How to Get Your LICSW License in Minnesota (2026)

## How to Become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota Minnesota's highest clinical social work credential is the **Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)**, issued by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. Unlike states that use the LCSW title, Minnesota's LICSW authorizes independent practice — including private practice, supervision of lower-licensed social workers, and third-party billing without physician oversight. If you are relocating from another compact state, Minnesota's participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact can simplify portability. ### Step 1: Complete Your MSW Degree You must hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Minnesota employers strongly prefer programs with a clinical concentration, which provides direct training in individual and family therapy, assessment, and evidence-based intervention. Most accredited MSW programs can be completed in two years full-time or three to four years part-time, and several Minnesota institutions — including the University of Minnesota and Augsburg University — offer both formats. Your MSW coursework should include human behavior in the social environment, psychopathology, assessment and diagnosis, clinical intervention methods, and field practicum hours. The field practicum is not a substitute for post-degree supervised experience but does give you foundational clinical competencies. ### Step 2: Accumulate Supervised Clinical Hours After earning your MSW, you must complete a supervised post-degree clinical experience period before applying for the LICSW. Minnesota requires: - **Two years** of supervised clinical social work experience - A minimum of **4,000 hours** of supervised clinical practice, of which at least **2,000 hours** must be direct client contact - Supervision provided by a licensed LICSW (or equivalent out-of-state credential) who holds an active Minnesota license and meets the Board's supervisor qualifications - Supervision hours must include at least one hour per week of individual face-to-face supervision Document your hours using the Board's official supervision log forms. Gaps in employment or changes in supervisor must be disclosed on your application. Plan this phase carefully — insufficient documentation is the leading cause of application delays. ### Step 3: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical examination is required for LICSW licensure. Key facts: - **170 questions** (150 scored, 20 pretest), four-hour time limit - Content domains: Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment; Assessment and Intervention Planning; Direct and Indirect Practice; Professional Relationships, Values, and Ethics - Passing score varies slightly by exam form due to equating - Registration is at **aswb.org**; testing is administered by Pearson VUE at locations throughout Minnesota including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Rochester - Most candidates study 60–120 hours using ASWB-approved prep resources; the ASWB Practice Test is the best predictor of readiness You may take the exam before completing all supervised hours, but the Board requires you to pass before issuing the LICSW credential. ### Step 4: Submit Your Application Applications are submitted to the **Minnesota Board of Social Work** at socialwork.mn.gov. As of 2026: - Application fee: approximately **$135** - Submit official MSW transcripts, supervision verification forms, exam score verification, and two professional references - Processing time is typically 4–8 weeks for complete applications - Background check (BCA fingerprint-based) is required; prior criminal history does not automatically disqualify but is reviewed - Compact privilege requests can be added during or after licensure for LICSW holders who become primary-state residents in another compact state Minnesota does not require a separate jurisprudence exam, but all applicants must attest to understanding Minnesota statutes and rules governing social work practice, including mandatory reporting obligations. ### Continuing Education Requirements LICSW holders must renew every **two years** and complete **40 continuing education hours** per renewal cycle. Requirements include: - At least **2 hours** in professional ethics - At least **2 hours** in cultural competency or diversity - Up to 20 hours may be completed via home study (online or self-paced formats) - CEUs must be from Board-approved providers; many NASW-Minnesota chapter offerings qualify Supervision hours received as a supervisor (not supervisee) may count toward a portion of CE under certain conditions. Keep certificates for at least five years. ### Minnesota LICSW Salary Ranges Minnesota offers a strong compensation market for clinical social workers, driven by its dense population of large health systems, integrated behavioral health programs, and public sector employers: - **Entry-level LICSW** (0–3 years): $55,000–$68,000 - **Mid-career** (4–10 years): $67,000–$82,000 - **Senior/specialist** (10+ years, supervisory or specialty roles): $80,000–$100,000+ - **Minneapolis/St. Paul metro** salaries run approximately 8–15% above state average - Private practice LICSWs with full caseloads can earn $90,000–$130,000+ Sectors with the highest pay include health systems (M Health Fairview, Allina Health, Mayo Clinic), county human services, and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). ### Top Employers for Clinical Social Workers in Minnesota Minnesota's healthcare and behavioral health market is mature and diverse. Major employers include: - **M Health Fairview** — large integrated system across Twin Cities and outstate - **Allina Health** — major system with embedded behavioral health across metro - **Mayo Clinic** (Rochester) — nationally ranked, significant social work department - **Hennepin Healthcare** — safety-net hospital with high acuity behavioral health - **Minnesota Department of Human Services** — substantial LICSW hiring in adult mental health and child welfare - **Park Nicollet/HealthPartners** — known for competitive benefits and clinical integration - **Federally Qualified Health Centers** (NorthPoint Health, Open Door Health) — serve diverse urban populations with strong mission alignment - Private group practices in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, and Minnetonka Minnesota's participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact makes it an attractive destination for clinicians licensed in other compact states who want to practice across state lines.