mental Hygiene, the Office of Children and Family Services, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the State Office for the Aging and the Department of Health or a local governmental unit as that term is defined in section 41.03 of the Mental Hygiene Law or a social services district as defined in section 61 of the Social Services Law to provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed clinical social work;
• An entity holding a waiver issued by the Department pursuant to section 6503-a or 6503-b of the Education Law to provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed clinical social work;
• A program or facility authorized under federal law to provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed clinical social work;
• A public elementary, middle or high school authorized by the Education Department to provide school social work services as defined in Part 80-2.3 of the Commissioner’s Regulations, including clinical social work;
• An entity authorized under New York Law or the laws of the jurisdiction in which the entity is located to provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed clinical social work, including psychotherapy.

The supervisor who submits Form 4B to verify experience is responsible for including the certificate of incorporation for the professional entity, the operating certificate or other authorization for an authorized program or service, a waiver issued by the Department, or other documentation, acceptable to the Department, to demonstrate the setting’s authority to provide professional social work services in New York. For experience completed outside New York, the applicant and supervisor must provide appropriate documentation for the setting in that jurisdiction.

In New York State, a general business corporation or not-for-profit corporation may not provide professional services or employ licensed professionals unless authorized under law. The certificate of incorporation should clarify the purpose of the entity and whether licensed professionals may be employed to provide services that are restricted under Title VIII of the Education Law.

It is your responsibility to practice only under a qualified supervisor and in an authorized setting. You should review the supervisor qualifications and acceptable experience with an employer before you accept a position practicing clinical social work.

*Note: The exemption is defined in Section 8 of Part Y of Chapter 57 of the Laws of 2018 .

Supervision

A LMSW or other qualified individual seeking to meet the experience requirements for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker must be under the supervision of a qualified supervisor, as defined in the Education Law and regulations. Supervision of the clinical social work services provided by an LMSW or qualified individual seeking licensure must meet the following conditions: Supervision of the clinical social work services provided by the applicant shall consist of contact between the applicant and supervisor during which:

• the applicant apprises the supervisor of the diagnosis and treatment of each client;
• the applicant’s cases are discussed;
• the supervisor provides the applicant with oversight and guidance in diagnosing and treating clients;
• the supervisor regularly reviews and evaluates the professional work of the applicant; and
• the supervisor provides at least 100 hours of in-person individual or group clinical supervision, distributed appropriately over the period of the supervised experience.

The supervisor is responsible for maintaining records of the supervised experience, including client contact hours and supervision hours, and then submitting verification of the applicant’s experience to the Department on Form 4B .

The Education Law requires three years of full-time experience or the part-time equivalent over a continuous period not to exceed six years; this may not be reduced, even if the applicant provides more than 2,000 client contact hours in less time.

All client contact hours in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning may be counted toward licensure, if appropriately supervised. The supervisor in each setting should record the client contact hours and supervision hours and submit verification on Form 4B .

Informed Consent:

It is the responsibility of the supervisor/employer to ensure that patients are informed the licensed master social worker (LMSW) is only authorized to practice clinical social work under supervision. The client should understand that the supervisor is responsible for the diagnosis and practice of the LMSW. The LMSW shares with a qualified supervisor information about the diagnosis and treatment of each client and the supervisor is professionally responsible for the services provided by the LMSW. The client should be provided with the supervisor's contact information so the client can share any concerns or questions about the LMSW's practice with the supervisor.

Requirements for Supervisors:

Prior to supervising the applicant, the supervisor must meet the requirements in Education Law, or the equivalent as determined by the Department.

Supervision of applicants for the LCSW must be provided by a:

• LCSW licensed in New York State or, for supervision completed in another jurisdiction, the equivalent qualifications as determined by the Department; or
• Psychologist who, at the time of supervision of the applicant, was licensed as a psychologist in the state where supervision occurred, was qualified in psychotherapy as determined by the Department based upon the Department's review of the psychologist's education and training, including but not limited to education and training in psychotherapy obtained through completion of a program in psychotherapy registered pursuant to Part 52 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education or a program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association; or
• Physician who, at the time of supervision of the applicant, was a diplomate in psychiatry of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. or had the equivalent training and experience as determined by the Department.

A supervisor may not have a familial relationship with the applicant, as such dual relationships may constitute a charge of unprofessional conduct under the Education Law and Regents Rules.

Supervisor Qualifications:

An applicant who completed supervised experience in another jurisdiction must have the Supervisor's qualifications reviewed by the Department. You must have the supervisor submit an Approval of Qualifications to Supervise Psychotherapy ( Form 4Q ) with the verification of the applicant’s experience to allow the Department to determine whether the supervisor is qualified in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning.

Supervisor Responsibility:

The supervisor is legally and professionally responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of each client and must have access to all relevant information. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide appropriate supervision as an LMSW may only practice clinical social work under supervision. Any arrangements for third-party supervision must include a written agreement between the employer, third-party supervisor and the LMSW to specify the supervisor's access to clients and client records to ensure appropriate supervision of the LMSW. The supervisor must be employed by the employer, not the LMSW. The client must be informed of how confidential information is handled in the case of third-party supervision and how to raise questions with the employer and/or third-party supervisor.

Note: If, at the time of the application, a supervisor is deceased, the experience may be attested to by a licensed colleague who meets the definition of a qualified supervisor. The licensed colleague must provide the qualifications of the supervisor and attest to direct knowledge of the supervised experience. Filing a false statement may result in a charge of unprofessional conduct against the applicant and licensed colleague.

Supervision Plan:

The applicant for licensure as a licensed clinical social worker may submit to the State Board for Social Work a plan for supervised experience for review and approval. The plan shall be documented on Form 6 submitted with the $10 fee and include:

• a copy of documentation establishing that the agency or setting is an acceptable setting as defined in Part 74.6(a) of the Commissioner’s Regulations;
• a copy of the license of the qualified supervisor, who must be licensed and registered to practice in New York as an LCSW, a licensed psychologist, or a psychiatrist;
• a plan for supervision of the qualified individual accompanied by an attestation from the supervisor(s) that he/she is responsible for any services provided by the individual;
• if a third-party is supervising the qualified individual, an affirmation from a designated representative of the setting that the setting is authorized to provide clinical social work services and that the setting will ensure appropriate supervision of the qualified individual when the individual is performing such services.

While the plan may be approved, the applicant’s supervised experience must be documented by the supervisor named in the plan on Form 4B . An applicant who does not file a plan for practice under a qualified supervisor in an acceptable setting must be individually evaluated and clarification may be required, delaying the review of the supervised experience.

If you submit an additional Form 6, an additional fee is not required.

Definition of Terms

Licensed Clinical Social Worker : The practice of licensed clinical social work encompasses the scope of practice of licensed master social work and, in addition, includes the diagnosis of mental, emotional, behavioral, addictive and developmental disorders and disabilities and of the psychosocial aspects of illness, injury, disability and impairment undertaken within a psychosocial framework; administration and interpretation of tests and measures of psychosocial functioning; development and implementation of appropriate assessment-based treatment plans; and the provision of crisis oriented psychotherapy and brief, short-term and long-term psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic treatment to individuals, couples, families and groups, habilitation, psychoanalysis and behavior therapy; all undertaken for the purpose of preventing, assessing, treating, ameliorating and resolving psychosocial dysfunction with the goal of maintaining and enhancing the mental, emotional, behavioral and social functioning and well-being of individuals, couples, families, small groups, organizations, communities and society.

Diagnosis : Diagnosis in the context of licensed clinical social work practice is the process of distinguishing, beyond general social work assessment, between similar mental, emotional, behavioral, developmental and addictive disorders, impairments and disabilities within a psychosocial framework on the basis of their similar and unique characteristics consistent with accepted classification systems.

Psychotherapy : Psychotherapy in the context of licensed clinical social work practice is the use of verbal methods in interpersonal relationships with the intent of assisting a person or persons to modify attitudes and behavior which are intellectually, socially, or emotionally maladaptive.

Assessment-based treatment plans : Development of assessment-based treatment plans in the context of licensed clinical social work practice refers to the development of an integrated plan of prioritized interventions, that is based on the diagnosis and psychosocial assessment of the client, to address mental, emotional, behavioral, developmental and addictive disorders, impairments and disabilities, reactions to illnesses, injuries, disabilities and impairments, and social problems.

Applicants Licensed in Another State

Endorsement, often referred to as reciprocity, is available to an applicant for LCSW who was licensed as a clinical social worker in another jurisdiction and has at least 10 years of practice in the 15 years prior to application. The initial license must have been issued on the basis of meeting requirements similar to those in New York State, including:

• MSW degree with clinical content;
• Post-MSW supervised experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning, and;
• ASWB clinical social work examination.

An application for endorsement of a clinical social work license must include:

• an Application for Licensure ( Form 1 ) and the $294 fee for licensure and first registration;
• verification of a Master of Social Work degree, acceptable to the Department ( Form 2 );
• verification for the initial basis of licensure and verification of good standing in each jurisdiction in which you are licensed to practice a profession ( Form 3 );
• a list of supervisors who will verify at least 10 years of practice in clinical social work in the 15 years prior to application for licensure by endorsement ( Form 4E );
• verification of clinical examination score from ASWB;
• verification of your licensed practice of at least 10 years by licensed colleague(s) ( Form 4F ); and
• be of good moral character, as determined by the Department.

An individual who does not meet the requirements for endorsement of a clinical social work license must apply for LCSW using the standard methods and meet all requirements for initial licensure in New York State.

Full documentation of compliance with all New York State licensure requirements, including professional education, moral character, and experience, must be submitted directly to the Department by the appropriate entity, not by the applicant.

An individual licensed in another jurisdiction may not practice in New York without being licensed. If the applicant does not meet the requirement for licensure as an LCSW, you must apply for licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in order to practice under supervision in New York while meeting the requirements for licensure as an LCSW.

Limited Permits

A limited permit allows an individual who has met all requirements for licensure as an LCSW except the licensing examination to practice as an LCSW provided that the individual is under the general supervision of an LCSW. To be eligible for a limited permit, you must:

• submit an Application for Licensure ( Form 1 ) and the $294 fee for licensure and first registration;
• have your school verify completion of the M.S.W. degree ( Form 2 );
• have your supervisor verify at least three years of full-time experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning ( Forms 4 and 4B );
• submit proof of completion of coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider; and
• be at least 21 years of age and be of good moral character as determined by the Department.

You may apply for a limited permit ( Form 5 ) at the same time as or any time after you submit your Application for Licensure ( Form 1 ). The fee for a limited permit is $70.

The limited permit is issued for a specific employment setting and the permit holder must be under the supervision of an LCSW. A private practice that is owned or operated by the applicant is not lawful and would not be an acceptable setting for a limited permit holder.

The limited permit supervisor is responsible for services provided by the permit holder. A licensee may not supervise more than 5 permit holders. Limited permits are valid for a period of one year and are not renewable. A limited permit cannot be issued until the Department has determined that you have satisfied all requirements for licensure except the licensing examination .

Limited permits are not issued to applicants for employment in public schools. Such applicants should apply for a provisional school social worker credential through the Office of Teaching Initiatives. See more information on the Office of Teaching Initiatives’ website .

Requirements at a Glance

You may print and keep this  checklist  as a reminder of what forms you need to file. This is for your reference and should not be submitted with your application forms. You should also keep a copy of all application forms submitted.