California Social Work License

There is only one social work license in California, a LCSW, which requires an
MSW from an accredited social work program. California does not require a social
work license to be employed.

The LCSW Exam Restructure goes into effect 1-1-16.

CA LCSW License Process Until December 31, 2015

• Steps to a CA LCSW for MSW Applicants (PDF)
• Steps to a CA LCSW for Out-of-State LCSWs (PDF)

CA LCSW License Process After Jan 1, 2016

• Steps to a CA LCSW for MSW Applicants (PDF)
• Steps to a CA LCSW for Out-of-State LCSWs (PDF)

California Licensing Board (BBS)

• New: Renew License or Registration Online
• New: CE Provider Information as of July 2015
• BBS Staff Directory
• BBS ASW/LCSW Forms and Publications
• BBS Automated E-mail Alerts
• BBS Video Tutorial—Applying as an ASW

NASW-CA Educational Resources

• Online Pre-license and License Renewal Coursework
• Live Pre-license and License Renewal Coursework

New Changes to CE Approval

Read about the upcoming changes (July 1, 2015) to the continuing education (CE) provider approval on the BBS website.

• New CE Approval Guidelines
• Apply to the “NASW National CE Approval Program”

NASW-CA Customer Service

Email Questions