California
Your Step-by-Step Path to Licensure and Beyond
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
How to become a social worker
Step 1: Complete a CSWE-accredited Social Work program
Step 2: Apply for ASW Registration
- Submit transcripts
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting (background check)
- Pay Application Fee: $150
- Apply via the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) here
Step 3: Apply for the L&E Exam and Pass with confidence!
- Apply to take the CA Law & Ethics Exam here (you can apply once you have your ASW registration number)
- Pay Application Fee: $150
- Study for your exam to PASS WITH CONFIDENCE using TDC’s California Law & Ethics Exam
- Please note: Once you pass this exam, you will not need to retake it. However, if you do not pass, you must attempt it during each registration period. Passing this exam is required to be eligible for licensure.
Step 4: Complete Supervised Experience
- Complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least 104 weeks
- Must include:
- 750 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy
- 2 hours of individual/triadic or 2 hours of group supervision weekly
Step 5: Apply for the ASWB Clinical Exam and PASS with confidence!
- Apply to take the ASWB Clinical Exam here (you can apply once you have completed 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least 104 weeks)
- Pay Application Fee: $250
- ASWB Clinical Exam
Step 6: Apply for LCSW Licensure
- Submit supervision verification and exam results
- Pay licensure fee: $100
Continuing Education Requirements
Pre-licensure-Social workers in CA have certain requirements, which is likely the case in other states as well.
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
- Total Hours Required: 36 hours
- Must include:
- 6 hours of Law & Ethics (every cycle)
- Suicide Risk Assessment & Intervention Training (one-time, 6 hours)
- Telehealth (one-time trainings for new applicants)
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
How to become a Marriage & Family Therapist
Step 1: Complete a CSWE-accredited Social Work program
Step 2: Apply for ASW Registration
- Submit transcripts
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting (background check)
- Pay Application Fee: $150
- Apply via the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) here
Step 3: Apply for the L&E Exam and Pass with confidence!
- Apply to take the CA Law & Ethics Exam here (you can apply once you have your ASW registration number)
- Pay Application Fee: $150
- Study for your exam to PASS WITH CONFIDENCE using TDC’s California Law & Ethics Exam
- Please note: Once you pass this exam, you will not need to retake it. However, if you do not pass, you must attempt it during each registration period. Passing this exam is required to be eligible for licensure.
Step 4: Complete Supervised Experience
- Complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least 104 weeks
- Must include:
- 750 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy
- 2 hours of individual/triadic or 2 hours of group supervision weekly
Step 5: Apply for the ASWB Clinical Exam and PASS with confidence!
- Apply to take the ASWB Clinical Exam here (you can apply once you have completed 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least 104 weeks)
- Pay Application Fee: $250
- ASWB Clinical Exam
Step 6: Apply for LCSW Licensure
- Submit supervision verification and exam results
- Pay licensure fee: $100
Continuing Education Requirements
Pre-licensure-Social workers in CA have certain requirements, which is likely the case in other states as well.
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
- Total Hours Required: 36 hours
- Must include:
- 6 hours of Law & Ethics (every cycle)
- Suicide Risk Assessment & Intervention Training (one-time, 6 hours)
- Telehealth (one-time trainings for new applicants)
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
