Massachusetts
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 to the Board and Become a Massachusetts LCSW (LMSW in other states)
- Fill out the state social worker application. This includes:
- Official transcripts from your CSWE-accredited school sent in a sealed envelope.
- Submission of 3 references: 2 professional and 1 supervisory. At least one of the references must be by an LICSW or LCSW, one must be from the candidate’s supervisor of his/her second-year field placement, and all must be relevant to the profession.
- Passport Photograph
- Application and the Criminal History Acknowledgement Form must be signed and notarized
- Fee of $173 payable certified check, money order or credit card
- Once accepted, register for your exam with the ASWB, $25 application registration fee, $230 exam fee
- Then, contact Pearson VUE to schedule your exam
- Now, study with TDC’s LMSW Exam Prep: ASWB Masters Level Exam program
Step 3: Earn Hours towards your MA LICSW License
- Complete a total of 3,500 hours over a minimum of 2 years
- Must be supervised by an LICSW
- Of those hours, a minimum of 100 hours must be individual face-to-face clinical supervision, at a rate of 1 hour per every 35 hours worked, and a maximum of 1 hour per week.
- After completion, fill out the state social worker application including:
- Documented experience filled out by your LICSW supervisor
- $173 application fee
Step 4: Apply for the Clinical Licensing Exam, Study and Pass!
- Once accepted, contact the ASWB to register for the Clinical Level exam, and Pearson VUE to select your location, date and time
- Finally, utilize TDC’s LCSW Clinical Exam program to pass with confidence!
Continuing Education Requirements
Pre-licensure - Social workers in MA have the same CE requirements as Licensed Social workers.
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years by licensee’s birthday
- LICSW - 30 hours
- LCSW - 20 hours
- One time: Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training
- Must include:
- 2 hours Anti-Racism
- 1 hour Anti-Discrimination
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
How to become a Marriage & Family Therapist
Step 1: Earn Your Degree
- Master’s in MFT or related field from COAMFTE- or Board-approved school
Step 2: Accrue Supervised Clinical Experience
- Two Year Experience Requirement. A minimum of two years full-time, or equivalent part-time (3360 hours), post masters supervised clinical experience with individuals, families, couples, groups or organizations (public or private) for the purpose of assessment or intervention in a clinic or hospital
- Minimum of 1000 hours of post-master’s degree face-to-face contact hours of clinical experience
- Minimum 500 hours of which must be face-to-face contact hours of clinical experience with couples and families under the direction of an approved supervisor
Step 3: Pass Required Exam
- Apply to take the AMFTRB National MFT Exam
- Exam fee $365
- Sign up for TDC’s NMFT exam prep course and study with confidence!
Step 4: Apply for LMFT Licensure
- Submit supervised hours
- Submit AMFTRB exam results
- Submit official transcripts
- Pay licensure application fee $117
Continuing Education Requirements
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
- Total Hours Required: 30 hours
- Must include:
- Hours must be obtained from courses approved under the standards of the Massachusetts Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- 15 hours online allowed
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
