Reciprocity application instructions

These instructions are for applicants seeking a license in Massachusetts based on reciprocity.

  1. Applicants must possess a current social work license substantially equivalent to the appropriate Massachusetts license in education and experience requirements. License verifications for all licenses, current and expired, must be provided directly by the issuing jurisdiction. License verifications may be mailed directly from the issuing jurisdiction or submitted electronically to mass.sw.app@aswb.org.
  2. An official transcript for the highest qualifying degree associated with the license level being sought must be sent electronically directly from the school to mass.sw.app@aswb.org. The transcript is used to verify that the applicant meets the educational requirements associated with the Massachusetts license for which reciprocity is being requested.
  3. Three professional references are required. All references must be qualified to evaluate the applicant’s social work experience.
    1. LCSW, LSW and LSWA applicants: at least one reference must be licensed at the LICSW or LCSW level, or equivalent social work license in another jurisdiction.
    2. LICSW applicants: at least one reference must be licensed at the LICSW level, or equivalent social work license in another jurisdiction.
  4. An official Certified Score Report for the appropriate level of passed ASWB examination is required.
  5. Applicants who do not have a qualifying passing ASWB examination score must take and pass the appropriate ASWB examination before licensure can be granted. Information regarding examination registration will be provided after application review.
  6. Applicants who are required to take the ASWB examination may not register for the examination until the reciprocity application has been approved.
  7. A criminal history acknowledgment form must be notarized, signed with corresponding dates, and uploaded to your licensure application in the online application portal.
  8. A 2” x 2” photo must be uploaded via the online application.
  9. LICSW applicants must review the MassHealth enrollment requirement. Learn more.
Begin your application

 

 

All fees are nonrefundable

Reciprocity application fees

LICSW: US$267
LCSW: US$241
LSW: US$213
LSWA: US$187

Additional fees

Examination registration fee will be due at the time of registration.

Massachusetts licensure fee will be due after examination and licensure requirements have been met.