Licensing Resources

In New York State, the New York State Education Department oversees the licensure and practice of professions. The Office of Professions (OPM) regulates the professions as defined by the Education Law.

Important Links for New York State

New York State Office of the Professions: Social Work

NYS Licensing Requirements

Social Work Rules and Regulations

→ Supervision Requirements

Information about the Limited Permit

NYU Silver LCSW Guide (pdf)

LCSW License Requirements from NYSED

To qualify as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in New York:

• Have a masters of social work degree from an accredited school of social work,

• Complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse in accordance with Section 6507(3)(a) of the Education Law, which is a part of the curriculum at NYU Silver.

• Have good moral character (which is in relation to criminal record), and

• Pass the ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) Masters level (Advanced) examination.

Process Summary

1. Submit application (Form 1) for licensure and pay $294 application fee; can do so as early once your grades from the Fall have been submitted

2. Once you graduate, the university will send Form 20 on your behalf to the state to verify your education (4-6 weeks after your degree is conferred)

3. Wait for your application to be processed and for approval to take the exam (4-6 weeks)

4. Once you receive notification of approval, register for the ASWB Masters exam and pay exam fee of $230

5. Take and pass the ASWB Masters exam

6. Receive your license information in the mail no more than a couple weeks after passing the exam

Detailed Process

Step 1. Application for Licensure (Form 1)

• Submit Application for Licensure (Form 1) online on the New York State Education Department Office of Professions Application page  

• Pay Fee ($294)

Application FAQs

• What is the earliest I can submit my Application (Form 1) to New York State?
  You can submit your Application (Form 1) as early as once your grades from the Fall have been submitted, although we recommend that you wait until the start of your final semester to submit your Application (Form 1) in case there are delays with grading.
  
  Tip: You can request an unofficial transcript to ensure that your grades have been submitted and are reflected on your transcript before submitting your application.
   

• For the application: What county is New York University in?
  New York
   

• For the application: What type of education program awarded your degree?
  NYS Licensure-Qualifying Masters of Social Work Program

Step 2. No Action Needed: Certification of Graduation from MSW Program Form 20 

• When you have graduated, NYU Registrar – Academic Records will verify your degree once it is posted and will forward FORM 20 to the New York State Education Department on your behalf free of charge. No action is needed on your part and you do not need to reach out to the registrar.
  
  

• Note: Form 2 is no longer needed for NYU students who graduated in 2020 or later.
   

• If you are a dual degree student: Please note that neither degree will be conferred until the requirements for both are fulfilled. Therefore, you must complete requirements for both degrees in order for your degree to be conferred and to have your education verified in order to take the licensure exam.
   

• Graduates from 2019 and earlier ONLY:

  • Complete Section I: Applicant Information on Form 2 (Certification of Professional Education)

  • Send Form 2 to certifications@nyu.edu once you've filled out your portion, NYU Registrar completes the remaining fields.

The New York State Education Department must approve your education and all application materials. They then notify the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) when you have satisfied the examination eligibility requirements (4-6 weeks).

Step 3: For Advanced Standing and Transfer students ONLY: Complete Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment: Mandated Reporter Training

• Confirm if you received this content in your undergraduate program or graduate program from which you transferred. Note: If you received your BS degree from NYU Silver, you received this content and no action is needed.

• The training is offered for free and can be taken online for New York State.

• The certificate should be kept for your records only and does not need to be submitted. You would still note you graduated from a NYS registered program on the application.

• All other MSW students have received this content in Practice I-II, no action needed on their part. 

Education Verification FAQs

• Do I need to submit a document showing a certificate in the identification and reporting of child abuse?

For NY licensure you do not need to submit any documentation to show you are certified in the identification and reporting of child abuse. All NYU MSW students cover this content in Practice I-II. For Advanced Standing and Transfer students you need to complete the FREE online “Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment: Mandated Reporter Training”. You also do not need to submit documentation to show you have completed the certification, but keep the certificate for your records.

Note: If you received your BS degree from NYU Silver, you received this content and no action is needed.

• When will the university send my Form 20 to the State?

Generally, the university will send Form 20 anywhere from 4-6 weeks after graduation.

Step 4: Register for and take the Exam

• Wait for notification from New York State Education Department that you have satisfied the examination eligibility requirements (4-6 weeks)

• Register for the exam directly with ASWB. 

• Pay exam fee ($230) and notify them about any approved accommodations.

• You will receive an authorization email which will contain your Authorization Number, the exam category for which you are registered, the jurisdiction your score will be sent to, and information on how to make an appointment to take the examination. Bring this information with you to the testing site.

• Schedule your exam appointment directly with PSI online. Follow the directions on your Authorization letter and keep all information about your appointment.

• Take 2 valid forms of ID to the testing site. One must be a valid, non-expired, government-issued ID with photo and signature. The other must be valid and non-expired with your signature. Without these, you cannot take the exam and your fees will be forfeited. 

• The test contains 170 items (150 scored; 20 questions that are being pre-tested as possible future exam questions.) It is a computer based examination for which you will have a 4-hour test window. Review exam materials provided by ASWB. Notification of pass/fail & equated score is provided to you at the end of the exam. There is a 90-day waiting period to retake the exam.

• For more information, refer to the ASWB Examination Guidebook.

ASWB Exam FAQs

• When can I take the LMSW exam for New York?
  You must wait until after you complete the MSW program. The New York State Education Department must approve your education and all application materials, and then they will notify ASWB when you have satisfied the examination eligibility requirements. Generally, this takes 4-6 weeks.

• Can I request accommodations for the ASWB exam?
  You must request and receive approval for nonstandard testing arrangements before you register with ASWB to take the exam. ASWB requires that you request and receive approval for nonstandard testing arrangements in advance, so the test center is prepared and your testing experience goes smoothly, without compromising exam security. Nonstandard testing arrangements cannot be added to an existing testing appointment. Read more about how to request nonstandard testing arrangements on the ASWB website.

• What happens if I fail the exam?
  If you fail the exam, you must wait 90 days to retake the exam. You must also pay the $230 exam fee each time you take the exam. 

After Passing the ASWB Exam

Congratulations! You will receive your license information by mail in no more than a couple weeks from the date of passing your exam.

Licensure Application Status

Find the status of your license application by checking our online license verifications; your name will be added immediately when your license number is issued:

• Select "Social Worker (LMSW)" in the "Profession" box

• Search by entering your last name, then your first name, with a space in between (not a comma)
   

The Office of Professions cannot provide the status of a licensure application by phone. After you have submitted all your documentation, please allow 6 weeks before submitting a Contact Us Form to request a status update. Contacting them earlier may extend processing times for applications. During busy times, this time frame may increase. 

Score Transfers

If you need to, you may request to have ASWB send your exam results to another state or province. After you’ve applied for a license in the new state or province, simply order a score transfer from ASWB. They will forward your exam results directly to the new licensing board. Score transfers cost US$40.

Learn how to transfer your scores

What is the limited permit?

A limited permit allows an individual who has met all requirements for licensure as an LMSW except the licensing examination to practice as an LMSW provided that the individual is under the general supervision of an LMSW or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The proposed supervisor must include a copy of his/her license with the Application for Limited Permit (Form 5).

To be eligible for a limited permit, you must:

• submit an application (Form 1) and fee for licensure and first registration ($294);

• have your school verify completion of the MSW degree (Form 20 - sent automatically by Registrar);

• submit proof of completion of coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider; and

• be at least 21 years of age and be of good moral character as determined by the Department.
   

Find more information about the limited permit on the NYS Office of Professions website.

Limited Permit FAQs

• How long is the limited permit valid?
  The limited permit is valid for one year and is not renewable.
   

• How long does it take to get a limited permit?
  Because you are not required to take the exam for the limited permit, you generally receive the limited permit quicker than a license. After your degree is conferred and your education is verified by the state, it should take no more than a couple weeks for your application to be processed and to receive your permit.

• What is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW)?

LMSW Scope of Practice

• • • MSW Students sit for the LMSW exam, not the LCSW

    • LMSWs work with: Individuals. Couples, Families, Groups, Communities, Organizations and Society

    • LMSWs provide all forms of supervision except for the supervision of the practice of Licensed Clinical Social Work

    • Practice as an LMSW can count toward licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) only if it is under the supervision of a LCSW, a licensed psychologist, or a psychiatrist

    • Under supervision of an LCSW, licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, a LMSW can provide Psychotherapy, Assessment-based treatment planning, and Diagnosis
       

    • What is the difference between the LMSW and the LCSW?

The Education Law defines the practice as a Licensed Master Social Worker and as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. A licensee may only engage in those activities that are within the scope of practice and in which the licensee is competent. The major difference between the two is that the LMSW may only provide "clinical social work" services (diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment planning) under supervision; the LCSW may provide those services without supervision.

• Are there activities that can be performed by an unlicensed person?

The Education Law defines certain activities that are within the scope of practice of the Licensed Master Social Worker, but may also be performed by an individual who is not licensed. The unlicensed person could not imply that he or she is licensed under Title 8 of the Education Law. If the services are provided by an LMSW or LCSW, the licensee can only engage in those activities in which he or she is competent.

• Services that are defined as not requiring licensure include but are not limited to:

• Serve as a community organizer, planner, or administrator for social service programs in any setting.

• Provide supervision and/or consultation to individuals, groups, institutions and agencies.

• Serve as a faculty member or instructor in an educational setting.

• Plan and/or conduct research projects and program evaluation studies.

• Maintain familiarity with both professional and self-help systems in the community in order to assist the client in those services when necessary.

• Provide advice and guidance and assist individuals or groups with difficult day to day problems such as finding employment, locating sources of assistance, and organizing community groups to work on a specific problem.

• For more examples, visit Social Work Licensure & Practice FAQ

• What is the licensure process if I do not plan to live in New York State?

In this case, you do not need to submit materials to the New York State Education Department. Instead, you should review the requirements in the state where you wish to work. This information is available online from the ASWB. You can still take the social work licensing examination in New York State. The ASWB exam is accepted in any state that is part of the ASWB system, and virtually all states are. The most notable exception is California. You should speak directly with the particular state to be sure what exam system it is using.

• I have questions about the rules and regulations for supervision as an LMSW with the goal of obtaining my LCSW. Where can I find this information?

Please refer to the Regulations of the Commissioner, Part §74.6 Supervision requirements for certain qualified individuals providing clinical social work services.

New Jersey’s State Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE) protects the consumers of New Jersey by setting the standards for qualification, education, training and experience for those who seek certification or licensure to practice as a social worker in New Jersey.

Please Note: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the NJ State Board of Social Work Examiners are not accepting application materials via mail. Everything must be submitted online through the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs MyLicense Website and/or via email to DCA_Social_Work_No_Reply@dca.njoag.gov

NJ Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE)

PO Box 45033

Newark, NJ 07101

BSWE Home Page

All Inquiries about the application process can be sent to SocialWork@dca.njoag.gov

All application forms and materials can be found here. This is also the page that is updated most frequently. 

Important Links for New Jersey

• NJ Eligibility Requirements for the Practice of Social Work

• NASW NJ Licensing FAQ

• Checklist for NJ LSW

• License Application Process for NJ

• Top Tips for NJ License Applicants

• ASWB Website

• Pearson VUE Testing

Process Summary

1. Apply online for pre-approval to take the ASWB exam (can start this process once you have registered for your final semester of classes)

2. Request an official E-transcript from the NYU Registrar and have them send it to DCA_Social_Work_No_Reply@dca.njoag.gov

3. Wait for approval to take the exam (6-8 weeks)

4. Register for the ASWB Masters exam and pay $230 exam fee

5. Take and pass the ASWB Masters exam

6. Apply for license (LSW) online and wait for your application to be approved

7. Send check for licensing fee (exact amount will be told to you once your application is approved)

8. Receive license once everything is processed
   
   

Detailed Process

Step 1: Apply to take ASWB Masters level exam (can be completed once you have registered for your final semester of classes)

• Fill out the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and ASWB Master Exam New Applicant (online application)

  • Note: If you do not have a social security number, you need to fill out this application and send it to Socialwork@dca.njoag.gov noting you do not have a social security number

• Request an official E-transcript from the NYU Registrar

  • Tip: Request an unofficial transcript first, so that you can ensure that your registration for your final semester is reflected before submitting

• Email all third party documents including official transcripts, license/certificate verifications (if needed) to DCA_Social_Work_No_Reply@dca.njoag.gov

• Wait for approval to take the exam from BSWE (Timeline: 6-8 weeks)

Application FAQs

• When can I take the exam?
  You may take the Masters Level (LSW) exam after you have registered for your last semester of coursework in the MSW program. In order to sit for the exam, you must receive prior approval from the BSWE. Go to the BSWE Web site to access information about the application process and to access Applications for the ASWB Masters or Clinical Level Examination pre-approval forms or follow the steps outlined above.
   

• For the application: What county is New York University in?
  New York

Step 2: Register for and take ASWB Masters level exam:

• An applicant pursuing a master's degree in social work and enrolled in the last semester of an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is eligible to take the masters level examination in NJ

• Register for the exam directly with ASWB. You may register by phone or online.

• Pay exam fee ($230) and notify them about any approved accommodations.

• You will receive an authorization email which will contain your Authorization Number, the exam category for which you are registered, the jurisdiction your score will be sent to, and information on how to make an appointment to take the examination. Bring this information with you to the testing site.

• Schedule your exam appointment directly with PSI online. Follow the directions on your Authorization letter and keep all information about your appointment.

• Take 2 valid forms of ID to the testing site. One must be a valid, non-expired, government-issued ID with photo and signature. The other must be valid and non-expired with your signature. Without these, you cannot take the exam and your fees will be forfeited. 

• The test contains 170 items (150 scored; 20 questions that are being pre-tested as possible future exam questions.) It is a computer based examination for which you will have a 4-hour test window. Review exam materials provided by ASWB. Notification of pass/fail & equated score is provided to you at the end of the exam. There is a 90-day waiting period to retake the exam.

• For more information, refer to the ASWB Examination Guidebook.

• Take the exam. You will receive your (unofficial) test score immediately. Keep this document and send a copy of it to the BSWE with your Application for Licensure.

• You must pass this exam before you apply for your license in New Jersey.

Score Transfers

At this point, if you need to, you may request to have ASWB send your exam results to another state or province. After you’ve applied for a license in the new state or province, simply order a score transfer from ASWB. They will forward your exam results directly to the new licensing board. Score transfers cost US$40.

Learn how to transfer your scores

Step 3: Apply for License (LSW):

• To continue LSW process after passing ASWB Master Exam:

  • Fill out PDF version of LSW application online 

  • Fill out Attestation in Lieu of Notary

  • Upload all documents to your online MyLicense profile through the Upload License Documents tab

• When these steps are done, you will receive a letter stating that your application has been approved

• Send a check for the licensing fee

  • Please Note: exact licensing fee will be made available once your application has been approved

To Check the Status of Your Application

1. Log into your MyLicense online profile

2. On the application type you wish to see click on View Checklist

3. Items that do not have a complete date next to them are still missing

4. You may upload missing items to your online profile through the Upload License Documents tab except for third party documents (transcripts, license verifications) which should be received directly by the Board from those entities and are to be emailed to DCA_Social_Work_No_Reply@dca.njoag.gov

5. Inquiries about the status of your application can be sent to SocialWork@dca.njoag.gov

In Connecticut State, the Connecticut State Department of Health oversees the licensure and practice of professions. The Office of Professions (OPM) regulates the professions as defined by the Education Law.

Important Links for Connecticut

• Master's Level Social Worker Licensing Requirements

• NASW Connecticut

• ASWB

• Pearson VUE Testing

Process Summary

1. Apply online and pay fee of $125
   NOTE: The ASWB master's level examination requirement is suspended until January 1, 2026

2. Receive license once application is processed
   
   

Detailed Process

Step 1: Apply for Licensure

• Apply online for the LMSW license. Applications are only accepted online and must include:

• Official transcripts

• Application fee of $125

• Photograph of yourself

• If applicable, verification of all licenses held, current or expired.  Most states charge a fee for this service.  Please be sure to contact the state to determine fee information

LMSW Application FAQs

• For the application: What county is New York University in?
  New York
   

• How do I request a copy of my transcript?
  The NYU Registrar provides the option of requesting a few types of transcripts depending on your reason for needing one. Learn more about transcript requests here or email registrar@nyu.edu.

Step 2:  Receive License
NOTE: The ASWB master's level examination requirement is suspended until January 1, 2026

• Applicants who want to be approved to take the examination even though it is not required for licensure may request to sit for the examination by indicating that on their application. CT DPH will issue a license without examination and will provide the applicant with information on how to register for the examination.

Score Transfers 

If you need to, you may request to have ASWB send your exam results to another state or province. After you’ve applied for a license in the new state or province, simply order a score transfer from ASWB. They will forward your exam results directly to the new licensing board. Score transfers cost US$40.

Learn how to transfer your scores

The Department may issue a temporary permit to an applicant for licensure as a master's level social worker who holds a master's degree from an accredited social work educational program but who has not yet taken the licensure examination.  Such temporary permit shall authorize the holder to practice as a master's level social worker under supervision. 

The temporary permit shall be valid one year from the date of issuance and is not renewable. The fee for a temporary permit is $50. Applications are only accepted online. 

1. Once you have logged in and verified your email address, please select 'Initial Application' at the bottom left portion of the screen and then expand the 'Public Health Practitioners' grouping. 

2. Locate the 'Master's Level Social Worker' and select start. 

3. Complete your application for licensure and then repeat and submit the application for 'Master's Level Social Worker - Temporary Permit'.
    

Documentation Requirements

As part of the online application process for the temporary permit, you will be required to upload a copy of your diploma or other document verifying that you received a degree in social work from an accredited university. Such other documentation includes, but is not limited to, a transcript from the program documenting that a degree has been awarded or a letter from the university registrar or program director indicating that you completed the program and the date the degree was awarded.  The letter must be written after the date the degree was awarded.

Examination Approval

Applicants who wish to also be approved to sit for the ASWB examination must also submit an application for a full master's level social worker license online and arrange for the accredited program to send a transcript documenting the award of a master's in social work. 

In no case will the department approve an applicant for examination unless a full license application, fee and transcript have been received.

The transcript can be submitted as follows:

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Social Worker Licensure

410 Capitol Ave., MS #12 APP

P.O. Box 340308

Hartford, CT 06134

Fax:  (860) 707-1980

dph.counselorsteam@ct.gov

The study guide that the Silver School of Social Work suggests for the ASWB Exam is the ASWB Master's Examination Study Guide, which may be purchased online.

Further information about the ASWB Exam can be found at the ASWB website.

• Does Silver provide resources on exam prep?

The MSW Program supports students with licensing exam content preparation in the Social Work Practice IV course.

Here are some external resources you may also find helpful:

• Dawn Apgar Test Prep Books

• NASW Test Prep Site Social Work Test Prep

• Article: The Two Secret LMSW Exam Acronyms You Must Know

• Article: Ten Tips for Passing the LMSW Exam

• Additionally, check out "10 Tips for the Licensure Exam" from a past edition of our biweekly CPD newsletter!
   

• When are exams offered?
  Exams are offered regularly all year round.

If you have already passed one of the ASWB social work licensing exams, you may request to have ASWB send your exam results to another state or province.

After you’ve applied for a license in the new state or province, simply order a score transfer from ASWB. We will forward your exam results directly to the new licensing board.

Score transfers cost US$40.

Learn how to transfer your scores