Massachusetts Social Work Licensing Requirements
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Written by James M. Tobin | Edited by Victoria Hudgeons
Last Updated: June 2024
Massachusetts recognizes four levels of social worker licensing. Variable requirements apply to the different licensing levels, creating confusion among newcomers to the process.
This guide to Massachusetts social work licenses provides clear, easy-to-follow details about each of the four licensing levels. Use it to plan your course toward a social work career.
Popular Online BSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Massachusetts Social Work Licensing Requirements
The Board of Registration of Social Workers (BRSW), a state government agency, administers social work licenses in Massachusetts. Under board rules, individuals with relevant associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and/or master’s degrees have a path to initial licensure.
Massachusetts issues four types of social work licenses:
- Licensed social work associate (LSWA)
- Licensed social worker (LSW)
- Licensed certified social worker (LCSW)
- Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW)
The subsections below explain the differences between these license levels, and the varying requirements you must meet to obtain each license type.
Licensed Social Work Associate
The LSWA designation serves as an entry-level credential. Under BRSW guidelines, LSWAs may document personal information from individuals seeking services, guide clients to appropriate assistance organizations and resources, and collect data for community-level social service research.
LSWAs must perform their duties under the supervision of a social work professional licensed at one of the three higher levels (LSW, LCSW, or LICSW). That supervision must include at least one face-to-face hour of direct contact per 35 work hours.
Massachusetts licensure requirements for an LSWA include:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field OR associate degree in a relevant field (social work, human services, psychology, etc.), or supervisory reference documenting a minimum of four years of social work experience
- Three professional references, including at least one from an LICSW or LCSW
- Passing score on the ASWB associate exam
Licensed Social Worker
Individuals can follow multiple pathways to LSW licensure, and Massachusetts offers options for people with variable levels of education and experience. As a first step, familiarize yourself with the scope of practice standards that apply to this licensing level.
LSWs may perform all the same duties as LSWAs. They can also deliver non-clinical case management and consultation, supervise non-clinical LSWs and LSWAs, and provide clients with non-clinical social work services under the direct supervision of an LCSW or LICSW. That supervision must include at least one face-to-face hour per 35 work hours.
Massachusetts licensure requirements for an LSW include:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- Three professional references, including at least one from an LICSW or LCSW
- (BSW-holders only) One field placement supervisory reference documenting placement supervision completed during a CSWE-accredited BSW program
- (non-BSW-holders only) One qualified supervisory reference documenting 3,500 social work experience hours and 100 individual face-to-face supervision hours
- Passing score on the ASWB bachelors exam
Licensed Certified Social Worker
LCSWs may perform all the duties of LSWs and LSWAs. In addition, their case management duties can also include clinical services related to assessments, diagnostics, and treatments. However, they must provide these clinical services under the direct supervision of an LICSW.
Along similar lines, LCSWs can provide both clinical and non-clinical consultation services to individuals and groups. They cannot provide clinical supervision services to any other mental health practitioner class.
Massachusetts licensure requirements for an LCSW include:
- Master’s degree in social work
- Three professional references, including at least one from an LICSW or LCSW
- One field placement reference for most recent supervisor documenting placement supervision completed during CSWE-accredited MSW program
- Passing score on the ASWB masters exam
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
LICSWs represent the highest available level of Massachusetts social work licensure. These professionals can work independently in any setting, providing both clinical and non-clinical consultation, case management, and social work services.
In addition, LICSWs can supervise both the clinical and non-clinical work of any social worker licensed at a lower level. They can also perform any duty open to LSWA, LSW, or LCSW license-holders.
Massachusetts licensure requirements for an LICSW include:
- Current Massachusetts LCSW license
- Two professional references from licensed individuals
- One supervisory reference from an LICSW documenting 3,500 clinical social work experience hours and 100 individual face-to-face clinical supervision hours
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in Massachusetts
You can obtain a Massachusetts social work license by reciprocity if you meet the BRSW’s eligibility requirements. In general, you are eligible if you hold a current social work license issued by a U.S. state, territory, or jurisdiction that holds membership in the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
Your current license must substantially match one of the four license classes used in Massachusetts in terms of education and experience requirements. You’ll also need to provide:
- Official academic transcripts for the highest relevant degree you hold
- At least three professional references
- A certified ASWB score report for your social work examination(s)
- A 2″ x 2″ photo and a criminal record acknowledgement form
For a full list of all details and requirements, consult section 9.07 of this BRSW licensure document.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Massachusetts
Massachusetts recently transitioned to a new social work license renewal cycle. You must now renew your license every other year by your birthday, beginning from the year in which your license was initially issued.
You must also meet continuing education unit (CEU) requirements as part of the renewal process. CEU requirements apply to every licensing cycle. The number of units you need to complete depends on your license level:
- LICSWs need 30 CEUs
- LCSWs need 20 CEUs
- LSWs need 15 CEUs
- LSWAs need 10 CEUs
The BRSW randomly selects licensees for CEU auditing. To protect the validity of your license, collect official documentation certifying your completion of all required CEUs.
BSW Programs Available in Massachusetts
- Anna Maria College — Paxton (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $41,744 per year
- Bridgewater State University — Bridgewater (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $11,734 per year (in state), $17,874 per year (out of state)
- Elms College — Chicopee and Springfield (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Evenings/Weekends
- 2024 Tuition: $812 per credit (part time), $1,671 per credit (full time)
- Lesley University — Cambridge (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $33,326 per year
- Regis College — Weston (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $49,680 per year
- Salem State University — Salem (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $12,338 per year (in state), $19,531 per year (out of state)
- Simmons University — Boston (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $1,423 per credit (on campus), $500 per credit (online)
- Westfield State University — Westfield (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $970 per year (Massachusetts resident), $1,455 per year (non-Massachusetts New England regional resident), $7,050 per year (non-resident)
MSW Programs Available in Massachusetts
- Anna Maria College — Paxton (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $945 per credit
- Boston College — Chestnut Hill (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $1,408 per credit
- Boston University — Boston, Bedford, Fall River, West Barnstable/Cape Cod, Worcester (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Aging and Gerontological Practice; Children, Youth, and Families; Clinical or Direct Practice; Human Behavior; Macro Social Work; Mental Health
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Evenings/Weekends, Weekend Only
- 2024 Tuition: $39,368 per year (on campus), $956 per credit (online)
- Bridgewater State University — Bridgewater (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Evenings/Weekends
- 2024 Tuition: $517 per credit
- Lesley University — Cambridge (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $1,150 per credit
- Regis College — Weston (Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $850 per credit
- Salem State University — Salem (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Integrated Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $9,256 per year (in state), $10,967 per year (out of state)
- Simmons University — Boston (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist, Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $1,165 per credit
- Smith College — Northampton (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $35,360 per year
- Springfield College — Springfield (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Evenings/Weekends, Weekends Only
- 2024 Tuition: $745 per credit (online), $1,212 per credit (on campus)
- Westfield State University — Westfield and Worcester (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Evenings/Weekends
- 2024 Tuition: $546 per credit
Massachusetts Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Labor market analysts expect the demand for social workers in Massachusetts to rise sharply from 2020-2030. Projections Central data for 2020-30 indicates the following growth rates for various social work specializations in Massachusetts:
- Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers: +15.3%
- Healthcare Social Workers: +11.1%
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: +10%
- Social Workers, All Other: +4.1%
Relative to national averages, social workers in Massachusetts often earn above-average pay. The following table offers a more detailed breakdown of average pay rates using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) from May 2023.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $64,750 | $31.13 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $69,770 | $33.54 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $64,810 | $31.16 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $81,530 | $39.20 |
Social Work Associations in Massachusetts
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Massachusetts Chapter: Provides information about chapters across the state, conferences, networking, and continuing education opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts social work licenses cover four levels: licensed social worker associate (LSWA), licensed social worker (LSW), licensed certified social worker (LCSW), and licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). LSWA represents the lowest licensure level, and LICSW represents the highest.
How do I get licensed as a social worker in Massachusetts?
Core licensure requirements include a relevant degree, three or more professional references, and a passing score on the ASWB for your degree level. Experience requirements and other standards may also apply, depending on the license level.
How much do social workers in Massachusetts make?
According to BLS data from 2023, average social worker salaries in Massachusetts range from $64,750-$81,530 per year, depending on practice area. Other factors, including job location, experience level, and licensure level, may also impact your earning potential.
How long does it take to become a social worker in Massachusetts?
It varies depending on your education and licensing level, and the entire process can take about 3-8 years. The fastest path is to earn an associate degree and LSWA licensure. If you want to become a LICSW, you’ll likely see a timeline at the higher end of the range.
