CREDENTIALING INFORMATION FOR LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER APPLICANTS - #2681 - Rev. 4/2022

Sep 21, 2026

Credentialing information for applicants seeking Wisconsin licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Workers, covering education, supervised clinical field training, and supervised experience hours. It specifies course requirements including psychopathology and theory/practice courses, supervision and affidavit alternatives, and minimum 3,000 hours post-degree with DSM diagnosis and treatment under an approved supervisor. The document also lists required application materials, relevant forms, reciprocity guidance, temporary licensure rules, and the ASWB national examination process.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Education Requirement

Supervised Clinical Field Training and Alternatives

Supervised Experience Requirement

Approved Supervisors

Required Application Items

Reciprocal Applicants

Temporary License

National Examination (ASWB)

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Office Location: 4822 Madison Yards Way Madison, WI 53705 Phone Number: (608) 266-2112 LicensE Portal: [License.wi.gov](License.wi.gov) Email: [dsps@wisconsin.gov](dsps@wisconsin.gov)[ ](dsps@wisconsin.gov)Website: [http://dsps.wi.gov](http://dsps.wi.gov) MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING, AND SOCIAL WORK EXAMINING BOARD CREDENTIALING INFORMATION FOR LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER APPLICANTS EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: An applicant must have a Master’s or Doctorate degree in social work with a concentration in clinical social work, including completion of supervised clinical field training. To qualify as Master’s or Doctoral degree in social work with a concentration in clinical social work, the course of study shall include one course in psychopathology in social work and, two (2) theory and practice courses from among the following: (a) Case Management (b) Clinical assessment and treatment of specific populations and problems, such as children, adolescent, elderly, alcohol and drug abuse, family or couples relationships (c) Psychopharmacology (d) Psychotherapeutic Interventions (e) Electives such as family therapy, social work with groups, sex-or gender-related issues, and topics. In lieu of supervised clinical field training, applicants may submit an affidavit indicating that they have completed 1,500 hours of supervised clinical social work experience in not less than one year within a primary clinical setting, which includes at least 500 hours of face-to-face client contact and is supervised as provided in Wis. Admin. Code § MPSW 4.01. However, this does not eliminate the 3,000 hours of supervised experience requirement. The dates and hours must not overlap dates and hours indicated on Form \#2560 (post-graduate experience) . SUPERVISED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: Verification of at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience, including at least 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact, after receiving the Master’s or Doctoral degree. The supervised experience must include DSM diagnosis and treatment of individuals under the supervision of a supervisor approved by the Social Worker Section and will be accepted only if the applicant was certified at the time as an Advanced Practice Social Worker or an Independent Social Worker. Approved supervisors include: 1. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate degree in social work 2. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in social work 3. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with five (5) years of full-time clinical social work experience 4. A Psychiatrist or Psychologist 5. Another individual approved in advance by the Social Worker Section THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE REQUIRED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED: A. Completed LicensE online application for Clinical Licensed Social Worker. B. Pay appropriate fee(s) online via LicensE. C. Convictions and Pending Charges (Form \#2252), if applicable D. Wisconsin Statutes and Rules exam (if not taken within the last 5 years, will be authorized upon receipt of application) E. Official transcript showing Master's or Doctorate degree (sent directly from school) F. Official transcript for any post-graduate coursework G. Supervised clinical field training (Form \#2672) H. Documentation of post-graduate clinical experience (Form \#2560) (This form must be completed by and sent directly to the Department by each supervisor.) I. Verification of Credential (if credentialed in other state(s) or territory(ies), active or inactive status) J. Verification of clinical coursework (Form \#2673) \#2681 (Rev. 4/2022) [Wis. Stat. ch. 457](Wis. Stat. ch. 457) i Committed to Equal Opportunity in Employment and Licensing Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services RECIPROCAL APPLICANTS: An application by Reciprocity is solely based on the jurisdictional standards of t

FAQs

What education is required to qualify for licensed clinical social worker licensure?

Applicants must hold a Master’s or Doctorate degree in social work with a concentration in clinical social work, including completion of supervised clinical field training. The curriculum must include one course in social work psychopathology and two theory and practice courses from the listed options.

How many hours of supervised clinical experience are required after earning the degree?

Applicants must complete verification of at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience after receiving the Master’s or Doctoral degree, including at least 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact.

What is the ASWB exam role in the licensing process and how is eligibility determined?

The ASWB national examination is required for all eligible applicants. Eligibility is determined after the Department receives a completed application, appropriate fee, and other requirements; the Department then forwards authorization and provides examination instructions.

Sep 21, 2026

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