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New York licenses Clinical Social Workers through the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions — State Board for Social Work. 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 New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions — State Board for Social Work.
Master's degree in social work (MSW) from a program NYSED recognizes as LCSW licensure-qualifying (with at least 12 semester hours of clinical social work content); LMSW-qualifying programs alone do not satisfy the LCSW education requirement. Verify exact education requirements with the NYS Office of the Professions.
ASWB Clinical examination. Verify exam requirements with the NYS Office of the Professions.
Supervised clinical experience accrued as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment planning, under acceptable supervision. Verify exact hours and supervision rules with the NYS Office of the Professions.
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.
New York has not enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact and does not appear on the swcompact.org member list as of June 2026. Verify current status with swcompact.org and the NYS Office of the Professions.
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 New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions — State Board for Social Work.
Telehealth social work practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions — State Board for Social Work.
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.