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State Board of Social Work Examiners

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)


General Information

  • View Phases and Timelines
  • Any additional documents can be uploaded to your online profile through the Upload License Documents tab.
  • If you need to create an online account, or you cannot remember your username/password, you can enter the online portal or change your login credentials through the "Registers a Person" tab in the top left corner, then choose "Other Registration."
  • Social Work applications are processed in the order they are received.

Applying for the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) license:

Individuals applying to take the ASWB Master Exam must use the "Licensed Social Worker" application.
ASWB Masters examination eligibility is issued for a period of 1 year from the date of exam approval, and applicants may be required to update their documentation if an extension is required.

An applicant for LSW licensure as a social worker shall submit the following:

  1. A completed application form:  Start Online Application
  2. The application fee set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:44G-14.1; (this is assessed when you have completed the online application form).
  3. An official transcript indicating that the applicant has received a master's degree in social work from an educational program accredited, or in candidacy for accreditation, by the Council on Social Work Education; or a doctorate in social work from an accredited institution of higher education; sent directly from your school to: DCA_Social_Work_No_Reply@dca.njoag.gov
  4. Proof of successful completion of the master's level examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards. Once you have passed the ASWB Master's level examination, please do one of the following:
    • If taken in New Jersey: Upload your unofficial passing score report to your online profile through the Upload License Documents tab.
    • If taken in another state: request an official ASWB score transfer.

If you have completed at least 40 graduate-level credits of an MSW degree or you are in the last semester of an advanced standing MSW program, you may be made eligible for the ASWB Masters Examination. Upon review of your application, you will receive an email approval letter with instructions on how to register for the ASWB Masters Examination.

To qualify to take the ASWB Masters Exam before you have had your MSW conferred:

    • Complete the LSW application as described above.
    • Have an official transcript showing you are in the final semester of your MSW program sent directly from your school to: DCA_Social_Work_No_Reply@dca.njoag.gov. (This is a no-reply email, you will not receive a response from this email address). Your school may also mail your transcript directly to us.    
    • Have your name included on a document sent from the MSW program Dean or registrar to the Executive Director of our Board, on official letterhead, that confirms you are one of the students who are in their final semester of the MSW program.

Start Application


Last Modified: 3/18/2024 7:05 AM