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Massachusetts licensing application processing

ASWB processes social work licensing applications on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers as authorized by the Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Professions Licensure.

Online application Update an existing application

Application types

New application
Applying for a license that you have not previously held in Massachusetts or in another state or province
New application requirements
Reciprocity
Applying for a license in Massachusetts based on an equivalent social work license in another state or province
Reciprocity instructions
Relicensure, less than 2 years
Re-applying for a Massachusetts social work license that has lapsed more than one year, but less than 2 years ago
Relicensure instructions, less than 2 years
Relicensure, more than 2 years
Re-applying for a Massachusetts social work license that has lapsed more than 2 years ago
Relicensure instructions, more than 2 years
Update application
Updating an existing application for licensure in Massachusetts if that application has expired
Update application
  • Notice

    Fees waived

    Thanks to a grant received by the state of Massachusetts, there is currently no cost for the initial application or license fee. This fee waiver will remain in place until the grant funds are exhausted. At that time, the system will automatically begin assessing the standard fees. Please note: No action is required on your part. The system will reflect the correct fee status at the time of your application.

All fees are nonrefundable

Fees

Application fees

  • New applicant (all licenses): US$173
  • Reciprocity: US$187-US$267 (varies by license)
  • Relicensure: US$153
  • Update application: US$50

Exam registration fees

  • Bachelors or Masters: US$230
  • Clinical or Advanced Generalist: US$260

Licensure fees
(due after exam and licensing requirements have been met)

  • LICSW: US$82
  • LCSW: US$68
  • LSW: US$54
  • LSWA: US$42

Massachusetts MassHealth enrollment requirement

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers are eligible to order, refer or prescribe services for MassHealth members and, under state law, must apply to enroll with MassHealth.

Nonstandard testing arrangements

If you have a disability or other health condition or if English is not your primary language, you may be eligible to receive nonstandard testing arrangements.