Become an LCSW — Your Exact Plan

In most states, yes — you must obtain your pre-licensure credential (LMSW, LSW, ASW, or equivalent) before your supervision hours will count toward LCSW licensure. The ASWB Masters exam is required for that first license in most jurisdictions. The critical rule: in many states, you must apply for your pre-licensure credential within 60–90 days of MSW graduation — hours worked before licensure generally do not count, even if you were doing clinical work.

Your supervisor must hold the appropriate clinical license in your state — typically LCSW, LICSW, LISW, or equivalent. In some states (Texas, Ohio), supervisors must hold an additional supervision credential. Before starting with any supervisor, verify their license status on your state board's public license lookup, confirm their license type meets your state's specific requirement for supervisors, and get a written supervision agreement. The SWU Supervision Marketplace filters supervisors by state, license type, and supervision credential so you only see eligible matches.

The LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) is the post-MSW pre-licensure credential that allows supervised practice. The LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) is the independent clinical license earned after completing supervised hours and passing the ASWB Clinical exam. The salary premium is significant: LCSW-licensed social workers earn a median $18,400 more annually than LMSW-licensed clinicians in equivalent settings nationally (BLS OEWS 2023). The LCSW also unlocks private practice, independent clinical assessment, and higher-paying hospital and telehealth roles.

It depends on your state. Many states allow hours from multiple positions to count simultaneously — so if you work two part-time jobs both doing qualifying clinical work, both can contribute to your hour total. However, some states cap the number of hours per week that count (e.g., no more than 40 hours/week), and some require that each position have its own qualifying supervisor. Check your state board's specific policy — and document your supervisor arrangements in writing for each position.

Your existing hours may or may not transfer — it depends on the new state's rules. Most states will accept documented supervised hours completed under a qualified supervisor, but the documentation requirements differ. When relocating, contact the new state's licensing board before you move to understand: whether your prior hours will count, whether your supervisor's credentials meet their requirements, and whether you need a new pre-licensure credential. The ASWB exam (which you've already passed) is recognized in all 50 states, so that credit travels with you. The ASWB Compact (currently being enacted) will eventually allow license portability across participating states.