Navigate Tennessee's four-tier system in Nashville and Memphis markets, featuring interstate compact membership and comprehensive continuing education requirements.
Tennessee's comprehensive four-tier system provides clear progression with interstate compact benefits and specialized continuing education including mandatory suicide prevention training.
Entry-level license for BSW graduates. Allows non-clinical social work services in agency/organization settings with comprehensive scope of practice.
Tennessee LBSW holders may be eligible for multistate practice privileges through the Social Work Licensure Compact once fully implemented.
Application: $75 • Biennial renewal • 18 CE hours including 6 ethics, 1 TN law, 2 suicide prevention every 4 years
Master's level entry license allowing advanced generalist practice. Can provide clinical services under LAPSW/LCSW supervision and independent non-clinical services.
LMSW holders may gain multistate practice privileges through Tennessee's participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact.
Application: $160 • Biennial renewal • 24 CE hours including 6 ethics, 1 TN law, 2 suicide prevention every 4 years
Advanced generalist license allowing independent practice for direct payment and third-party reimbursement. Provides comprehensive non-clinical social work authority.
As Tennessee compact member, LAPSW holders may obtain multistate practice privileges for equivalent licenses in other participating states.
Application: $225 • Biennial renewal • 30 CE hours including 6 ethics, 1 TN law, 2 suicide prevention every 4 years
Highest level clinical license allowing independent clinical practice including diagnosis, treatment, psychotherapy, and clinical supervision of other social workers.
Tennessee LCSW holders can apply for multistate clinical practice privileges through the Social Work Licensure Compact for practice across member states.
Application: $225 • Biennial renewal • 30 CE hours including 6 ethics, 1 TN law, 2 suicide prevention every 4 years
Comprehensive progression with interstate compact benefits and specialized Nashville/Memphis market opportunities
Graduate from CSWE-accredited BSW (for LBSW) or MSW program (for LMSW/LAPSW/LCSW). Tennessee has 24 accredited programs including online and hybrid options.
4-6 YearsSubmit application to Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure with transcripts and background check. Pass required ASWB exam.
6-8 WeeksLBSW and LMSW can begin work immediately. LMSW seeking LAPSW/LCSW should begin accruing 3,000 supervised hours under qualified supervisors.
ImmediateBoth LAPSW and LCSW require 3,000 hours over 2+ years with 100 hours direct supervision. LCSW requires clinical experience and client-therapist contact.
2+ YearsSubmit advanced license application with supervision documentation. Pass ASWB Advanced Generalist (LAPSW) or Clinical (LCSW) examination.
3-4 MonthsTennessee participates in the Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing eligible social workers to obtain multistate practice privileges across participating states.
All Tennessee licensees must complete 2 hours of suicide prevention training every 4 years as part of their continuing education requirements.
All levels require 1 hour of continuing education specific to Tennessee Legal Code and Social Work Rules and Regulations every renewal period.
LAPSW and LCSW applications by examination must arrive in their entirety 30 days prior to the board meeting for consideration.
Tennessee social workers average $69,220 annually with strong growth in Nashville and Memphis metropolitan areas, ranging from $53,500 to $96,000+.
All licenses require 6 hours of social work ethics training every renewal period, emphasizing professional standards and ethical decision-making.
665 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, TN 37243
Unit1HRB.Health@tn.gov
tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/
health-professional-boards/sw-board
Full Member State
Multistate privileges available