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Licensing FAQs 

General Information


In May of 1991, the State of NJ passed legislation requiring social workers to be certified or licensed as a way to protect the public. This law is administered by the Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE), whose members are appointed by the Governor. The BSWE is under the Division of Consumer Affairs, whose primary responsibility is to protect the public from fraud, deceit and misrepresentation in the sale of goods and services.
The Statutes and Regulations outline the law and practice of social work in NJ. All licensed and certified social workers should be familiar with these documents. Licensure and certification also serve to preserve social work as a unique profession.

You must be licensed or certified as a social worker if you are practicing social work or being called a social worker EXCEPT in exempted situations which include (but are not limited to) the following: 
  • Students enrolled in a program accredited (or in candidacy) by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), as long as the students are in a supervised course of study and are designated by the title "social work intern.” 
  • Social workers in a non-profit organization who perform any social work service other than psychotherapeutic counseling; 
  • School Social Workers, certified by the NJ Department of Education, but only when performing services on behalf of a local school district to students for whom the school district is responsible to provide services. 
  • Civil service employees of the state, county, or local government. REVIEW: NJ Social Work Statutes (N.J.S.A. 45:15BB, subsection 5) for more information. 
PLEASE NOTE: 
  • Once you graduate, you must have your NJ social work license or certification number, issued by the BSWE on their Web site (http://tinyurl.com/NJLicenseVerify), to work as a social worker unless you work in an exempt setting (see above). 
  • If you want to provide clinical social work (psychotherapeutic counseling), you must have a license in order to practice as an LCSW, or as an LSW under the supervision of an LCSW who meets the supervision requirements, unless you work in an exempt setting (see above). 
  • If you work in a for-profit organization - even if you are working under a government contract - you must be licensed or certified in order to practice social work. 
  • If you are a social worker providing Drug and Alcohol counseling, you must have an LSW or an LCSW, or have a credential from the Alcohol & Drug Counseling Committee (CADC/LCADC).

The New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE) issues licenses and certifications for a two-year (biennial) period. The current period is 09/01/2020 – 08/31/2022. 
REVIEW: SUBCHAPTER 7, 13:44G-7.1

You must follow the Statutes and Regulations of the Social Work Licensing Act. Included in the Regulations are ethical practices, specific content requirements for client records, information about confidentiality and a description of violations and penalties.

Please note, during the public health emergency, the BSWE is currently working remotely. Due to the high volume of inquiries and emails, please wait 6-8 weeks between correspondence from the BSWE. Please click here to view the updated process for applying for licensure during Covid-19.
Please note:  inquiries about the application process should be sent to socialwork@dca.njoag.gov 
 
We discourage people from calling the BSWE as their staff is extraordinarily busy and often unable to answer or return phone calls. When you need to contact the board, we recommend that you do this by email.
You can email your question to: askconsumeraffairs@dca.lps.state.nj.us and put "BSWE" in the subject line. 
The mailing address is: Board of Social Work Examiners, P.O. Box 45033, Newark, NJ 07101. Be sure to keep copies of anything you send to them for reference purposes.

Yes, fingerprinting is now a requirement for your social work license or certification. A certification and authorization form for a criminal history background check is included in your application documents. Complete it and send along with other documents when you submit your application. 
You will receive information from the BSWE via email explaining how to make an appointment for fingerprinting. Once you have been fingerprinted, your fingerprints are electronically forwarded to the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and SBI (State Bureau of Investigation) to conduct the criminal history background check. The results will be forwarded directly to the BSWE. 
Please note: 
  1. Even if you have been fingerprinted for another government agency such as the new jersey department of human services, or a law enforcement agency, you will have to be fingerprinted again. Prior fingerprinting will not be accessible to the bswe unless it was done for the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) for licensing purposes. 
  2. If you need to be fingerprinted, you will have to pay the fingerprinting fee. If you were previously fingerprinted for DCA, then you will need to pay a rescanning fee (which is less) instead of the full fingerprinting fee. 
  3. School social workers (those credentialed by the NJ Department of Education- DoE) must be fingerprinted as the doe does not share fingerprint information with the DCA. 

Yes. Licensees and certificate holders shall notify the board, in writing, within 30 days of any change in the address on file with the board and shall specify whether the address is a residence or employment address. You can update your address with the board here. Note: the US Postal Service does not forward license/certification renewal applications to your new address. Review: Subchapter 9, 13:44G-9.1

You can follow the instructions here to submit a name change electronically. You will need to be able to provide the following:
  • Legal evidence of this change; and 
  • A copy of your original license or certificate with proof that you are the same person to whom the BSWE issued the license or certificate. 

Upon receipt of the items, the BSWE shall issue you a new license or certificate. 

Definitions of Social Work Practice

"Social work" means the activity directed at enhancing, protecting or restoring a person's capacity for social functioning, whether impaired by physical, environmental, or emotional factors. 
"Social Work Services” means concrete, non-clinical services, which may be performed only by a board licensee or certificate holder.

"Clinical social work" means the professional application of social work methods and values in the assessment and psychotherapeutic counseling of individuals, families, or psychotherapy groups. 
"Clinical Social Work Services" means social work services which may be performed only by an LCSW or an LSW under supervision pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:44G-8. 
Details of what services you can provide through social work or clinical social work are also listed in this Subchapter. Review: Subchapter 1, 13:44G-1.2

Eligibility Requirements

Generally, you must hold a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral Degree in Social Work from a program accredited or in candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 
If you received a bachelor’s degree in a related field prior to April 6, 1995 please request a licensing consultation. Review: Subchapter 4, 13:44G 4.3

You can follow the instructions linked here to apply online at the BSWE website. You will need to determine your license level based on your education in order to fill out the appropriate application (see below for descriptions). 

  • Certified Social Worker (CSW) - If you have received a Baccalaureate Degree in Social Work from an educational program accredited, or in candidacy for accreditation, by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); or you have an official transcript indicating that you acquired a baccalaureate degree prior to April 6, 1995, from an accredited institution of higher education in one of the following fields: Guidance and Counseling, Human Services, Marriage and Family Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Vocational/Disability Rehabilitation. 
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW) - If you have a Master’s Degree in Social Work from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or in candidacy for accreditation by the CSWE, and do not have two years of full time clinical social work experience subsequent to earning the Master's Degree. 
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - If you have a Master’s Degree in Social work from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or in candidacy for accreditation by the CSWE, and have at least two years of full time clinical social work experience subsequent to earning the Master's Degree.   

Social Workers from Out-of-State

No, there is no reciprocity between NJ and other states. You will have to apply and become licensed in NJ to practice social work in this state. If you meet the following criteria, it will help you determine whether you might be eligible for licensure in NJ based on your active out-of-state license.

  • If you are currently licensed in good standing in another state;
  • If have practiced social work there within the last 5 years;
  • If your state’s requirements meet or exceed those of NJ; and
  • If you have taken and passed the ASWB exam
However, under certain circumstances, you may be able to apply for a NJ license under N.J.S.A. 45:1, (the Uniform Enforcement Act) which could be a simpler process. If you believe you are eligible to apply under this law, contact the BSWE and ask for a Uniform Enforcement Act application form.
You should write a brief cover letter to go with your application stating that your are currently licensed in another state. Include a copy of your active license and your current resume as well as documentation of having passed the ASWB exam. These documents will help the BSWE staff and the Board to process your application as quickly as possible. To apply for a NJ licensure, you can follow the instructions on the BSWE's website here.
If you do not meet the criteria to apply under this law but you have already taken and passed the ASWB Masters or Clinical exam, then you can submit the regular application for your NJ license. You can access these applications on the BSWE Website.
PLEASE NOTE: You cannot practice in NJ until the NJ BSWE has approved your application and granted you a license number which you can find on the Verification section of the BSWE Web site. This is true whether you file under the Uniform Enforcement Act or not.

NJ has three certification/licensing levels:

  • Certified Social Worker (CSW) - Bachelor of Social Work;
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW) - Master of Social Work;
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Master of Social Work and at least 2 years of clinical social work experience under appropriate supervision.

Please determine the NJ license level equivalent to your current license from another state. You can get more information and access the appropriate application on the BSWE Web site.

In addition, you must have taken and passed the ASWB exam to be eligible for an LSW or LCSW in NJ.

ASWB Exams:

  • Masters (LSW Exam): A generalist test for social workers with an MSW and limited or no post-degree experience.
  • Clinical (LCSW Exam): A more advanced test for social workers with an MSW and at least two years of post-degree experience in direct clinical practice settings under appropriate supervision.

Complete the application and include ALL information required. Be sure to include a current resume and copy of your license from the other state.

Yes. You will need to follow the steps outlined in the LSW Application Checklist or the LCSW Application Checklist

The BSWE will evaluate your application including your supervisor’s qualifications and make that determination on a case-by-case basis. The Board will often approve a supervisor who is a licensed mental health professional qualified to supervise social workers in that state as long as she/he can document licensure and at least 3 years of practice as a licensed clinical professional prior to the beginning of supervision. The BSWE prefers supervision by an LCSW but does approve other mental health professionals if the other state allows them to supervise social workers.

Licensing Exams

Exams are given by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) at Pearson VUE testing sites throughout the state. Information about how to schedule your exam will be available in the pre-approval letter you receive from the BSWE which allows you to take the exam.

You may take the Masters Level (LSW) exam after you have registered for your last semester of coursework for your Master's program. You can take the Clinical Level (LCSW) exam after you've completed your 3,000 clinical experience hours. You are not able to take the clinical exam before you complete your 3,000 hours of clinical experience. In order to sit for either 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.

The NASW-NJ Chapter offers a licensure exam institute that prepares social workers for both the Masters (LSW) and Clinical (LCSW) exams. The course includes a full day of instruction, as well as a professionally published study guide and mobile app. Practice questions are also included. ASWB offers a study guide and other organizations offer Test Prep, too.

Yes. The ASWB requires that you wait 90 days before taking the exam again. According to ASWB: Day 1 of the 90-day wait begins the day after your test date, and is a straight counting of days (in other words, not 90 business days, weekdays only, etc.). The BSWE has set no limit on the number of times you can take an exam; however, you must pay each time you take it.

You have four hours to complete the exam, which is administered electronically. The test itself consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, 20 of which are "pre-test” items and will not be scored. For more information, visit the ASWB Web site.

After January 1, 2021, social workers will be required to have at least 2 years of clinical experience and will have to have completed their 3,000 supervised clinical hours before they will be approved to sit for the LCSW exam. You may not apply to take your LCSW exam before you've completed your clinical experience.

Certified Social Worker

Generally, you must have graduated with a BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) from a CSWE accredited program or one in candidacy for accreditation, in order to be eligible for a CSW. *If you received a Bachelor’s degree in a related field prior to April 6, 1995, you may qualify under an exception. 
If you are an NASW Member, please complete the Licensing Consultation Form. If you are not a Member, please see the NJ Social Work Regulations (Subchapter 4.3 (a) 4ii) or click here for more options. 
To apply for certification, Click here for the NJ BSWE's website instructions.

No, you cannot provide clinical social work services as a CSW. 
The practice of a CSW includes, but is not limited to, social work services. Social work services include, but are not limited to, social work assessment, social work consultation, social work counseling, social work planning, social work community organization, social work policy, social work administration, social work research, and social work client-centered advocacy. 
These terms are more specifically defined in N.J.A.C. 13:44G-1.2. REVIEW: SUBCHAPTER 3, 13:44G-3.3 - Practice as a CSW

Licensed Social Worker

You can apply for an LSW in NJ by following the instructions here on the BSWE's website.

Yes, but ONLY under appropriate supervision. In NJ, a clinical supervisor must be an LCSW who has practiced as an LCSW for at least 3 years, and who has taken at least 20 continuing education credits of post-graduate coursework related to supervision before supervision begins. 
Clinical social work services include, but are not limited to clinical assessment, clinical consultation, psychotherapeutic counseling and client-centered advocacy and clinical supervision of individuals pursuant to the standards set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:44G-8.1. However, an LSW may not provide clinical supervision. These terms are more specifically defined in N.J.A.C. 13:44G-1.2. 
Also, no LSW is permitted to perform custody/parenting time evaluations as described in Subchapter 13. REVIEW: SUBCHAPTER 3, 13:44G-3.2 - Practice as a LSW

Volunteer work is accepted as long as there is documentation that proves the work is fully compliant with the NJ Social Work Regulations as if it were an employment situation, and the LSW is supervised according to the Regulations. Supervision must be provided weekly and face-to-face by a clinical supervisor who meets the requirements outlined in the Regulations. See Clinical Supervision Guidelines for more information. REVIEW: SUBCHAPTER 8, 13:44G-8.1 – Clinical Supervision

Yes.

In most situations, yes. You need to pass the Masters level exam and hold an LSW to be eligible to apply for the LCSW UNLESS you can document that you work in an exempt setting or have equivalent credentials from another state or jurisdiction. REVIEW: NJ Social Workers N.J.S.A. 45:15BB-5 and 45:15BB-7

LSW's can take the course and may find it useful if they are supervising (other LSWs, BSWs, etc). The Board requires that you take the course only once after receiving your MSW so this credential will "last". But if you are NOT supervising now, it might make more sense to wait and take the course closer to when you will supervise since an LSW is at least 3 years away from supervising LSWs for their LCSWs.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

You can apply for an LCSW in NJ by following the instructions here on the BSWE's website.

If you began your clinical social work experience (accruing hours) under a qualified supervisor prior to September 17, 2018 then your work will be subject to previous Regulations. You will need to document completion of 1920 hours of face-to-face client contact that meet the definition of “clinical social work” (see the NJ Social Work Regulations, Subchapter 1.2–Definitions). If you began accruing hours on or after September 17, 2018, you will follow the current NJ Social Work Regulations. You will need to document a total of 3,000 hours of work completed within 2-4 consecutive years (24-48 months) after earning a master’s degree in social work. At least 1,920 of these hours shall be in face-to-face client contact that meet the definition of "clinical social work services." At least half of the 1,920 hours (960) shall be providing psychotherapeutic counseling (see the NJ Social Work Regulations, Subchapter 1.2–Definitions). PLEASE REMEMBER: You must be supervised by an appropriate supervisor while providing clinical social work services. See below for information about Clinical Supervision and review the Clinical Supervision Guidelines to be sure your supervision will be accepted by the BSWE. The rest of the 3,000 hours (up to 1080) can include time spent in supervision (individual or group) or other social work-related activities including documentation in case records.

You need a job where you can provide clinical social work services to clients face-to-face. The BSWE uses your official job description (provided by your employer) to determine whether your work meets the definitions and requirements established in the NJ Social Work Regulations (see Subchapter 1.2 - Definitions). If your job description does not show that the work you are doing meets the definition of “clinical social work” and/or “psychotherapeutic counseling,” then your hours probably will not be accepted in these categories.

Yes. Forms are available in this section (see below). These forms may be useful but are not required by the BSWE. The BSWE does not want you to send them with your application, but they will help you make sure you have all necessary documentation prior to applying for your LCSW. NASW-NJ recommends that you keep these documents until you have your LCSW in-hand (or longer), just in case the BSWE has any questions. How to use these forms: You should complete 1 Cover Page for EACH LCSW who is providing you with supervision during the time you are acquiring clinical hours. The Cover Page asks for documentation of LCSW Supervisor's credentials and their signature. The Excel Spreadsheet will allow you to keep the file electronically and will calculate the hours for you. BE SURE TO READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE DOCUMENTATION FORM BEFORE USING IT. The Progress Report should be completed by your supervisor on a quarterly basis. A copy should be given to you, and to your employer if you have "outside" supervision (see below for details).

Clinical Supervision

Clinical supervision may only be provided by an LCSW who has a minimum of three years experience as an LCSW and who has completed at least 20 hours of continuing education credits of post-graduate course-work related to supervision. NOTE: The supervisor must complete this course before supervision begins. PLEASE NOTE: It is strongly suggested that you receive a copy of your supervisor’s proof of the 20 hours of post-graduate continuing education credits related to supervision before you start working together. Otherwise, if it turns out that they have not taken the required course, then your hours will not be accepted by the BSWE. NASW-NJ has developed Clinical Supervision Guidelines which outline the requirements for Clinical Supervision. NASW-NJ also offers a Clinical Supervision Course that meets the BSWE requirements. Other approved courses are listed on the BSWE Web site (go to Continuing Education page). REVIEW: SUBCHAPTER 8: Clinical Supervision

Supervisors must provide at least one-hour of face-to-face individual or group clinical supervision per week. A group can include not more than 4 LSWs working toward their LCSW.

Supervisors can provide one hour of individual clinical supervision through synchronous video conferencing, which complies with the confidentiality requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), for no more than half of the total supervision hours. Note that Skype and Facetime are not HIPAA compliant. Google HIPAA compliant videoconferencing for options.

No. Only LCSWs may engage in independent (private) practice. An LSW under LCSW supervision may provide clinical social work services in an agency or private practice owned by a healthcare professional licensed to provide clinical mental health services. The LSW can be an employee or volunteer, must have appropriate clinical supervision as outlined in the Regulations, and meet all other requirements of Subchapter 8.1. REVIEW: SUBCHAPTER 8: Clinical Supervision

Yes, you can pay for outside or "off premises" supervision. However there are additional steps that need to be taken in order to comply with the Regulations. Be sure the supervisor has an LCSW with a minimum of three years of experience as an LCSW and has completed at least 20 hours of continuing education credits of post-graduate work related to supervision; Receive written permission from your employer for off-premises supervision with that specific supervisor; Tell clients that you are practicing under supervision, and identify the supervisor for the client; Obtain the client's written consent if you choose to share documents/case records with the supervisor; In addition, the supervisor must provide written progress reports concerning the social worker to the social worker and the employer on at least a quarterly basis. Here is a sample Progress Report which may be used but this specific document is not required by the BSWE. A list of information that needs to be contained in the progress report can be found in SUBCHAPTER 8.1(h) 1 i-ix: Clinical Supervision PLEASE NOTE: It is strongly suggested that you receive a copy of your Supervisor’s proof showing that s/he has taken at least 20 hours of continuing education credits of post-graduate course-work related to supervision before you start working with her/him.

How many continuing education hours (CEUs) am I required to complete for my license?

when you renew your license or certification online (summer, 2024), you will need to confirm that you have or will have completed the necessary continuing education requirements for your license or certification level. the information below is for a full 2-year licensing cycle (currently september 1, 2022 through august 31, 2024). review: subchapter 6, 13:44g-6.1 through 6.7 certified social worker (csw): csws must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education (5 hours of which must be in ethics, 3 hours in the area of social and cultural competence, and 1 hour related to prescription opioid addiction). csws who have completed more than the 20 hours during the biennial period may carry over a maximum of 4 surplus hours into the next cycle. licensed social worker (lsw): lsws must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education (5 hours of which must be in ethics, 3 hours in the area of social and cultural competence, and 1 hour related to prescription opioid addiction). lsws who have completed more than the 30 hours during the biennial period may carry over a maximum of 6 surplus hours into the next cycle. licensed clinical social worker (lcsw): lcsws must complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education (5 hours of which must be in ethics, 3 hours in the area of social and cultural competence, and 1 hour related to prescription opioid addiction). at least 20 must be courses or programs related directly to clinical practice. lcsws who have completed more than the 40 hours during the biennial period may carry over a maximum of 8 surplus hours into the next cycle. please note: new ce requirement on prescription opioids see c.45:15bb-11.1 continuing education for social workers

continuing education requirements

if an applicant initially obtains a license or certificate during the second year of a biennial license period (dated september 1, 2023 or later), the applicant shall complete not fewer than one-half of the minimum required credits of continuing education. three credits shall be in ethics-related courses, two credits shall be related to social/cultural competence. an lcsw shall complete a least 10 of the 20 required credits in programs which directly relate to clinical practice. review: subchapter 6, 13:44g-6.2 (b)

continuing education credits that could be allocated to general social work, clinical practice, ethics, or social and cultural competence shall only be counted once and shall not be allocated for more than one category. for instance, a course which could be allocated towards clinical practice or ethics shall count towards either clinical practice or ethics, but not both. review: subchapter 6, 13:44g-6.2 (d)

students and recent graduates

no. the bswe regulations now allow all levels of social workers (csw, lsw, lcsw) to supervise student interns. however, if you are doing clinical work as a student, your supervisor should be an lcsw.

no. you cannot start counting the required hours of face-to-face client contact until you have earned a master's degree in social work and have an lsw or proof that you are engaged in social work practice in an exempt setting for which licensure is not required. (see above for information on exempt settings) review: n.j.s.a. 45:15bb-5.

you can work in an exempt setting (see above) or a non-profit organization as long as you are not doing psychotherapeutic counseling. remember - you are not licensed after you pass your aswb exam. you are not licensed when you send in your application. you are not licensed immediately after graduation. you are only licensed once the bswe has approved your license application and assigns a license number to you. you can find this number on the verification section of the bswe web site. please note: there is no grace period and no provisional license status in the state of new jersey. therefore, under most circumstances, you must have your lsw to work as a social worker in nj.

you can work in an exempted setting (see below for examples). however, if you want to earn hours toward your lcsw, you must be doing work that is considered "clinical social work services" and be supervised by a qualified lcsw. review: n.j.a.c. 13:44g-1.2 - definitions and 8.1 - clinical supervision. examples of exempt settings include but are not limited to: a person certified as a school social worker by the state department of education, but only when performing services on behalf of a local school district to students for whom the school district is responsible to provide services. an employee of the state or a political subdivision thereof which is subject to the provisions of title 11a, civil service, of the new jersey statutes, but only in the course of this employment. a social worker in a non-profit organization, if that person is not doing clinical work. to do clinical work (psychotherapeutic counseling) in a non-profit organization, you must have an lsw and be supervised by a qualified lcsw. a rabbi, priest, minister, christian science practitioner or clergyman of any religious denomination or sect, when engaging in activities, which are within the scope of the performance of the person's regular or specialized ministerial duties and for which no separate charge is made. review: n.j.s.a. 45:15bb-5 for more information. if you are not working in an exempt setting, you need to be licensed as an lsw to provide services noted in the scope of practice for licensed social workers. review: n.j.a.c. 13:44g-3.2 do i need to have a social security number (ssn) to take the aswb exam and/or to get my license? if you do not have an ssn but wish to take an aswb examination you can be authorized to do so by the bswe. however, you do need to have a ssn in order to apply for your license and before you begin working as a social worker in the state of new jersey. first you should complete the pre-approval request form (see above). include a cover letter to the bswe explaining your situation and ask for approval to take the aswb examination. once you have received your letter of approval, you must contact the aswb at their candidate registration center number (1-888-579-3926). when you call, explain that you received written approval to take the examination from the new jersey bswe. they should be able to register you for your exam. if they inquire further, explain that the new jersey bswe does not require individuals to have a ssn to take the examination.
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