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Rhode Island licenses Clinical Social Workers through the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Social Work (RI Department of Health). 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 Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Social Work (RI Department of Health).
Master's or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. Verify exact degree and coursework requirements with the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Social Work.
Pass the ASWB Clinical examination (Board approval of the application is required before testing). Verify current exam requirements with the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Social Work.
Post-master's supervised clinical experience (Board guidance reflects roughly 3,000 hours, including a substantial direct-clinical-work component and at least 100 hours of clinical supervision) completed within the timeframe set by regulation. Verify exact hour totals, direct-contact minimums, and supervision requirements with the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Social Work.
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.
Rhode Island is listed among the jurisdictions that have enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact per swcompact.org. The Compact is activated but multistate license issuance was still being implemented as of mid-2026. Verify current status with the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Social Work and swcompact.org.
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Social Work (RI Department of Health).
Telehealth social work practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Social Work (RI Department of Health).
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.