Pennsylvania
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 LSW License in PA
- Register with the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) and create an account
- Submit state licensing form, application fee: $25
- In PA, you may begin this process in the last semester of your graduate program, but the Dean/Chairperson/Registrar of your school must submit the final page of the application titled “Verification of Social Work Education.”
- If you’ve already graduated, then just send your official transcript directly to the PA board of social work.
- Once approved, pass the Master’s Level Exam with the ASWB, registration fee $230
- contact Pearson VUE to set exam appointment
Step 3: Get Your Pennsylvania LSW License!
- Sign up for TDC’s ASWB Masters Level Exam Prep program to study and pass with confidence!
Step 4: Accrue Hours Towards Pennsylvania Social Work License (LCSW)
- Complete 3,000 hours of supervised, post-masters, clinical experience
- no less than 2 years and no more than 6 years, no less than 500 hours and no more than 1,500 hours per 12 month period
- At least half of supervised experience must be face to face with clients and one or more of the following:
- Assessment
- Psychotherapy
- Other Psychosocial-Therapeutic Interventions
- Consultation
- Family Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Supervisee shall receive a minimum of two (2) hours of supervision for every forty (40) hours of supervised clinical experience.
- Half of the supervision must be individual in-person. The other half can be in a group in person, but must be done concurrently with the individual supervision.
- Half of all supervision (75 of the 150 hours) must be with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
- The clinical experience must take place in a single setting for either:
- At least 30 hrs/week but no more than 50 hrs/week for a period of at least 3 months OR
- At least 15 hrs/week for a period of at least 6 months
- Once complete, submit application for license through PALS
Step 5: Register for and Pass the LCSW Exam and PASS!
- Register for the licensing exam with ASWB, and set exam appointment with Pearson VUE
- Sign up for TDC’s ASWB Clinical Level Exam Prep program to study and pass with confidence!
Continuing Education Requirements
Pre-licensure - Social workers in PA have certain requirements, which is likely the case in other states as well.
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years by last day of license issuance month
- Total Hours Required: 30 hours
- Must include:
- 3 hours of Ethics
- 2 hours Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (3 hours for initial licensure)
- 1 hour Suicide Prevention
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
- (Must include a supervised clinical practicum or internship, with a minimum of 700 hours, including 280 direct client contact hours)
Step 2: Accrue Supervised Clinical Experience
- All individuals must complete 2 hours of supervision per 40 hours worked
- Master's degree: 3,000 hours
- Doctoral degree: 2,400 hours (1,200 hours of which must be obtained after the granting of the doctoral degree)
- Must be supervised under a board-approved supervisor
- No more than 1,500 hours may be supervised by group supervision
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 $100
Continuing Education Requirements
CE Requirements for Pennsylvania MFTS
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
- Total Hours Required: 30 hours
- Must include:
- 3 hours ethics
- 1 hour suicide prevention
- 3 hours recognizing and reporting child abuse for the first license renewal and 2 hours thereafter
- 20 home study allowed
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
