Guide to Licensure Requirements - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Applicants

Sep 21, 2026

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This guide summarizes licensure requirements for applicants seeking a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential based on an out-of-state license and/or an out-of-state or out-of-country degree. It defines out-of-state and out-of-country degrees, distinguishes two licensure pathways, and explains when each path applies. Path A (Licensure by Credential) requires meeting four specific qualifications related to prior active licensure, highest independent practice level, current unrestricted status, and an accredited master’s in social work. Path B covers applicants not meeting all Path A criteria and notes Associate Clinical Social Worker registration options.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Licensure Overview

Degree Definitions

Licensure Pathways for Out-of-State Applicants

Path A: Licensure by Credential

Path B: Licensure via Education and Experience

Path A Application Steps

Coursework Requirements

Examination Requirement

Initial License Issuance Request and Fee

Path A Required Coursework (Selected)

Guide to Licensure Requirements Licensed Clinical Social Worker OUT-OF-STATE AND OUT-OF-COUNTRY APPLICANTS This guide provides a summary of requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker ( LCSW) applicants with an out-of-state license, and/or an out-of-state or out-of-country degree. “Out-of-State degree” means a degree from a school located outside of California, or from an online program that is not designed to meet California’s requirements.“Out-of-Country degree”means a degree earned from a school located outside of the United States or its territories. Note: All code sections listed in this document may be accessed by clicking on the link provided or by accessing the Statutes and Regulations, [available at](available at www.bbs.ca.gov)[ ](available at www.bbs.ca.gov)[www.bbs.ca.gov](available at www.bbs.ca.gov) (scroll to the blue bar at the bottom of the page) . 1. What are the two paths to licensure for out-of-state applicants? Path A is called “Licensure by Credential”. It is for applicants who meet ALL FOUR of the qualifications listed in \#2 below. Path B is called “Licensure via Education and Experience”. It is for applicants who do NOT meet all four of the requirements of Path A. 2. What are the qualifications I need to apply under Path A? Path A “Licensure by Credential” is only available if you meet ALL FOUR of the following qualifications: 1. You have held an active license as a Clinical Social Worker in another United States jurisdiction for at least two years; and 2. Your LCSW license is at the highest level for independent clinical practice in that jurisdiction (time as an associate or intern does not count toward this requirement) ; and 3. The license you hold as an LCSW is current, and has been active and unrestricted for at least two years immediately before the date the Board receives your application; and 4. The degree that qualified you for your LCSW license is a master’s degree in social work obtained from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) . If you do not meet all four of the above requirements, you must apply under Path B. You may also apply for registration as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), which allows you to work under supervision while you complete the requirements to become licensed under Path B ([access the ASW application at www.bbs.ca.gov](access the ASW application at www.bbs.ca.gov)>Applicant>LCSW). (Revised 09/2025 1 State of California 3. I meet all of the qualifications to apply under Path A. What do I need to do to become licensed? Applicants who qualify to apply under Path A must complete all of the requirements specified in Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 4996.17.1 (as summarized below) , and submit the Application for Licensure – Path A (access at [https://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/lcs/lcsapp_oos.pdf](https://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/lcs/lcsapp_oos.pdf)) . 1. COURSEWORK You must complete all of the coursework described below before your Application for Licensure can be approved. Courses must be taken at the graduate level from a school accredited by the CSWE, a school holding a regional or national institutional accreditation recognized by U.S. Department of Education, a school approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, or an acceptable continuing education provider ([access at www.bbs.ca.gov](access at www.bbs.ca.gov)>Licensees). Undergraduate coursework cannot be accepted. 2. EXAMINATION Once your Application for Licensure is approved, you will be eligible to take the LCSW California Law and Ethics Exam. Information about the exam is available under the Exams tab of the Board’s website ([www.bbs.ca.gov](www.bbs.ca.gov)). 3. SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR INITIAL LICENSE ISSUANCE AND FEE Once you have passed the exam, you must submit a Request for Initial License Issuance form and pay a $200 initial licensure fee. Allow up to 30 days for processing. | PATH A:

FAQs

What are the two paths to LCSW licensure for out-of-state applicants?

Path A is “Licensure by Credential” for applicants meeting all four qualifications. Path B is “Licensure via Education and Experience” for applicants who do not meet all four Path A requirements.

What qualifications are required to apply under Path A (Licensure by Credential)?

Applicants must have held an active clinical social worker license in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least two years, hold the highest level for independent clinical practice there, have an LCSW license that is current and active/unrestricted for at least two years before the Board receives the application, and have qualified with a CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work.

What steps and requirements must Path A applicants complete after qualifying?

Path A applicants must complete required graduate-level coursework described in the guide, apply using the Application for Licensure – Path A, take the LCSW California Law and Ethics Exam once eligible, then submit a Request for Initial License Issuance and pay a $200 initial licensure fee after passing the exam.

Sep 21, 2026

Upload by Quinn