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.

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)
• Article: Basics of LCSW Exam Eligibility and Prep (PDF)
• Reminder: Renewing ASW After 07-01-2016​
  ASW registrations​ expiring on or after ​07-01-2016
  cannot be ​renewed until the registrant has taken
  the ​Law & Ethics Exam​.

California Licensing Board (BBS)

• Jan 2016 BBS Newsletter (Explains New Exams)
• Subscribe to BBS Automated Alerts
• Renew License or Registration Online
• View BBS Staff Directory
• ASW/LCSW Forms and Publications

NASW-CA Chapter CE Courses

• Online Courses
• Live CE Events

12-Hr CA Law & Ethics Training

Applicants must take 12 hrs of law and ethic training before retaking the California Law & Ethics Exam.

​Register for 12-hour Law & Ethics​

View ​Exam News​ on BBS website​

NASW-CA Customer Service

Email Questions