Rhode Island
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 your Rhode Island LCSW License
- The first step in this process is filling out the state licensing application. Includes:
- A non-refundable $70 fee
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Official school transcripts sent directly from your college/university to the Board’s offices
- 2 professional references
- Once accepted, contact the ASWB to register for the exam, $230 registration fee
- Next, contact Pearson VUE to schedule your exam appointment
Step 3: Pass the Masters Exam on Your First Try with TDC!
- Once you have your date selected, check out Therapist Development Center’s LMSW Exam Prep: ASWB Masters Level program.
Step 4: Gain Clinical Work Experience
- Once you’ve passed your Masters exam, you will receive your LCSW license and can begin to accrue work experience.
- Gain 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience within 24 to 72 months
- 1,500 hours of the 3,000 hours must be direct clinical work with clients
- 75% of this direct practice must be done individually with the client, while the remainder can be conducted in groups up to 10 people
- At least 2 hours every two 2 weeks, you must be directly supervised by an LICSW
- When your hours are complete, again you will complete the state application but for the LICSW license.
Step 5: Register for the ASWB Clinical Exam and Pass with TDC!
- Like before, connect with the ASWB and Pearson VUE to register for the Clinical Level Exam and select a test center and exam date, registration fee $260
- Then come on back to TDC and sign up for our LCSW Exam Prep: ASWB Clinical Level program
Continuing Education Requirements
Pre-licensure - Social workers in RI have the same CE requirements as Licensed Social workers.
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years by April 30 of the ODD year
- Total Hours Required: 30 hours
- Must include:
- 3 hours Ethics
- 3 hours Cross-Cultural Practice, including Alleviation of Oppression
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
- Completion of 2 years of post-degree work experience as an MFT
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of direct client contact
- A minimum of 100 hours of direct supervision spread over the 2 years
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 $130
Continuing Education Requirements
CE Requirements for Rhode Island MFTS
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
- Total Hours Required: 40 hours
- Must include:
- At least 20 hours must be Category 1
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
