North Carolina
Your Step-by-Step Path to Licensure and Beyond
Licensed (Independent) Clinical Social Worker
How to become a social worker
Step 1: Earn MSW before applying
Step 2: Register as an LCSWA
(LCSWA is the state credential that prospective social workers in North Carolina must work under while accruing work hours)
- Apply here
- $115 (non-refundable) application fee
- 3 Professional Reference Forms
- Official transcripts in an envelope sealed by the school
Step 3: Accrue hours
- complete 3000 hours of paid clinical supervised work experience over no less than 2 years, and no more than 6 years
- 100 hours of supervision from an LCSW
- must be at least 1 hour for every 30 hours of clinical practice
- group supervision may not exceed 25 hours
- With supervisor, fill out a review form every six months during supervision period
Step 4: Apply for exam and Start studying
- Once approved by North Carolina Social Work Board, fill out form here
- application fee $115
- contact the ASWB to register for exam
- contact Pearson VUE to schedule exam appointment
- Now, sign up for TDC’s LCSW Exam Prep: ASWB Clinical Level to study with confidence!
Continuing Education Requirements
Pre-licensure - Social workers in NC have certain requirements, which is likely the case in other states as well.
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years by June 30
- Total Hours Required: 40 hours
- Must include:
- 4 hours of Ethics
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
How to become a Marriage & Family Therapist
Step 1: Master’s in MFT or related field from COAMFTE- or Board-approved school
- Master’s or Doctorate in MFT or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution approved by the Board such as COAMFTE or the CACREP
Step 2: Accrue Supervised Clinical Experience
- Minimum 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy
- not more than 500 hours of which were obtained while the candidate was a student in a master's degree program
- at least 1,000 hours were obtained after the applicant was granted a degree in the field of marriage and family therapy or a related degree (with ongoing supervision consistent with standards approved by the Board)
Step 3: Apply for LMFT Licensure
- Submit supervised hours
- Submit transcript
- Submit $38 background check
- Pay licensure application $200
Step 4: 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!
Continuing Education Requirements
CE Requirements for North Carolina MFTS
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every year
- Total Hours Required: 20 hours of Board approved CEs
- Must include:
- 3 hours of Ethics
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
