Licensing

NASW-MA is here to support you through your licensing process. All social workers are licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Work (Licensing Board). There are four licensure levels of social worker licensure:

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Licensed Social Worker Associate (LSWA)

Each level has qualification coursework, specific exams, and, in some cases, supervision requirements.

Massachusetts Social Work Licensing Information has been prepared as a service to NASW Members, based on our current understanding of regulations from the MA Board of Registration of Social Work.

Full and up-to-date regulations can be found on the Board of Registration site.
For initial applications for each licensure level, go to this ASWB page for Massachusetts licensing application processing.
Established licenses need to be renewed every two years on birthdates. Follow instructions on this Board or Registration page.

Licensing Information:

Licensing Exam:

Contact the Licensing Board:

The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Work
Division of Professional Licensure
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
PHONE: 617-624-6161
EMAIL: swboard@mass.gov
WEB: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-social-workers
Emails are the fastest way to communicate with the Board. Use the "Email the Board” link on their website.

NASW Members who still have licensing questions after obtaining the ASWB application and instructions, and after reading the Licensing Board’s Rules and Regulations, may call the Chapter office for additional assistance at 617-227-9635 or email chapter.naswma@socialworkers.org.

02/13/2023