Massachusetts Social Work — Requirements &amp; Free Practice

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Application documentation: Submit an official transcript directly from the institution, notarized signed criminal-history acknowledgment and a 2-by-2 photograph. Obtain application approval before registering for the ASWB examination.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: Hold a CSWE-accredited masters or doctoral social-work degree, or a foreign equivalent determined by CSWE.
Equivalent exam discretion: The regulation allows an equivalent examination determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in that open alternative.
Exam score window: 258 CMR 9.03–9.06 and 9.10(5) require a passing score issued no more than two years before application; an older score requires retaking the examination.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified references; at least one is the most recent field placement supervisor, a Massachusetts LCSW/LICSW or a person eligible for that licensure under the regulation. ASWB instructions require documentation by the most recent advanced field placement supervisor and at least one licensed LCSW/LICSW or equivalent reference.

Expedited licensure for a relocated military spouse

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Documentation: Upload notarized criminal-history acknowledgment and photograph.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Equivalence: The Board must find substantially equivalent education, experience and permissible practice scope for the Massachusetts level; provide issuing-jurisdiction verification of all current and expired licenses and an official highest-qualifying-degree transcript.
Good standing: The qualifying license must be in good standing and not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered by discipline.
Military spouse: Hold a license outside Massachusetts, be married to a US armed-forces member transferred to Massachusetts, and have left employment to accompany that spouse. Supply transfer orders naming the dependent and/or marriage certificate. Under M.G.L. c.112 §1B(d), the Board responds within 30 days by licensure, temporary licensure, or notice of unmet requirements or missing information.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Other license: Hold a current, valid equivalent US-jurisdiction social-work license. The statute and 258 CMR 9.07 also describe past licensure; the Board reciprocity policy and current implementing instructions require a current license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; at least one at LICSW/LCSW or equivalent for LCSW, LSW and LSWA, and at least one LICSW or equivalent for LICSW.
Score waiver: Applicants with a qualifying certified passing ASWB score may obtain licensure without another sitting. Applicants without it must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination after application approval.

Licensure by reciprocity — needs exam

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Documentation: Upload notarized criminal-history acknowledgment and photograph.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Equivalence: The Board must find substantially equivalent education, experience and permissible practice scope for the Massachusetts level; provide issuing-jurisdiction verification of all current and expired licenses and an official highest-qualifying-degree transcript.
Good standing: The qualifying license must be in good standing and not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered by discipline.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Other license: Hold a current, valid equivalent US-jurisdiction social-work license. The statute and 258 CMR 9.07 also describe past licensure; the Board reciprocity policy and current implementing instructions require a current license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Qualifying score: The other jurisdiction did not require ASWB or no qualifying passing score is held. Agree to take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination as a condition of reciprocal licensure.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; at least one at LICSW/LCSW or equivalent for LCSW, LSW and LSWA, and at least one LICSW or equivalent for LICSW.
Score waiver: Applicants with a qualifying certified passing ASWB score may obtain licensure without another sitting. Applicants without it must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination after application approval.

Licensure by reciprocity — prior pass

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Documentation: Upload notarized criminal-history acknowledgment and photograph.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Equivalence: The Board must find substantially equivalent education, experience and permissible practice scope for the Massachusetts level; provide issuing-jurisdiction verification of all current and expired licenses and an official highest-qualifying-degree transcript.
Good standing: The qualifying license must be in good standing and not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered by discipline.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Other license: Hold a current, valid equivalent US-jurisdiction social-work license. The statute and 258 CMR 9.07 also describe past licensure; the Board reciprocity policy and current implementing instructions require a current license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Qualifying score: Provide the certified passing ASWB score report for the Massachusetts license level; another sitting is waived when accepted.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; at least one at LICSW/LCSW or equivalent for LCSW, LSW and LSWA, and at least one LICSW or equivalent for LICSW.
Score waiver: Applicants with a qualifying certified passing ASWB score may obtain licensure without another sitting. Applicants without it must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination after application approval.

Reinstatement within one year after expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 20 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.
Timing: File renewal application and pay renewal and additional late fees within one year after expiration; do not practice until reinstated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

258 CMR 9.00: Licensure Requirements and Procedures
258 CMR 9.09(2), reinstatement within one year
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(1), CE requirements
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(2)(a), government CE exemption
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, Policy; applies to renewals on or after September 28, 2023
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, applicability
mgl112-136.html
M.G.L. c.112 §136, paragraph beginning A license may be renewed

Relicensure more than two years after expiration

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 20 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Documentation: File relicensure application, pay required fees, submit license verifications for other jurisdictions and the notarized criminal-history acknowledgment.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Examination: Retake and pass the ASWB examination for the level sought, as required by 258 CMR 9.09(4)(c); register only after application approval.
Initial qualifications: Meet the applicable initial qualifications for the same level previously held.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.

Relicensure more than one year and no later than two years after expiration

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 20 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Initial qualifications: Meet the applicable initial qualifications at the previously held level, including the ASWB passing examination relationship retained by 258 CMR 9.09(3). This subsection does not separately mandate a new sitting; 9.10(5) states the two-year score rule. Confirm the score accepted by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.
Timing: Apply more than one year and no later than two years after expiration; explain the lapse and appear personally if requested. ASWB instructions require an explanation, CE documentation and criminal-history acknowledgment.

Renewal before expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 20 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.
Timing: Renew on or before expiration; licenses renew every two years based on the licensee birthday.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

258 CMR 9.00: Licensure Requirements and Procedures
258 CMR 9.09(1), renewal
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(1), CE requirements
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(2)(a), government CE exemption
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, Policy; applies to renewals on or after September 28, 2023
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, applicability
mgl112-136.html
M.G.L. c.112 §136, paragraph beginning A license may be renewed

Discretionary reinstatement after revocation

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Board conditions: The Board may impose additional education, training, supervision, rehabilitation or other reasonable protective conditions under 258 CMR 30.03(3). No specifically identified social-work examination is fixed by the statutory reinstatement provision; any conditions in the individual Board order must be satisfied.
Continuing education: 20 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Waiting period: The Board may accept an application no earlier than three years after revocation and reinstate only when it finds the causes no longer warrant continued revocation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

mgl112-137.html
M.G.L. c.112 §137, paragraph beginning The board may, not less than three years after the revocation
cmr30.pdf
258 CMR 30.03(3), sanctions and conditions

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

Massachusetts Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) license under M.G.L. c.112 §131 and 258 CMR 9.00.

Licensing authority: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers · Application information

Automatic renewal and validity extension during active military service

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Active service: Provide current active-duty orders. A held license remains valid during active US armed-forces service and at least 90 days after release; the Department states automatic renewal without renewal fee or continuing education.
Application: Provide current active-duty orders for the Department automatic renewal benefit; renewal fee and continuing education are waived during qualifying service.
Continuing education: The Department active-duty benefit waives continuing education for automatic renewal.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Masshealth: Apply to enroll with MassHealth as a fully participating or non-billing provider regardless of active practice or practice location; provide required attestation.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

mgl112-1B.html
M.G.L. c.112 §1B, paragraph beginning (c) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary
military-benefits.html
About the VALOR Act, active-duty renewal

Discretionary restoration after suspension or cancellation

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Board order: Obtain Board authorization to reinstate the disciplined license and satisfy the education, training, supervision, rehabilitation and other protective conditions fixed in the individual order; no specifically identified examination is prescribed by 258 CMR 30.03(3).
Continuing education: 30 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Masshealth: Apply to enroll with MassHealth as a fully participating or non-billing provider regardless of active practice or practice location; provide required attestation.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

cmr30.pdf
258 CMR 30.03(3), disciplinary sanctions and reinstatement conditions

Licensure by examination

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Application documentation: Submit an official transcript directly from the institution, notarized signed criminal-history acknowledgment and a 2-by-2 photograph. Obtain application approval before registering for the ASWB examination.
Clinical experience: M.G.L. c.112 §131 requires three years of full-time clinical social-work experience or acceptable part-time equivalent, at least two years after the masters degree. 258 CMR 9.03(3) and the application instructions state at least 3,500 clinical hours over two years after LCSW licensure and/or applicable exemptions. These are the statute and the Board materials applicants must reconcile.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: Hold a CSWE-accredited masters or doctoral social-work degree, or a foreign equivalent determined by CSWE.
Equivalent exam discretion: The regulation allows an equivalent examination determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in that open alternative.
Exam score window: 258 CMR 9.03–9.06 and 9.10(5) require a passing score issued no more than two years before application; an older score requires retaking the examination.
Masshealth: Apply to enroll with MassHealth as a fully participating or non-billing provider regardless of active practice or practice location; provide required attestation.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Prior license: M.G.L. c.112 §131 requires licensure as a certified social worker. 258 CMR 9.03(2) accepts a current or past Massachusetts LCSW or a substantially equivalent US-jurisdiction license. ASWB instructions require a current LCSW or equivalent license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three professional references including the qualifying clinical supervisor. 258 CMR 9.03(6) limits reference professions to clinical social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists. ASWB instructions additionally list LMHC and LMFT references.
Supervision: Provide documentation of at least 100 individual face-to-face clinical supervision hours during qualifying postgraduate experience from a Massachusetts LICSW, an equivalently qualified exempt government social worker, or a Board-equivalent independent clinical licensee elsewhere. Application instructions require supervision at one hour per 35 hours worked (maximum one per week, prorated for part-time employment), with the supervisor licensed where the work occurs; all experience must be complete when applying.
Teletherapy: The Board policy updated May 25, 2021 accepts telephone or videoconference social-work services and videoconference supervision toward experience and supervision requirements; telephone supervision is not accepted.

Expedited licensure for a relocated military spouse

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Documentation: Upload notarized criminal-history acknowledgment and photograph.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Equivalence: The Board must find substantially equivalent education, experience and permissible practice scope for the Massachusetts level; provide issuing-jurisdiction verification of all current and expired licenses and an official highest-qualifying-degree transcript.
Good standing: The qualifying license must be in good standing and not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered by discipline.
Masshealth: Apply to enroll with MassHealth as a fully participating or non-billing provider regardless of active practice or practice location; provide required attestation.
Military spouse: Hold a license outside Massachusetts, be married to a US armed-forces member transferred to Massachusetts, and have left employment to accompany that spouse. Supply transfer orders naming the dependent and/or marriage certificate. Under M.G.L. c.112 §1B(d), the Board responds within 30 days by licensure, temporary licensure, or notice of unmet requirements or missing information.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Other license: Hold a current, valid equivalent US-jurisdiction social-work license. The statute and 258 CMR 9.07 also describe past licensure; the Board reciprocity policy and current implementing instructions require a current license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; at least one at LICSW/LCSW or equivalent for LCSW, LSW and LSWA, and at least one LICSW or equivalent for LICSW.
Score waiver: Applicants with a qualifying certified passing ASWB score may obtain licensure without another sitting. Applicants without it must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination after application approval.

Licensure by reciprocity — needs exam

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Documentation: Upload notarized criminal-history acknowledgment and photograph.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Equivalence: The Board must find substantially equivalent education, experience and permissible practice scope for the Massachusetts level; provide issuing-jurisdiction verification of all current and expired licenses and an official highest-qualifying-degree transcript.
Good standing: The qualifying license must be in good standing and not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered by discipline.
Masshealth: Apply to enroll with MassHealth as a fully participating or non-billing provider regardless of active practice or practice location; provide required attestation.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Other license: Hold a current, valid equivalent US-jurisdiction social-work license. The statute and 258 CMR 9.07 also describe past licensure; the Board reciprocity policy and current implementing instructions require a current license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Qualifying score: The other jurisdiction did not require ASWB or no qualifying passing score is held. Agree to take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination as a condition of reciprocal licensure.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; at least one at LICSW/LCSW or equivalent for LCSW, LSW and LSWA, and at least one LICSW or equivalent for LICSW.
Score waiver: Applicants with a qualifying certified passing ASWB score may obtain licensure without another sitting. Applicants without it must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination after application approval.

Licensure by reciprocity — prior pass

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Documentation: Upload notarized criminal-history acknowledgment and photograph.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Equivalence: The Board must find substantially equivalent education, experience and permissible practice scope for the Massachusetts level; provide issuing-jurisdiction verification of all current and expired licenses and an official highest-qualifying-degree transcript.
Good standing: The qualifying license must be in good standing and not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered by discipline.
Masshealth: Apply to enroll with MassHealth as a fully participating or non-billing provider regardless of active practice or practice location; provide required attestation.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Other license: Hold a current, valid equivalent US-jurisdiction social-work license. The statute and 258 CMR 9.07 also describe past licensure; the Board reciprocity policy and current implementing instructions require a current license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Qualifying score: Provide the certified passing ASWB score report for the Massachusetts license level; another sitting is waived when accepted.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; at least one at LICSW/LCSW or equivalent for LCSW, LSW and LSWA, and at least one LICSW or equivalent for LICSW.
Score waiver: Applicants with a qualifying certified passing ASWB score may obtain licensure without another sitting. Applicants without it must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination after application approval.

Reinstatement within one year after expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 30 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Masshealth: Apply to enroll with MassHealth as a fully participating or non-billing provider regardless of active practice or practice location; provide required attestation.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.
Timing: File renewal application and pay renewal and additional late fees within one year after expiration; do not practice until reinstated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

258 CMR 9.00: Licensure Requirements and Procedures
258 CMR 9.09(2), reinstatement within one year
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(1), CE requirements
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(2)(a), government CE exemption
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, Policy; applies to renewals on or after September 28, 2023
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, applicability
mgl112-136.html
M.G.L. c.112 §136, paragraph beginning A license may be renewed

Relicensure more than two years after expiration

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 30 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Documentation: File relicensure application, pay required fees, submit license verifications for other jurisdictions and the notarized criminal-history acknowledgment.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Examination: Retake and pass the ASWB examination for the level sought, as required by 258 CMR 9.09(4)(c); register only after application approval.
Initial qualifications: Meet the applicable initial qualifications for the same level previously held.
Masshealth: Apply to enroll with MassHealth as a fully participating or non-billing provider regardless of active practice or practice location; provide required attestation.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.

Relicensure more than one year and no later than two years after expiration

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 30 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Initial qualifications: Meet the applicable initial qualifications at the previously held level, including the ASWB passing examination relationship retained by 258 CMR 9.09(3). This subsection does not separately mandate a new sitting; 9.10(5) states the two-year score rule. Confirm the score accepted by the Board.
Masshealth: Apply to enroll with MassHealth as a fully participating or non-billing provider regardless of active practice or practice location; provide required attestation.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.
Timing: Apply more than one year and no later than two years after expiration; explain the lapse and appear personally if requested. ASWB instructions require an explanation, CE documentation and criminal-history acknowledgment.

Renewal before expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 30 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Masshealth: Apply to enroll with MassHealth as a fully participating or non-billing provider regardless of active practice or practice location; provide required attestation.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.
Timing: Renew on or before expiration; licenses renew every two years based on the licensee birthday.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

258 CMR 9.00: Licensure Requirements and Procedures
258 CMR 9.09(1), renewal
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(1), CE requirements
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(2)(a), government CE exemption
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, Policy; applies to renewals on or after September 28, 2023
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, applicability
mgl112-136.html
M.G.L. c.112 §136, paragraph beginning A license may be renewed

Discretionary reinstatement after revocation

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Board conditions: The Board may impose additional education, training, supervision, rehabilitation or other reasonable protective conditions under 258 CMR 30.03(3). No specifically identified social-work examination is fixed by the statutory reinstatement provision; any conditions in the individual Board order must be satisfied.
Continuing education: 30 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Masshealth: Apply to enroll with MassHealth as a fully participating or non-billing provider regardless of active practice or practice location; provide required attestation.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Waiting period: The Board may accept an application no earlier than three years after revocation and reinstate only when it finds the causes no longer warrant continued revocation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

mgl112-137.html
M.G.L. c.112 §137, paragraph beginning The board may, not less than three years after the revocation
cmr30.pdf
258 CMR 30.03(3), sanctions and conditions

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Massachusetts Licensed Social Worker (LSW) license under M.G.L. c.112 §131 and 258 CMR 9.00.

Licensing authority: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers · Application information

Automatic renewal and validity extension during active military service

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Active service: Provide current active-duty orders. A held license remains valid during active US armed-forces service and at least 90 days after release; the Department states automatic renewal without renewal fee or continuing education.
Application: Provide current active-duty orders for the Department automatic renewal benefit; renewal fee and continuing education are waived during qualifying service.
Continuing education: The Department active-duty benefit waives continuing education for automatic renewal.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

mgl112-1B.html
M.G.L. c.112 §1B, paragraph beginning (c) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary
military-benefits.html
About the VALOR Act, active-duty renewal

Discretionary restoration after suspension or cancellation

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Board order: Obtain Board authorization to reinstate the disciplined license and satisfy the education, training, supervision, rehabilitation and other protective conditions fixed in the individual order; no specifically identified examination is prescribed by 258 CMR 30.03(3).
Continuing education: 15 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

cmr30.pdf
258 CMR 30.03(3), disciplinary sanctions and reinstatement conditions

Licensure by examination — bsw

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Application documentation: Submit an official transcript directly from the institution, notarized signed criminal-history acknowledgment and a 2-by-2 photograph. Obtain application approval before registering for the ASWB examination.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: A CSWE-accredited BSW or a foreign equivalent determined by CSWE.
Education substitution: M.G.L. c.112 §131 permits two years of full-time or equivalent social-service experience for each year of undergraduate education, with at least five years when substitution is used. 258 CMR 9.05(1) states the specified education and work-hours combinations recorded for this pathway.
Equivalent exam discretion: The regulation allows an equivalent examination determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in that open alternative.
Exam score window: 258 CMR 9.03–9.06 and 9.10(5) require a passing score issued no more than two years before application; an older score requires retaking the examination.
Experience timing: The Board policy enacted March 21, 2006 requires non-BSW applicants to obtain supervised experience after their minimum educational qualifications.
Field placement: ASWB instructions require a BSW field-placement supervisory reference documenting the CSWE program placement.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; one must be the most recent social-work employment supervisor, a Massachusetts LCSW/LICSW or a person eligible for that licensure. ASWB instructions require at least one licensed LCSW/LICSW or equivalent reference.

Licensure by examination — college 30

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Application documentation: Submit an official transcript directly from the institution, notarized signed criminal-history acknowledgment and a 2-by-2 photograph. Obtain application approval before registering for the ASWB examination.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: One year (30 semester or 40 quarter hours) of accredited undergraduate education.
Education substitution: M.G.L. c.112 §131 permits two years of full-time or equivalent social-service experience for each year of undergraduate education, with at least five years when substitution is used. 258 CMR 9.05(1) states the specified education and work-hours combinations recorded for this pathway.
Equivalent exam discretion: The regulation allows an equivalent examination determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in that open alternative.
Exam score window: 258 CMR 9.03–9.06 and 9.10(5) require a passing score issued no more than two years before application; an older score requires retaking the examination.
Experience: At least 14,000 social-work hours over at least eight years. Work as an employee of an agency, health-care facility or unrelated individual under the direct supervision specified by 258 CMR 9.05(2).
Experience timing: The Board policy enacted March 21, 2006 requires non-BSW applicants to obtain supervised experience after their minimum educational qualifications.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; one must be the most recent social-work employment supervisor, a Massachusetts LCSW/LICSW or a person eligible for that licensure. ASWB instructions require at least one licensed LCSW/LICSW or equivalent reference.
Supervision: Receive individual face-to-face supervision at least one hour for every 35 work hours from a qualified LICSW, LCSW, equivalent exempt government social worker, Board-equivalent licensee elsewhere, or holder of a CSWE-accredited BSW or CSWE-determined foreign equivalent.

Licensure by examination — college 60

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Application documentation: Submit an official transcript directly from the institution, notarized signed criminal-history acknowledgment and a 2-by-2 photograph. Obtain application approval before registering for the ASWB examination.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: Two years (60 semester or 80 quarter hours) of accredited undergraduate education.
Education substitution: M.G.L. c.112 §131 permits two years of full-time or equivalent social-service experience for each year of undergraduate education, with at least five years when substitution is used. 258 CMR 9.05(1) states the specified education and work-hours combinations recorded for this pathway.
Equivalent exam discretion: The regulation allows an equivalent examination determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in that open alternative.
Exam score window: 258 CMR 9.03–9.06 and 9.10(5) require a passing score issued no more than two years before application; an older score requires retaking the examination.
Experience: At least 10,500 social-work hours over at least six years. Work as an employee of an agency, health-care facility or unrelated individual under the direct supervision specified by 258 CMR 9.05(2).
Experience timing: The Board policy enacted March 21, 2006 requires non-BSW applicants to obtain supervised experience after their minimum educational qualifications.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; one must be the most recent social-work employment supervisor, a Massachusetts LCSW/LICSW or a person eligible for that licensure. ASWB instructions require at least one licensed LCSW/LICSW or equivalent reference.
Supervision: Receive individual face-to-face supervision at least one hour for every 35 work hours from a qualified LICSW, LCSW, equivalent exempt government social worker, Board-equivalent licensee elsewhere, or holder of a CSWE-accredited BSW or CSWE-determined foreign equivalent.

Licensure by examination — college 75

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Application documentation: Submit an official transcript directly from the institution, notarized signed criminal-history acknowledgment and a 2-by-2 photograph. Obtain application approval before registering for the ASWB examination.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: At least 2.5 years (75 semester or 100 quarter hours), but less than four years, of accredited undergraduate education.
Education substitution: M.G.L. c.112 §131 permits two years of full-time or equivalent social-service experience for each year of undergraduate education, with at least five years when substitution is used. 258 CMR 9.05(1) states the specified education and work-hours combinations recorded for this pathway.
Equivalent exam discretion: The regulation allows an equivalent examination determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in that open alternative.
Exam score window: 258 CMR 9.03–9.06 and 9.10(5) require a passing score issued no more than two years before application; an older score requires retaking the examination.
Experience: At least 8,750 social-work hours over at least five years. Work as an employee of an agency, health-care facility or unrelated individual under the direct supervision specified by 258 CMR 9.05(2).
Experience timing: The Board policy enacted March 21, 2006 requires non-BSW applicants to obtain supervised experience after their minimum educational qualifications.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; one must be the most recent social-work employment supervisor, a Massachusetts LCSW/LICSW or a person eligible for that licensure. ASWB instructions require at least one licensed LCSW/LICSW or equivalent reference.
Supervision: Receive individual face-to-face supervision at least one hour for every 35 work hours from a qualified LICSW, LCSW, equivalent exempt government social worker, Board-equivalent licensee elsewhere, or holder of a CSWE-accredited BSW or CSWE-determined foreign equivalent.

Licensure by examination — high school

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Application documentation: Submit an official transcript directly from the institution, notarized signed criminal-history acknowledgment and a 2-by-2 photograph. Obtain application approval before registering for the ASWB examination.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent.
Education substitution: M.G.L. c.112 §131 permits two years of full-time or equivalent social-service experience for each year of undergraduate education, with at least five years when substitution is used. 258 CMR 9.05(1) states the specified education and work-hours combinations recorded for this pathway.
Equivalent exam discretion: The regulation allows an equivalent examination determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in that open alternative.
Exam score window: 258 CMR 9.03–9.06 and 9.10(5) require a passing score issued no more than two years before application; an older score requires retaking the examination.
Experience: At least 17,500 social-work hours over at least ten years. Work as an employee of an agency, health-care facility or unrelated individual under the direct supervision specified by 258 CMR 9.05(2).
Experience timing: The Board policy enacted March 21, 2006 requires non-BSW applicants to obtain supervised experience after their minimum educational qualifications.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; one must be the most recent social-work employment supervisor, a Massachusetts LCSW/LICSW or a person eligible for that licensure. ASWB instructions require at least one licensed LCSW/LICSW or equivalent reference.
Supervision: Receive individual face-to-face supervision at least one hour for every 35 work hours from a qualified LICSW, LCSW, equivalent exempt government social worker, Board-equivalent licensee elsewhere, or holder of a CSWE-accredited BSW or CSWE-determined foreign equivalent.

Licensure by examination — other bachelors

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Application documentation: Submit an official transcript directly from the institution, notarized signed criminal-history acknowledgment and a 2-by-2 photograph. Obtain application approval before registering for the ASWB examination.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: An accredited bachelors degree in a field other than social work.
Education substitution: M.G.L. c.112 §131 permits two years of full-time or equivalent social-service experience for each year of undergraduate education, with at least five years when substitution is used. 258 CMR 9.05(1) states the specified education and work-hours combinations recorded for this pathway.
Equivalent exam discretion: The regulation allows an equivalent examination determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in that open alternative.
Exam score window: 258 CMR 9.03–9.06 and 9.10(5) require a passing score issued no more than two years before application; an older score requires retaking the examination.
Experience: At least 3,500 social-work hours over at least two years. Work as an employee of an agency, health-care facility or unrelated individual under the direct supervision specified by 258 CMR 9.05(2).
Experience timing: The Board policy enacted March 21, 2006 requires non-BSW applicants to obtain supervised experience after their minimum educational qualifications.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; one must be the most recent social-work employment supervisor, a Massachusetts LCSW/LICSW or a person eligible for that licensure. ASWB instructions require at least one licensed LCSW/LICSW or equivalent reference.
Supervision: Receive individual face-to-face supervision at least one hour for every 35 work hours from a qualified LICSW, LCSW, equivalent exempt government social worker, Board-equivalent licensee elsewhere, or holder of a CSWE-accredited BSW or CSWE-determined foreign equivalent.

Expedited licensure for a relocated military spouse

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Documentation: Upload notarized criminal-history acknowledgment and photograph.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Equivalence: The Board must find substantially equivalent education, experience and permissible practice scope for the Massachusetts level; provide issuing-jurisdiction verification of all current and expired licenses and an official highest-qualifying-degree transcript.
Good standing: The qualifying license must be in good standing and not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered by discipline.
Military spouse: Hold a license outside Massachusetts, be married to a US armed-forces member transferred to Massachusetts, and have left employment to accompany that spouse. Supply transfer orders naming the dependent and/or marriage certificate. Under M.G.L. c.112 §1B(d), the Board responds within 30 days by licensure, temporary licensure, or notice of unmet requirements or missing information.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Other license: Hold a current, valid equivalent US-jurisdiction social-work license. The statute and 258 CMR 9.07 also describe past licensure; the Board reciprocity policy and current implementing instructions require a current license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; at least one at LICSW/LCSW or equivalent for LCSW, LSW and LSWA, and at least one LICSW or equivalent for LICSW.
Score waiver: Applicants with a qualifying certified passing ASWB score may obtain licensure without another sitting. Applicants without it must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination after application approval.

Licensure under the public employee examination and experience exemption

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Civil service or equivalence: Have passed equivalent civil-service examinations or satisfy the Board that the statutory examination or experience requirements are otherwise met. Any civil-service examination is an applicant condition, not an identified currently offered social-work licensing examination. The Board consults public-employment authorities if equivalence is disputed.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: Satisfy the statutory educational qualifications or Board-accepted equivalency for the requested level; the exemption concerns examination and experience requirements.
Employment: Have completed six months as a social worker in a public agency as a state, county or municipal employee.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

mgl112-131.html
M.G.L. c.112 §131, paragraph beginning State, county, and municipal employees are exempt from the examination and experience
mgl112-131.html
M.G.L. c.112 §131, paragraph beginning Any individual desiring to obtain a license as a social worker
258 CMR 9.00: Licensure Requirements and Procedures
258 CMR 9.02, text segment 1

Licensure by reciprocity — needs exam

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Documentation: Upload notarized criminal-history acknowledgment and photograph.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Equivalence: The Board must find substantially equivalent education, experience and permissible practice scope for the Massachusetts level; provide issuing-jurisdiction verification of all current and expired licenses and an official highest-qualifying-degree transcript.
Good standing: The qualifying license must be in good standing and not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered by discipline.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Other license: Hold a current, valid equivalent US-jurisdiction social-work license. The statute and 258 CMR 9.07 also describe past licensure; the Board reciprocity policy and current implementing instructions require a current license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Qualifying score: The other jurisdiction did not require ASWB or no qualifying passing score is held. Agree to take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination as a condition of reciprocal licensure.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; at least one at LICSW/LCSW or equivalent for LCSW, LSW and LSWA, and at least one LICSW or equivalent for LICSW.
Score waiver: Applicants with a qualifying certified passing ASWB score may obtain licensure without another sitting. Applicants without it must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination after application approval.

Licensure by reciprocity — prior pass

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Documentation: Upload notarized criminal-history acknowledgment and photograph.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Equivalence: The Board must find substantially equivalent education, experience and permissible practice scope for the Massachusetts level; provide issuing-jurisdiction verification of all current and expired licenses and an official highest-qualifying-degree transcript.
Good standing: The qualifying license must be in good standing and not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered by discipline.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Other license: Hold a current, valid equivalent US-jurisdiction social-work license. The statute and 258 CMR 9.07 also describe past licensure; the Board reciprocity policy and current implementing instructions require a current license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Qualifying score: Provide the certified passing ASWB score report for the Massachusetts license level; another sitting is waived when accepted.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; at least one at LICSW/LCSW or equivalent for LCSW, LSW and LSWA, and at least one LICSW or equivalent for LICSW.
Score waiver: Applicants with a qualifying certified passing ASWB score may obtain licensure without another sitting. Applicants without it must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination after application approval.

Reinstatement within one year after expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 15 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.
Timing: File renewal application and pay renewal and additional late fees within one year after expiration; do not practice until reinstated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

258 CMR 9.00: Licensure Requirements and Procedures
258 CMR 9.09(2), reinstatement within one year
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(1), CE requirements
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(2)(a), government CE exemption
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, Policy; applies to renewals on or after September 28, 2023
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, applicability
mgl112-136.html
M.G.L. c.112 §136, paragraph beginning A license may be renewed

Relicensure more than two years after expiration

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 15 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Documentation: File relicensure application, pay required fees, submit license verifications for other jurisdictions and the notarized criminal-history acknowledgment.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Examination: Retake and pass the ASWB examination for the level sought, as required by 258 CMR 9.09(4)(c); register only after application approval.
Initial qualifications: Meet the applicable initial qualifications for the same level previously held.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.

Relicensure more than one year and no later than two years after expiration

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 15 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Initial qualifications: Meet the applicable initial qualifications at the previously held level, including the ASWB passing examination relationship retained by 258 CMR 9.09(3). This subsection does not separately mandate a new sitting; 9.10(5) states the two-year score rule. Confirm the score accepted by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.
Timing: Apply more than one year and no later than two years after expiration; explain the lapse and appear personally if requested. ASWB instructions require an explanation, CE documentation and criminal-history acknowledgment.

Renewal before expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 15 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.
Timing: Renew on or before expiration; licenses renew every two years based on the licensee birthday.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

258 CMR 9.00: Licensure Requirements and Procedures
258 CMR 9.09(1), renewal
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(1), CE requirements
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(2)(a), government CE exemption
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, Policy; applies to renewals on or after September 28, 2023
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, applicability
mgl112-136.html
M.G.L. c.112 §136, paragraph beginning A license may be renewed

Discretionary reinstatement after revocation

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Board conditions: The Board may impose additional education, training, supervision, rehabilitation or other reasonable protective conditions under 258 CMR 30.03(3). No specifically identified social-work examination is fixed by the statutory reinstatement provision; any conditions in the individual Board order must be satisfied.
Continuing education: 15 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Waiting period: The Board may accept an application no earlier than three years after revocation and reinstate only when it finds the causes no longer warrant continued revocation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

mgl112-137.html
M.G.L. c.112 §137, paragraph beginning The board may, not less than three years after the revocation
cmr30.pdf
258 CMR 30.03(3), sanctions and conditions

Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA)

Massachusetts Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) license under M.G.L. c.112 §131 and 258 CMR 9.00.

Licensing authority: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers · Application information

Automatic renewal and validity extension during active military service

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Active service: Provide current active-duty orders. A held license remains valid during active US armed-forces service and at least 90 days after release; the Department states automatic renewal without renewal fee or continuing education.
Application: Provide current active-duty orders for the Department automatic renewal benefit; renewal fee and continuing education are waived during qualifying service.
Continuing education: The Department active-duty benefit waives continuing education for automatic renewal.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

mgl112-1B.html
M.G.L. c.112 §1B, paragraph beginning (c) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary
military-benefits.html
About the VALOR Act, active-duty renewal

Discretionary restoration after suspension or cancellation

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Board order: Obtain Board authorization to reinstate the disciplined license and satisfy the education, training, supervision, rehabilitation and other protective conditions fixed in the individual order; no specifically identified examination is prescribed by 258 CMR 30.03(3).
Continuing education: 10 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

cmr30.pdf
258 CMR 30.03(3), disciplinary sanctions and reinstatement conditions

Licensure by examination — approved training

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Application documentation: Submit an official transcript directly from the institution, notarized signed criminal-history acknowledgment and a 2-by-2 photograph. Obtain application approval before registering for the ASWB examination.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: At least 1,000 hours of social-work theory and methods education in Board-approved courses or programs.
Education substitution: M.G.L. c.112 §131 permits Board-equivalent educational credits and two years of full-time or equivalent social-service experience for each year of undergraduate education. 258 CMR 9.06(1) additionally states the Board-approved 1,000-hour education option; ASWB instructions request four years of supervised experience for applicants without a qualifying degree.
Equivalent exam discretion: The regulation allows an equivalent examination determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in that open alternative.
Exam score window: 258 CMR 9.03–9.06 and 9.10(5) require a passing score issued no more than two years before application; an older score requires retaking the examination.
Experience timing: The Board policy enacted March 21, 2006 requires experience used in lieu of educational qualifications to follow completion of minimum educational qualifications.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references including at least one Massachusetts LCSW/LICSW or person eligible for that licensure; ASWB instructions require at least one licensed LCSW/LICSW or equivalent reference.

Licensure by examination — bachelors

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Application documentation: Submit an official transcript directly from the institution, notarized signed criminal-history acknowledgment and a 2-by-2 photograph. Obtain application approval before registering for the ASWB examination.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: An accredited bachelors degree in any field.
Education substitution: M.G.L. c.112 §131 permits Board-equivalent educational credits and two years of full-time or equivalent social-service experience for each year of undergraduate education. 258 CMR 9.06(1) additionally states the Board-approved 1,000-hour education option; ASWB instructions request four years of supervised experience for applicants without a qualifying degree.
Equivalent exam discretion: The regulation allows an equivalent examination determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in that open alternative.
Exam score window: 258 CMR 9.03–9.06 and 9.10(5) require a passing score issued no more than two years before application; an older score requires retaking the examination.
Experience timing: The Board policy enacted March 21, 2006 requires experience used in lieu of educational qualifications to follow completion of minimum educational qualifications.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references including at least one Massachusetts LCSW/LICSW or person eligible for that licensure; ASWB instructions require at least one licensed LCSW/LICSW or equivalent reference.

Licensure by examination — experience equivalence

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Application documentation: Submit an official transcript directly from the institution, notarized signed criminal-history acknowledgment and a 2-by-2 photograph. Obtain application approval before registering for the ASWB examination.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: Equivalent educational credits accepted by the Board under M.G.L. c.112 §131, including two years of qualifying social-service experience substituted per year of undergraduate education. The Board application instructions require documentation of four years of experience when no qualifying degree is held.
Education substitution: M.G.L. c.112 §131 permits Board-equivalent educational credits and two years of full-time or equivalent social-service experience for each year of undergraduate education. 258 CMR 9.06(1) additionally states the Board-approved 1,000-hour education option; ASWB instructions request four years of supervised experience for applicants without a qualifying degree.
Equivalent exam discretion: The regulation allows an equivalent examination determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in that open alternative.
Exam score window: 258 CMR 9.03–9.06 and 9.10(5) require a passing score issued no more than two years before application; an older score requires retaking the examination.
Experience timing: The Board policy enacted March 21, 2006 requires experience used in lieu of educational qualifications to follow completion of minimum educational qualifications.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references including at least one Massachusetts LCSW/LICSW or person eligible for that licensure; ASWB instructions require at least one licensed LCSW/LICSW or equivalent reference.

Licensure by examination — human services

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Application documentation: Submit an official transcript directly from the institution, notarized signed criminal-history acknowledgment and a 2-by-2 photograph. Obtain application approval before registering for the ASWB examination.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: Associate degree or at least 60 college credit hours in social work, psychology, counseling or a similar human-services field from an accredited institution.
Education substitution: M.G.L. c.112 §131 permits Board-equivalent educational credits and two years of full-time or equivalent social-service experience for each year of undergraduate education. 258 CMR 9.06(1) additionally states the Board-approved 1,000-hour education option; ASWB instructions request four years of supervised experience for applicants without a qualifying degree.
Equivalent exam discretion: The regulation allows an equivalent examination determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in that open alternative.
Exam score window: 258 CMR 9.03–9.06 and 9.10(5) require a passing score issued no more than two years before application; an older score requires retaking the examination.
Experience timing: The Board policy enacted March 21, 2006 requires experience used in lieu of educational qualifications to follow completion of minimum educational qualifications.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references including at least one Massachusetts LCSW/LICSW or person eligible for that licensure; ASWB instructions require at least one licensed LCSW/LICSW or equivalent reference.

Expedited licensure for a relocated military spouse

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Documentation: Upload notarized criminal-history acknowledgment and photograph.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Equivalence: The Board must find substantially equivalent education, experience and permissible practice scope for the Massachusetts level; provide issuing-jurisdiction verification of all current and expired licenses and an official highest-qualifying-degree transcript.
Good standing: The qualifying license must be in good standing and not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered by discipline.
Military spouse: Hold a license outside Massachusetts, be married to a US armed-forces member transferred to Massachusetts, and have left employment to accompany that spouse. Supply transfer orders naming the dependent and/or marriage certificate. Under M.G.L. c.112 §1B(d), the Board responds within 30 days by licensure, temporary licensure, or notice of unmet requirements or missing information.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Other license: Hold a current, valid equivalent US-jurisdiction social-work license. The statute and 258 CMR 9.07 also describe past licensure; the Board reciprocity policy and current implementing instructions require a current license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; at least one at LICSW/LCSW or equivalent for LCSW, LSW and LSWA, and at least one LICSW or equivalent for LICSW.
Score waiver: Applicants with a qualifying certified passing ASWB score may obtain licensure without another sitting. Applicants without it must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination after application approval.

Licensure under the public employee examination and experience exemption

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Civil service or equivalence: Have passed equivalent civil-service examinations or satisfy the Board that the statutory examination or experience requirements are otherwise met. Any civil-service examination is an applicant condition, not an identified currently offered social-work licensing examination. The Board consults public-employment authorities if equivalence is disputed.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Education: Satisfy the statutory educational qualifications or Board-accepted equivalency for the requested level; the exemption concerns examination and experience requirements.
Employment: Have completed six months as a social worker in a public agency as a state, county or municipal employee.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

mgl112-131.html
M.G.L. c.112 §131, paragraph beginning State, county, and municipal employees are exempt from the examination and experience
mgl112-131.html
M.G.L. c.112 §131, paragraph beginning Any individual desiring to obtain a license as a social work associate
258 CMR 9.00: Licensure Requirements and Procedures
258 CMR 9.02, text segment 1

Licensure by reciprocity — needs exam

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Documentation: Upload notarized criminal-history acknowledgment and photograph.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Equivalence: The Board must find substantially equivalent education, experience and permissible practice scope for the Massachusetts level; provide issuing-jurisdiction verification of all current and expired licenses and an official highest-qualifying-degree transcript.
Good standing: The qualifying license must be in good standing and not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered by discipline.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Other license: Hold a current, valid equivalent US-jurisdiction social-work license. The statute and 258 CMR 9.07 also describe past licensure; the Board reciprocity policy and current implementing instructions require a current license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Qualifying score: The other jurisdiction did not require ASWB or no qualifying passing score is held. Agree to take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination as a condition of reciprocal licensure.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; at least one at LICSW/LCSW or equivalent for LCSW, LSW and LSWA, and at least one LICSW or equivalent for LICSW.
Score waiver: Applicants with a qualifying certified passing ASWB score may obtain licensure without another sitting. Applicants without it must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination after application approval.

Licensure by reciprocity — prior pass

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Documentation: Upload notarized criminal-history acknowledgment and photograph.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Equivalence: The Board must find substantially equivalent education, experience and permissible practice scope for the Massachusetts level; provide issuing-jurisdiction verification of all current and expired licenses and an official highest-qualifying-degree transcript.
Good standing: The qualifying license must be in good standing and not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered by discipline.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Other license: Hold a current, valid equivalent US-jurisdiction social-work license. The statute and 258 CMR 9.07 also describe past licensure; the Board reciprocity policy and current implementing instructions require a current license.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Qualifying score: Provide the certified passing ASWB score report for the Massachusetts license level; another sitting is waived when accepted.
References: Provide three qualified professional references; at least one at LICSW/LCSW or equivalent for LCSW, LSW and LSWA, and at least one LICSW or equivalent for LICSW.
Score waiver: Applicants with a qualifying certified passing ASWB score may obtain licensure without another sitting. Applicants without it must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination after application approval.

Reinstatement within one year after expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 10 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.
Timing: File renewal application and pay renewal and additional late fees within one year after expiration; do not practice until reinstated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

258 CMR 9.00: Licensure Requirements and Procedures
258 CMR 9.09(2), reinstatement within one year
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(1), CE requirements
cmr31.pdf
258 CMR 31.03(2)(a), government CE exemption
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, Policy; applies to renewals on or after September 28, 2023
policies.html
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Continuing Education, applicability
mgl112-136.html
M.G.L. c.112 §136, paragraph beginning A license may be renewed

Relicensure more than two years after expiration

Application: Submit a properly completed application, pay required fees, and provide accurate and complete information; correct notified deficiencies within 30 days unless the Board extends the time.
Continuing education: 10 approved CE hours per two-year period, including two anti-racism hours focused on oppression and one anti-discrimination hour within the total; initial-period proration applies. Exclusive state, county or municipal government employees may claim the statutory/regulatory exemption by attestation. A Board extension may be granted for unforeseen undue hardship.
Documentation: File relicensure application, pay required fees, submit license verifications for other jurisdictions and the notarized criminal-history acknowledgment.
Domestic and sexual violence training: Complete at least one Board-approved domestic violence and sexual violence training as a condition of initial licensure, renewal, revival or reinstatement; repeat only when required by the Board.
Examination: Retake and pass the ASWB examination for the level sought, as required by 258 CMR 9.09(4)(c); register only after application approval.
Initial qualifications: Meet the applicable initial qualifications for the same level previously held.
Military training credit: M.G.L. c.112 §1B(b) requires acceptance of relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training or service toward qualifications upon satisfactory evidence.
Protected health care: 258 CMR 9.11 protects otherwise lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care from serving as the basis for denial of initial licensure or renewal.
Renewal declaration: Submit the required application, fees and sworn statement that the license is neither revoked nor currently suspended and there has been no felony involving moral turpitude in connection with social-work practice.

Relicensure more than one year and no later than two years after expiration