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California licenses Clinical Social Workers through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). The clinical license generally requires a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, a period of post-degree supervised clinical experience, and a passing score on the ASWB Clinical examination. Verify current licensing, Social Work Licensure Compact, supervised-experience, renewal, and continuing-education requirements directly with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
A master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited (or BBS-accepted) program is required; candidates first register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW). Verify current education requirements with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Applicants must generally pass the California Law and Ethics Exam and the ASWB Clinical examination. Verify current examination requirements with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
At least 3,000 hours of supervised experience over a minimum of 104 weeks while registered as an ASW, with category minimums (reportedly including at least 2,000 clinical hours and at least 750 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy) and supervision by qualifying licensed supervisors. Verify the exact hours, direct-contact minimum, and supervision rules with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
The state has not enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact. Social workers must hold a license issued by this state to practice here, and any compact privilege held elsewhere does not authorize practice in this state.
California is not listed among the enacted member jurisdictions on swcompact.org as of mid-2026, so it is treated as not a Compact member. Verify current compact status with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
License portability may be available by endorsement and, where the state participates, through the Social Work Licensure Compact. Verify endorsement eligibility and compact participation with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
Telehealth social work practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal, licensing, or employment advice. Clinical social work licensing laws, board rules, education and examination requirements, Social Work Licensure Compact participation, supervised-experience rules, and renewal/continuing-education requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the official state social work licensing board.