LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER - PATH B - Licensure via Education and Experience (Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Applicants)

Sep 21, 2026

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Board of Behavioral Sciences provides the Path B application instructions for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for out-of-state or out-of-country applicants. The packet explains eligibility routes, required submission components, and how to apply after registration, including exam-related steps. It covers application assembly requirements, expedited review options for qualifying groups, proof-of-receipt guidance, and administrative instructions for completing sections, signing, legal name rules, name change documentation, and fee-related clarification to avoid processing delays.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages32

Reading Time1 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

Application Selector and Overview of Licensure Process

Application Instructions

Read Carefully Before Completing Your Application

Expedited Review

Proof of Receipt of Application

Path B - Application Instructions

A. Application

B. Fees

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 Path B – Licensure via Education and Experience OUT-OF-STATE or OUT-OF-COUNTRY Applicants Use this Path B application if either of the following apply to you: | 􀂨 You are licensed as an LCSW in another state or country and do not meet all of the requirements to apply under Path A ; OR | | | --- | --- | | 􀂨 You have an out-of-state or out-of-country degree AND do NOT hold a California Associate Registration* | | | Thank you for your interest in becoming a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker ( LCSW) . This packet contains the following: | | | 1. Application Selector and Overview of Licensure Process
2. Application Instructions
3. Application Checklist
4. Important Information for Applicants | 5. Application for Licensure
6. Verification of Out-of-State License or Registration
7. Experience Verification (Out-of-State)
8. Instructions for Live Scan Fingerprinting/Request for Live Scan Service Form | * If you are currently registered as an Associate in California and have gained experience hours in California, you may submit an In-State Application for Licensure. LCSW Out-of-State/Out-of-Country Application Selector and Overview of Licensure Process This is a summary. For a full description of licensure requirements, see Statutes and Regulations. Submit the ASW Out-of-State/Out-ofCountry Application Once you receive an ASW registration you may apply to take the CA Law and Ethics Exam, which you must take prior to renewing your ASW registration After obtaining 3,000 hours of qualifying experience and completing Additional Coursework you may submit the LCSWIN-STATE Application Click Here for LCSW Application Once your LCSW application is approved and you have passed the Law and Ethics Exam you will receive notification of your eligibility to sit for the ASWB Submit the LCSW Out-of-State/Out-ofCountry Application ( Path A or Path B ) Click Here for Path A Application Click Here for Path B Application Path A Once approved you will be eligible to sit for the CA Law and Ethics Exam Path B Once approved you will be eligible to sit for the CA Law and Ethics Exam *ASWB = Association of Social Work Boards Clinical Exam Revised 12/2023 APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS PATH B – Licensure via Education and Experience Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Applicants READ CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING 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. Staples and paperclips interfere with your application being scanned. 􀁦 Avoid delays! Use the included Application Checklist and read all instructions closely. This will help you submit a complete application 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 pursuant to Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 115.4. Download the request form from the Board’s website and include it ON TOP OF your application. • Spouses/Partners of Persons on Active Duty Military pursuant to BPC section 115.5. A $125 application fee waiver is also available to these applicants. Download the request form from the Board’s website and include it ON TOP OF your application. • Refugees / Asylees / Special Immigrant Status

FAQs

Who should use the Path B application for LCSW licensure?

Use Path B if you are licensed in another state/country but do not qualify for Path A, or if you have an out-of-state/out-of-country degree and do not hold a California Associate Registration.

What is required for signing the LCSW Path B application?

The application may be typed or completed in ink, and it must be signed in ink (wet signature) or electronically via a secure electronic signature platform such as Adobe Sign or DocuSign.

How can applicants ensure the Board expedited review their application?

Expedited review is available for specified qualified groups (e.g., active-duty military, honorably discharged veterans, certain spouses/partners, and certain immigration-status holders) when they meet the qualifications on the linked expedite forms and include the expedite request on top of the application.

Sep 21, 2026

Upload by Riley