School of Social Work
Post-MSW Coursework for LICSW Licensure
Post-MSW Coursework for LICSW Licensure
If you already have a master of social work degree and are looking to complete clock hours in specific clinical knowledge areas for LICSW licensure that you did not fulfill in your MSW program, you may be eligible to register for courses at St. Thomas. An analysis of our MSW curriculum identifying content mandated by the MN Board of Social Work is covered in each of our courses.
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Licensure Information
Licensure Requirements
Each state’s licensing body establishes its own rules and regulations for obtaining and maintaining social work licensure. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) provides the licensing examinations required. There are four ASWB tests: Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical. Social work students should check with the licensing body in each state in which they plan to practice social work to make sure they are clear about the licensing requirements in that state. ASWB maintains complete contact information for every licensing board.
Licensure in Minnesota
Social Work licensure in MN is regulated by the Minnesota Board of Social Work.
Effective in July 1987, the Minnesota legislature passed legislation that provides for licensure of social workers at four levels. The licensing statute in Minnesota is both a title and practice act, which means that all persons who use the title "social worker," and all persons who provide social work services to clients in the state, unless there are specific applicable exemptions, are covered by the law. The four levels of licensure are:
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW): BSW degree + Bachelors Exam
- Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW): MSW degree + Masters Exam
Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW): MSW degree + Advanced Generalist Exam + Supervised Practice (2+ years) - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW): MSW degree + Clinical Exam + Supervised Practice in Clinical Settings (2+ years) + 360 hours of graduate / post-graduate clinical curriculum content
Contact the Minnesota Board of Social Work: (612) 617-2100
Licensure Requirements
Each state’s licensing body establishes its own rules and regulations for obtaining and maintaining social work licensure. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) provides the licensing examinations required. There are four ASWB tests: Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical. Social work students should check with the licensing body in each state in which they plan to practice social work to make sure they are clear about the licensing requirements in that state. ASWB maintains complete contact information for every licensing board.
Licensure in Minnesota
Social Work licensure in MN is regulated by the Minnesota Board of Social Work.
Effective in July 1987, the Minnesota legislature passed legislation that provides for licensure of social workers at four levels. The licensing statute in Minnesota is both a title and practice act, which means that all persons who use the title "social worker," and all persons who provide social work services to clients in the state, unless there are specific applicable exemptions, are covered by the law. The four levels of licensure are:
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW): BSW degree + Bachelors Exam
- Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW): MSW degree + Masters Exam
Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW): MSW degree + Advanced Generalist Exam + Supervised Practice (2+ years) - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW): MSW degree + Clinical Exam + Supervised Practice in Clinical Settings (2+ years) + 360 hours of graduate / post-graduate clinical curriculum content
Contact the Minnesota Board of Social Work: (612) 617-2100