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 license to be employed as a social worker, only to perform psychotherapy.

NASW Documents Explaining the LCSW License Process

• Steps to a CA LCSW for MSW Applicants (REV 1-8-18)
• Steps to a CA LCSW for Out-of-State LCSWs (REV 1-8-18)
• Article: Eligibility and Preparation for CA LCSW Exams (REV 1-8-18)
• Article: Candidates Who Fail the CA Law and Ethics Exam (REV 1-8-18)

California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) Web Resources

• LCSW Requirements
• Information for Out-of-State LCSW Applicants
• Video: The California LCSW Exam Restructure
• CA LCSW Exam News
• CA Law and Ethics Exam Material

NASW-CA Chapter CE Courses

• NASW-CA Online Courses, including mandated pre-license coursework
• NASW-CA Live CE Events, including mandated pre-license coursework

Online Law and Ethics Coursework

Need 18 or 12 hours of pre-license
CA law and ethics coursework?
Click Here

Need 6 hours of law and ethics for a
LCSW/LMFT license renewal?
Click Here

NASW-CA Customer Service

Email questions to
lorapierce@naswca.org