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

    MA fee waivers

    Grant funds have been fully allocated, fee waivers for initial license applicants will be discontinued effective June 30, 2026.

  • 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.

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ASWB office closure

ASWB offices will also be closed for a summer break from Monday, June 29 through Friday, July 3. Please note that some activities may experience processing delays during this time period.

Most registrations, scheduling, and score reporting will continue through ASWBCentral. Requests requiring staff attention will be processed in early July. Most inquiries can expect a response within three business days of our return to the office.