Licensing APPLICATION STEPS FOR THE LMSW (1) - Becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker in NY

Sep 21, 2026

A step-by-step licensing guide for becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in New York, outlining how to submit the online application packet and complete required forms. It covers payment of the $294 fee, inclusion of a Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Certificate, and the role of Stony Brook’s Registrar in verifying education and forwarding FORM 2. It then explains registering with ASWB for the Master’s exam, limited permit requirements (Form 5) with supervision rules, exam retake timing, and how to check license status after approval.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Licensing application steps for LMSW

Forms, fees, and mandated reporting

Exam registration and limited permit requirements

After passing the exam: license status

APPLICATION STEPS FOR THE LMSW Becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker in NY Questions regarding licensure can be addressed to the NY State Board of Social Work at 518.474.3817 (x592) or [opunit5@mail.nysed.gov](opunit5@mail.nysed.gov). 1.The Licensed Master Social Worker Application packet can now be submitted online: [https://eservices.nysed.gov/professions/before/072](https://eservices.nysed.gov/professions/before/072) [Or download the form](Or download the form here.)[ here](Or download the form here.)[.](Or download the form here.) 2. Complete FORM 1 (Application for Licensure) and mail to NYS Education Department – Office of Professions (full address on application) 􀂃 Include fee of $294 (Check or money order) 􀂃 Include copy of Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Certificate. If you haven’t taken the training yet, it can be completed online for free. [http://www.nysmandatedreporter.org/TrainingCourses.aspx](http://www.nysmandatedreporter.org/TrainingCourses.aspx) 3. Complete Section I: Applicant Information on FORM 2 (Certification of Professional Education) Mail or hand-deliver to the Registrar: Kathleen Albin, Director Admissions and Student Services School of Social Welfare Health Sciences Center-Level 2-Room 093 Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY 11794-8230 631.444.3141 [Kathleen.Albin@stonybrook.edu](Kathleen.Albin@stonybrook.edu) The Registrar will verify your degree once it is posted and will complete and forward FORM 2 to the NYS Education Department on your behalf free of charge. 4. After receiving an approval letter from NYS Education DepartmentOffice of the Professions, register with the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) for the Master’s exam (fee: $230) . Click here to register. After receiving an email confirmation from ASWB, follow the instructions to choose your test site. After you go through this process, you must take the test within the year. Please note the test sites fill up quickly. Schedule your exam through Pearson Vue 800-884-9537 or [pearsonvue.com/aswb](pearsonvue.com/aswb) 5. If you have met the education requirement for licensure as an LMSW, in order to practice licensed master social work prior to passing the examination, you must apply for a limited permit (Form 5) and pay the fee ($70 in addition to the application and fee for licensure, unless you are employed in an "exempt" agency) . Please note: The limited permit is valid for one year and may not be renewed. 􀂃 You must complete a two-hour Department approved course in the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect or file an exemption using Form 1CE (available on the web) before a permit or license will be issued. 􀂃 You must be under the general supervision of an LMSW or LCSW, who is in the same facility and accessible to you. 􀂃 You can take the ASWB examination every 90 days if you do not pass the first time. If you are at risk of losing your job, the ASWB will waive the 90-day waiting period upon written request. 􀂃 If you have not passed the exam when the limited permit expires you may not practice as a licensed master social worker unless you work in an exempt setting. For more detailed information please see the Limited Permits section of the [NYSED.gov](NYSED.gov) website. 6. After you pass the exam, it may take several weeks to receive your license. To check on the status of your license contact: NYSED @ 518.474.3817 x592 The entire process may take several months.

FAQs

How do I submit the LMSW application in New York?

Submit the Licensed Master Social Worker application packet online, using the NYSED eServices link provided in the guide.

What do I need to include with FORM 1 and how is education verified?

Include the $294 fee and a copy of the Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Certificate. Complete Section I on FORM 2 (Certification of Professional Education), then mail or hand-deliver it to the Registrar, who verifies the degree and forwards FORM 2 to NYS Education Department without charge.

What are the limited permit (Form 5) rules if I meet education requirements but haven’t passed the exam?

Apply for a limited permit (Form 5) and pay the $70 fee unless employed in an exempt agency. The permit is valid for one year and cannot be renewed; you must complete a required child abuse identification/reporting course or file an exemption, and practice under general supervision of an LMSW or LCSW in the same facility and accessible to you.

Sep 21, 2026

Upload by Clementine