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 LCSW License

On Jan 1, 2016, the two current LCSW exams are scheduled to be replaced
with the (1) California Law and Ethics Exam and the (2) Association of Social Work Board
(ASWB) Clinical Level Exam.

• Steps to a CA LCSW for MSW Applicants (PDF) Updated 8/2014
• Steps to a CA LCSW for Out-of-State LCSWs (PDF) Updated 8/2014
• Requirement to Register as an ASW (PDF)
• Track Application Process on BBS Website

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