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Ohio licenses Clinical Social Workers through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT). 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 Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT).
Master's (MSW) or higher in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. Verify exact degree and coursework requirements with the Ohio CSWMFT Board.
Pass the applicable ASWB examination at the Clinical or Advanced Generalist level as approved for the LISW. Verify the required exam level with the Ohio CSWMFT Board before testing.
Approximately 3,000 hours of post-master's supervised social work experience (commonly over a minimum of two years) under a Board-approved supervisor. Verify exact hours, supervision ratios, and supervisor qualifications with the Ohio CSWMFT Board.
The state has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact. Once the compact is operational, eligible clinical social workers will be able to obtain the authority to practice (in person and via telehealth) across participating states without a separate full license in each one. Enacting states are still standing up the compact commission and may not yet be issuing privileges.
Ohio is listed among the jurisdictions that have enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact per swcompact.org. The Compact is activated but the Commission was still standing up multistate licensing operations as of mid-2026, so timing for issuing privileges is evolving. Verify current status with the Ohio CSWMFT Board and swcompact.org.
Ohio has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact. 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 Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT).
Telehealth social work practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT).
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.