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

Delaware Social Work Licensing

Streamlined two-tier social work licensing system with clear bachelor's and master's level credentials, emphasizing supervised practice and professional development.

Last Updated: August 2025
2
License Types
3,200
Clinical Hours (LCSW)
2
Years Renewal
30
CE Hours Required

Delaware Social Work Licenses

Two-tier licensing system providing clear pathways from bachelor's level entry to clinical practice with comprehensive supervision requirements.

Licensed Social Worker

LSW

Bachelor's level license providing entry into professional social work practice with generalist scope and appropriate supervision requirements.

Education Requirements:

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

Examination & Application:

  • Pass ASWB Bachelor's examination
  • Complete license application with documentation
  • Submit to background check and fingerprinting
  • Provide professional references as required
  • Pay application and licensing fees

Practice Scope:

  • Generalist social work practice
  • Case management and service coordination
  • Community outreach and education
  • Program implementation and support
  • Practice under appropriate supervision
  • Cannot provide clinical services or psychotherapy

Supervision Requirements:

  • Must practice under qualified supervision
  • Supervisor must be licensed LCSW or equivalent
  • Regular supervision meetings required
  • Documentation of supervision hours

Renewal Information:

Renewal every 2 years • 30 CE hours required • Must complete ethics training

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

Master's level clinical license allowing independent clinical practice, psychotherapy, and mental health treatment with full practice authority.

Education Requirements:

  • Master's degree in Social Work from CSWE-accredited program
  • Clinical concentration or equivalent coursework preferred
  • Official transcripts required
  • Advanced clinical field education

Experience & Examination:

  • Pass ASWB Clinical examination
  • 3,200 hours post-MSW supervised clinical experience
  • Minimum 2 years supervised practice
  • Clinical supervision by qualified LCSW
  • Documentation of clinical competency development

Supervision Standards:

  • 100 hours face-to-face clinical supervision
  • Supervisor must be LCSW with 2+ years experience
  • Individual and group supervision accepted
  • Regular documentation required
  • Focus on clinical skill development

Clinical Practice Authority:

  • Independent clinical social work practice
  • Psychotherapy and mental health counseling
  • Clinical assessment and diagnosis
  • Private practice establishment
  • Insurance provider status eligibility
  • Clinical supervision of LSW and LCSW candidates

Clinical Practice Benefits:

Independent practice authority • Clinical supervision capability • Full clinical scope

Delaware Key Features

🎯 Streamlined Two-Tier System

Delaware maintains a simple two-level system - LSW for bachelor's level practice and LCSW for clinical practice, reducing complexity and confusion.

📈 Clear Progression Path

Direct pathway from LSW to LCSW with well-defined requirements for advancement, including specific hour and supervision standards.

⏰ Comprehensive Supervision

3,200 clinical hours plus 100 hours face-to-face supervision for LCSW, ensuring thorough clinical preparation and competency.

🎓 CSWE Standard

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

🔄 Biennial Renewal

Two-year renewal cycle with 30 CE hours including required ethics training, supporting ongoing professional development.

🏥 Clinical Practice Focus

LCSW provides full clinical authority including psychotherapy, diagnosis, private practice, and insurance reimbursement eligibility.

📋 CSWE Accreditation Only

Delaware requires both BSW and MSW degrees to be from CSWE-accredited social work programs. Related fields or non-accredited programs are not accepted.

⏰ Clinical Hour Requirements

LCSW requires 3,200 post-MSW clinical hours plus 100 hours of face-to-face supervision over minimum 2 years. Plan supervision early.

👥 Supervision Standards

Clinical supervisors must be LCSWs with at least 2 years post-licensure experience. Verify supervisor qualifications before beginning supervision.

🎯 Scope of Practice

LSW cannot provide clinical services or psychotherapy. Only LCSW has authorization for clinical mental health practice and independent service delivery.

📚 Continuing Education

30 CE hours required every 2 years including mandatory ethics training. Maintain documentation for potential audit.

Delaware Resources

Delaware Board of Clinical Social Work Examiners

Delaware Social Work Education

Professional Organizations

Examination & Career Resources

Delaware Board of Clinical Social Work Examiners

Division of Professional Regulation

Department of State

State of Delaware

License Types: LSW, LCSW

Renewal: Every 2 Years

CE Hours: 30 Required

Clinical Hours: 3,200 for LCSW