Looking to become a social worker in Minnesota? You’ve come to the right spot!  While there are similarities in licensing requirements from state to state, each state is unique. In addition to providing the essentials below, you can click the link we have provided for Minnesota’s official licensing body. There you can find additional information on potential requirements like background checks, state-to-state license transfers, and continuing education requirements. We hope this handy guide assists in your efforts to become a certified social worker in your state!

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In Minnesota, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designation Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is granted to social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. The designations Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) require education at at least the master’s level.

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is the basic licensing level. The LSW must have a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university whose social work program is approved by the Council on Social Work Education as well as 2-4 years of full-time supervised experience (a minimum of 4,000 post-degree hours). The candidate for the LSW licensure must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board.

The Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) must have a master of social work from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. The LGSW does not have a supervision requirement prior to licensure, however supervision is an ongoing requirement for the LGSW or LISW engaged in clinical practice until LICSW license is obtained. The Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) requires two to four years of full-time supervised experience (a minimum of 4,000 post-
degree hours). Both licenses require passing the masters-level ASWB exam.

The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) designation is necessary in order to practice independently, or as a self-employed individual. The LICSW must have: a Masters or doctoral degree in social work (no other field may be accepted); two to four years of full-time supervised experience; A minimum of 4,000 post-degree hours; successfully passed the clinical-level examination from the ASWB.

Continuing Education (CE) hours must be completed during the renewal term. For first-time licenses issued, the number of CE hours due at the first renewal is prorated. 40 CE hours are required for each 24-month license renewal period for active status licenses. CE providers and programs accepted are not required to be pre-approved by the Board but must meet all CE requirements in the Board’s Practice Act. At the time of license renewal, licensees are required to attest to completing the required CE hours on the license renewal application.

LSW Requirements:

  • Education: Bachelor’s
  • ASWB Exam: Bachelor’s-Level
  • Supervision: 2 years

LGSW Requirements:

  • Education: Master’s
  • Supervision: N/A
  • ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level

LISW Requirements:

  • Education: Master’s
  • Supervision: 2 years
  • ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level

LICSW Requirements:

  • Education: Master’s
  • Supervision: 2 years
  • ASWB Exam: Clinical