LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER - APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE - In-State - Application Instructions

Sep 21, 2026

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in-state applicants use this application packet to have supervised experience evaluated for eligibility to take the ASWB Clinical Exam. The packet explains submission steps to the Board of Behavioral Sciences, required forms and supporting documents, and key requirements including experience gained within six years prior to receipt. It also outlines fee payment, proof of application receipt, supervised experience verification, and expedited review eligibility for qualifying military and related applicants.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Application Instructions

In-State Applicants

Expedited Review

Proof of Receipt of Application

Application Form

Fee

Supervised Experience

Board of Behavioral Sciences 1625 North Market Blvd. , Suite S200, Sacramento, CA 95834 (916) 574-7830 [www.bbs.ca.gov](www.bbs.ca.gov) LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE IN-STATE* Applicants 􀂨 Use this application when you are ready to have your supervised experience evaluated to qualify to take the ASWB Clinical Exam 􀂨 This application can be submitted before you pass the LCSW Law and Ethics Exam 􀂨 Your hours of experience must have been gained within the six (6) years prior to the date your application is received by the Board Thank you for your interest in becoming a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) . This packet contains the following: 1. Application Instructions 2. Application Checklist 3. Important Information for Applicants 4. Application for Licensure (In-State) 5. Experience Verification ( In-State) * Submit this IN-STATE application if either of the following apply to you: 􀂨 You hold a California Associate Registration; OR 􀂨 You have an Out-of-State degree and have gained experience hours in California (You may have coursework to complete-refer to the notice sent upon approval of your Associate application) . APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS In-State Applicants READ ALL PAGES CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION Submit your completed application to: Board of Behavioral Sciences 1625 North Market Blvd. , Suite S200 Sacramento, CA 95834 􀂨 Use only one clip to hold your application and fee together. NO staples, paperclips or post it notes as they interfere with your application being scanned. 􀂨 Do not attach multiple applications together. Each application should be clipped separately or provided in separate envelopes with a separate fee attached to each. AVOID DELAYS! Use the included Application Checklist and read all instructions closely. This will help you submit a complete application package and avoid deficiencies. EXPEDITED REVIEW The Board will expedite the licensure process for the following applicants who meet the qualifications specified on the forms linked below (all expedite forms are available at [www.bbs.ca.gov>Applicants>LCSW>Forms/Pubs):](www.bbs.ca.gov>Applicants>LCSW>Forms/Pubs):) • Active-duty military members. Download the form here and include it ON TOP OF your application. • Honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or the California National Guard. Download the form here and include it ON TOP OF your application. • Spouses/Partners of persons on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces assigned to a duty station in California. A $150 fee waiver is also available to these applicants. Download the form here and include it ON TOP OF your application. • Refugees / Asylees / Special Immigrant Status Holders ("SI" or "SQ") . Download the form here and include it ON TOP OF your application. PROOF OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION If you would like to know whether the Board has received your application, you will need to mail your application using a method that includes tracking. You can also check with the bank to see if your check or money order has been cashed by the Board. A. APPLICATION FORM | Instructions | | Document(s) Required | | --- | --- | --- | | •
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• | Complete all sections of the Application for Licensure. The application may be typed or completed in ink.
Sign the application in ink (wet signature) or electronically. An electronic signature will be accepted if completed via an electronic signature platform such as Adobe Sign or DocuSign which ensures security and authenticity.
You must use your legal name. Your “legal name” is the name established legally by your birth certificate, marriage or domestic partnership certificate, or divorce decree (for example) .
Name Change: If you have registered with the Board previously and have changed your legal name without notifying the Board, su

FAQs

Who should submit an in-state LCSW application?

Submit the in-state application if you hold a California Associate Registration or if you have an out-of-state degree and earned experience hours in California.

What are the supervised experience requirements for licensure?

Supervised post-degree work experience must total at least two years (104 weeks) and 3,000 hours, and all experience must be obtained within the six (6) years immediately preceding the Board’s receipt of your application.

How should the application fee be submitted and is it refundable?

Pay the application fee by check or money order payable to Behavioral Sciences Fund. The fee is an earned fee for evaluation and is not refundable.

Sep 21, 2026

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