⚠ Important: Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with your state licensing board before applying. Last reviewed April 2026.

Connecticut Social Work Licensing

Three-level social work licensing system with bachelor's, master's, and clinical credentials, featuring comprehensive supervision and examination requirements.

Last Updated: August 2025
3
License Types
4,000
Clinical Hours (LCSW)
2
Years Renewal
30
CE Hours Required

Connecticut Social Work Licenses

Three-tier progressive licensing system providing structured advancement from entry-level practice through independent clinical authority.

Licensed Social Worker

LSW

Bachelor's level entry license allowing generalist social work practice under supervision with foundational professional responsibilities.

Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Social Work from CSWE-accredited program
  • Completion of required field education practicum
  • Official transcripts sent directly to Department

Examination & Application:

  • Pass ASWB Bachelor's examination
  • Submit complete application with documentation
  • Criminal background check and fingerprinting
  • Character references as required
  • Application and licensing fees

Practice Scope:

  • Generalist social work practice
  • Case management and service coordination
  • Community social work activities
  • Practice under appropriate supervision
  • Cannot provide clinical or therapeutic services

License Management:

Renewal every 2 years • 30 CE hours required • Must maintain supervision as needed

Licensed Master Social Worker

LMSW

Master's level license providing advanced generalist practice authority with expanded scope and potential independent practice in non-clinical areas.

Education Requirements:

  • Master's degree in Social Work from CSWE-accredited program
  • Advanced generalist or clinical concentration
  • Completion of advanced field education
  • Official transcripts required

Examination & Experience:

  • Pass ASWB Master's examination
  • Post-MSW supervised experience may be required
  • Documentation of professional competence
  • Complete application process

Practice Authority:

  • Advanced generalist social work practice
  • Program administration and supervision
  • Independent practice in non-clinical areas
  • Advanced case management
  • Cannot provide psychotherapy without LCSW

Professional Development:

Advanced practice scope • Limited independent authority • Pathway to LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

Highest level clinical license allowing independent clinical practice, psychotherapy, and mental health treatment with full professional authority.

Prerequisites:

  • Master's degree in Social Work from CSWE-accredited program
  • Clinical concentration strongly preferred
  • Current or previous LMSW license preferred

Clinical Requirements:

  • Pass ASWB Clinical examination
  • 4,000 hours post-MSW supervised clinical experience
  • Minimum 2 years clinical practice
  • 100 hours face-to-face clinical supervision
  • Clinical supervisor must be qualified LCSW

Clinical Practice Scope:

  • Independent clinical social work practice
  • Psychotherapy and mental health counseling
  • Clinical assessment and treatment planning
  • Private practice establishment
  • Clinical supervision of other professionals
  • Insurance provider qualification

Clinical Authority:

Full clinical practice • Independent authority • Supervision capability

Connecticut Key Features

📈 Three-Tier System

Comprehensive progression from LSW (bachelor's) to LMSW (master's) to LCSW (clinical) with clear advancement requirements and scope expansion.

⏰ Comprehensive Clinical Training

LCSW requires 4,000 supervised clinical hours plus 100 hours face-to-face supervision, ensuring thorough clinical competency development.

🎓 CSWE Education Standard

All social work degrees must be from CSWE-accredited programs, maintaining consistent quality and ensuring transferability of credentials.

🔄 Regular Renewal Process

Biennial renewal with 30 continuing education hours required, supporting ongoing professional development and competency maintenance.

👥 Supervision Structure

Clear supervision requirements for clinical advancement with qualified LCSWs providing oversight and professional development guidance.

🏥 Clinical Practice Authority

LCSW provides full clinical authorization including psychotherapy, independent practice, and insurance reimbursement eligibility.

🎓 CSWE Accreditation Required

Connecticut requires both BSW and MSW degrees from CSWE-accredited social work programs. Degrees from related fields or non-accredited programs are not accepted.

⏰ Clinical Hour Requirements

LCSW requires 4,000 post-MSW clinical hours over minimum 2 years, plus 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. Plan clinical experience carefully.

👥 Qualified Supervision

Clinical supervisors must be qualified LCSWs. Verify supervisor credentials and ensure proper documentation of all supervision hours.

🎯 Practice Scope Limitations

Only LCSWs can provide psychotherapy and clinical mental health services. LSW and LMSW have restricted clinical practice authority.

🔄 Progressive Advancement

Connecticut encourages progression through license levels. Each level builds on previous requirements and expands practice scope and authority.

Connecticut Resources

Connecticut Department of Public Health - Social Work Licensing

Connecticut Social Work Education Programs

Professional Organizations

Examination and Professional Development

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Social Work Licensing Section

Health Systems Regulation

State of Connecticut

License Types: LSW, LMSW, LCSW

Renewal: Every 2 Years

CE Hours: 30 Required

Clinical Hours: 4,000 for LCSW