Complete guide to obtaining your social work license in Michigan, including limited and full licenses with clinical and macro specializations.
Michigan uses a unique limited-to-full license progression with specialized clinical and macro practice designations at the master's level.
Entry-level limited license for BSW graduates. Allows supervised practice while gaining experience toward full LBSW licensure.
Valid 1 year • Renewable up to 6 times • Annual renewal required
Full bachelor's level license allowing independent social work practice after completing supervised experience and examination.
Every 3 years • 45 CE hours required • 5 hours ethics, 1 hour pain management
Initial license for MSW graduates. Allows practice while gaining supervised experience toward full LMSW in clinical or macro specialization.
Valid 1 year • Renewable up to 6 times • Annual renewal required
Full master's level license with clinical or macro designation. Highest level of social work practice in Michigan, equivalent to LCSW in other states.
Clinical: Psychotherapy, diagnosis, treatment • Macro: Administration, policy, research
Structured progression from limited to full licensure with specialization
Graduate from CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW program with required field placements and coursework.
2-4 YearsSubmit application for LLBSW or LLMSW to begin supervised practice. Choose clinical or macro focus for LLMSW.
4-6 WeeksWork under qualified supervision to accumulate required hours. LMSW requires 4,000 hours with specific supervision ratios.
2-3 YearsPass appropriate ASWB exam and submit documentation for LBSW or LMSW with chosen specialization.
6-8 WeeksMichigan requires 4,000 hours for LMSW (higher than many states) with strict work hour limits: 16-40 hours per week, maximum 2,000 hours per year. This extends the timeline but ensures comprehensive experience.
LMSW offers two distinct paths: Clinical (psychotherapy, diagnosis, treatment) and Macro (administration, policy, research). Your supervisor must hold an LMSW in the same specialization you're pursuing.
Michigan doesn't use the ASWB Master's exam. Instead, LMSW candidates take either the Clinical exam (for clinical designation) or Advanced Generalist exam (for macro designation).
All LLMSWs and LMSWs must complete one-time human trafficking training. This is required in addition to other continuing education requirements and licensing prerequisites.
Limited licenses (LLBSW, LLMSW) are valid for one year and can be renewed up to 6 times. Plan your supervised experience timeline carefully to avoid exceeding renewal limits.
Full licenses require 45 CE hours every 3 years, including 5 hours in ethics and 1 hour in pain management. At least half must be completed in-person or live online, not self-study.
(517) 373-1820
Bureau of Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909
michigan.gov/lara
NASW Michigan Chapter
Michigan Board of Social Workers