At a Glance
Louisiana social work licenses are issued by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners (LABSWE) at four levels: RSW, CSW, LMSW, and LCSW. A bachelor’s degree qualifies you for the RSW. All other credentials require a master’s degree and, for the LMSW and LCSW, a passing score on an ASWB exam. Current rules list 5,760 hours of postgraduate practice, including 3,840 supervised hours. Louisiana has proposed reducing the LCSW supervised-practice requirement, so candidates should verify the current LABSWE rules before applying.
The path to social work licensure in Louisiana runs through the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners (LABSWE), which regulates four credential levels with distinct scopes of practice. Whether you’re planning to work in child welfare, mental health, or clinical private practice, the credential you hold determines where you can work and what you can do. This guide covers every LABSWE credential, the step-by-step requirements for each, and what to expect from the application process.
Louisiana Social Work Credentials at a Glance
Louisiana recognizes four active social work credentials. The table below shows how they compare in terms of degree required, exam required, and private practice eligibility.
| Credential |
Degree Required |
ASWB Exam |
Private Practice |
| RSW |
BSW |
No |
No |
| CSW |
MSW |
Must pass within 3 years |
No (agency only, under LCSW supervision) |
| LMSW |
MSW |
Yes (Masters level) |
No (supervised practice) |
| LCSW |
MSW or DSW |
Yes (Clinical level) |
Yes |
Understanding Each Credential
Each LABSWE credential comes with its own scope of practice. Here’s what each one allows you to do.
Registered Social Worker (RSW) allows you to engage in the basic practice of social work at an introductory generalist level. As an employee, you can help clients with foundational needs and provide general resources, information, and education.
Certified Social Worker (CSW) carries the same scope of practice as the RSW. You can apply for a CSW after meeting all LMSW requirements except passing the required exam. As a CSW you can also provide clinical social work services in an agency setting under the supervision of an LCSW.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) allows you to engage in advanced social work practice, with a focus on enhancing or restoring psychosocial and biopsychosocial functioning for individuals, families, couples, and groups. Examples of what an LMSW can do include:
- Prevention and intervention
- Case management
- Treatment planning and evaluation
- Counseling
- Addiction services
- Research and advocacy
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is the highest active credential and allows you to practice clinical social work independently, including providing psychotherapy to individuals, families, couples, and groups. LCSWs can enter private practice. If you’re weighing this path against the mental health counseling route, see our guide comparing the LCSW and the LMHC. LCSWs may:
- Assess and diagnose mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders
- Provide treatment for addiction disorders
- Apply specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills across practice settings
Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (LCSW-BACS) is a designation given to LCSWs who’ve met specific qualifications and are approved to supervise LMSWs working toward their LCSW.
Requirements That Apply to All Credentials
Before diving into the specific steps for each credential, note that all LABSWE applicants must complete these steps regardless of the level they’re pursuing:
- Earn a degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program and have your official transcripts sent directly to LABSWE
- Have your fingerprints taken for a state and federal criminal background check
- Create an online account with LABSWE and submit your application and supporting documents through the portal
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
The RSW is the entry-level credential and is available to bachelor’s-level graduates. Requirements are straightforward.
Step 1: Earn a BSW
Complete a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Step 2: Apply Online
Create your LABSWE online account and apply for the RSW. The application fee is $50. Once your application is approved, LABSWE will issue your RSW credential.
Certified Social Worker (CSW)
The CSW is a transitional credential for MSW graduates who are working toward their LMSW while still completing the exam requirement.
Step 1: Earn an MSW
Complete a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Step 2: Apply for the CSW
Apply online through your LABSWE account. Once approved, LABSWE will issue your CSW credential.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Masters Exam
After becoming a CSW, LABSWE will notify the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) that you’re eligible to test. You have three years to pass the Masters-level exam, and you must attempt the exam at least once per year, including within your first six months as a CSW. If you don’t pass within three years, your CSW will be recalled, and you can apply for an RSW instead.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
The LMSW is the first fully licensed credential in Louisiana and requires passing the ASWB Master’s exam. It also starts the clock on supervised experience hours needed for the LCSW.
Step 1: Earn an MSW
Complete a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Step 2: Become a CSW and Pass the ASWB Masters Exam
You must first hold the CSW credential and pass the ASWB Master’s exam before applying for the LMSW.
Step 3: Apply for the LMSW
Apply online through your LABSWE account. The application fee is $75. Once your application is approved, LABSWE will issue your LMSW.
Step 4: Begin Accruing Supervised Hours
Once you hold the LMSW, you can begin accumulating the supervised practice hours required for the LCSW. Your supervisor must be an LCSW-BACS. Before supervision counts, you must submit a Supervision Contract to LABSWE for approval.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
The LCSW is the full clinical license in Louisiana and the only credential that allows independent private practice. Under the current 5,760-hour framework, many candidates complete the experience requirement over roughly two and a half to three years, depending on work schedule and LABSWE approval.
Step 1: Earn an MSW or Doctoral Degree
A master’s or doctorate in social work from a CSWE-accredited program is required.
Step 2: Complete the Supervised Experience Requirement
You need 5,760 total hours of post-graduate social work practice, of which at least 3,840 must be supervised, and 96 must be face-to-face. All supervision must be provided by an LCSW-BACS. When complete, your supervisor submits a Record of Supervision and an Evaluation of Supervision. Your agency director must also complete a Professional Experience Verification form.
Step 3: Complete Employment Verification
Complete an Employment Verification form for each employer since earning your MSW and include these with your LCSW application.
Step 4: Apply for the LCSW
Apply online through your LABSWE account. The application fee is $100. Upload all required accompanying documents. Once LABSWE approves your application, they’ll notify the ASWB that you’re cleared to sit for the Clinical exam.
Step 5: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam
Register with the ASWB for the Clinical-level exam. Note that Louisiana allows LMSW candidates in the final six months of their supervised hours who have met supervision thresholds to request approval to sit early. Once you pass, LABSWE will issue your LCSW license.
LCSW-Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (LCSW-BACS)
The LCSW-BACS designation allows LCSWs to formally supervise LMSWs pursuing the LCSW. It requires additional experience and training beyond the LCSW itself.
Step 1: Hold the LCSW and Gain Three Years of Experience
You must be an active LCSW with at least three years of full-time social work experience at that level.
Step 2: Complete Required Workshops
Complete a board orientation workshop and a 6.5-hour supervision workshop covering supervision theory, techniques, and procedures. Find upcoming workshops on the LABSWE calendar.
Step 3: Obtain Letters of Reference
Have two mental health professionals write reference letters about your professional work. One reference must be from another LCSW.
Step 4: Apply to LABSWE
Submit your LCSW-BACS application to LABSWE. Once approved, you’ll be officially recognized as an LCSW-BACS and can begin supervising LMSWs.
About the ASWB Exam
The ASWB administers the national licensing exams for social workers. Louisiana requires the Masters-level exam for the LMSW and the Clinical-level exam for the LCSW. Both are computer-based tests administered at approved testing centers.
The Masters exam covers social work practice, human development, assessment, and professional ethics. The Clinical exam focuses on clinical practice, diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychotherapy approaches. ASWB exam format and fees can change; confirm the current question count, structure, and registration fee with ASWB before scheduling. You register directly through the ASWB website after receiving authorization from LABSWE. For a deeper look at the credential itself, see our overview of what the LCSW credential covers.
How Long Does It Take?
Starting from high school graduation, the minimum time required for each credential depends on the degree length and the supervised experience requirement for the LCSW:
- RSW: four years (BSW)
- CSW: six years (BSW + MSW)
- LMSW: six years (BSW + MSW + ASWB exam)
- LCSW: approximately eight years and ten months (MSW + supervised hours)
- LCSW-BACS: approximately eleven years and ten months (LCSW + three years full-time experience)
Renewing Your License
Louisiana social work credentials renew annually, and licensees must complete 20 hours of approved continuing education for each renewal period, including ethics requirements. Confirm current renewal deadlines and reporting windows directly with LABSWE. Listed renewal fees may change. Confirm current fees in the LABSWE portal before submitting payment:
- RSW: $25
- CSW and LMSW: $50
- LCSW and LCSW-BACS: $75
LCSWs have an additional requirement: 10 of their 20 CEU hours must be completed in clinical social work. All licensees must complete three hours of social work ethics training every two years. LCSW-BACS holders must also complete three hours specifically in clinical supervision every two years.
Social Work Degrees in Louisiana
LABSWE requires a degree from a CSWE-accredited program for every credential level. CSWE accreditation ensures the program meets national standards for social work education, including a field education component.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW)
A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program is the minimum requirement for the RSW credential. Louisiana currently has CSWE-accredited BSW programs, including online options. Graduating with a BSW puts you in the field in as little as four years out of high school, and it’s a natural foundation for an MSW if you want to pursue more advanced credentials later.
Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
An MSW is required for the CSW, LMSW, and LCSW. Louisiana has CSWE-accredited MSW programs, including fully online programs. All CSWE-accredited MSW programs include at least 900 hours of supervised field education as a built-in graduation requirement.
Doctoral Degree in Social Work
While CSWE doesn’t accredit doctoral programs, a PhD in Social Work or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) can advance your career and is accepted by LABSWE for the LCSW. DSW programs tend to focus on clinical and applied practice, while PhD programs are more research-oriented.
Reciprocity and Endorsement
Louisiana may grant credentials by endorsement or reciprocity when an applicant’s out-of-state license and requirements meet LABSWE standards.
To apply, create an online LABSWE account and submit a reciprocity application for your desired credential. Arrange to have the following sent directly to LABSWE:
- Official transcripts from your qualifying program
- ASWB exam scores sent by the ASWB
- Verification of your out-of-state credential sent by your state’s social work board
Social Work Salaries
Social worker salaries in Louisiana vary by specialization and setting. The figures below reflect national medians from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics as of May 2024 and give a useful benchmark across the career paths most common among Louisiana social workers.
| Occupation |
National Median Annual Wage (May 2024) |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers |
$58,570 |
| Healthcare Social Workers |
$68,090 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers |
$60,060 |
| Social Workers, All Other |
$69,480 |
| Social and Community Service Managers |
$78,240 |
Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS. Demand across healthcare, mental health, and school settings is expected to contribute to national growth.
Where Louisiana Social Workers Work
Louisiana’s mix of large health systems, state agencies, and community organizations creates a broad range of employment settings for social workers at every credential level.
Louisiana Department of Health oversees public health services across the state, with sections devoted to behavioral health, adult and aging services, and developmental disabilities. Social workers fill roles across these divisions.
Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services focuses on child safety and family stability through nutrition support, foster care, child abuse intervention, and advocacy. It’s a major employer of BSW- and MSW-level social workers statewide.
Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System provides behavioral health services in Louisiana. Verify current locations, service lines, and hiring needs before publication.
LCMC Health is a New Orleans-based nonprofit health system operating multiple hospitals and urgent care centers. Its whole-patient care model includes mental health and social work services.
Adult & Teen Challenge operates addiction-recovery programs. Verify current Louisiana locations and program availability before publication.
Professional Resources
Louisiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers is the state affiliate of the largest social work professional association in the country. It offers continuing education, professional networking, and legislative advocacy resources.
Louisiana Association of Clinical Social Workers has represented clinical social workers across all nine regions of the state since 1985. It advocates for clinical social workers in Louisiana, including issues related to clinical practice and reimbursement.
If you’re also considering the counseling path, our guide to Louisiana counseling licensure covers the LPC process and requirements side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the LMSW and LCSW in Louisiana?
The LMSW allows you to practice advanced generalist social work in a supervised setting, but doesn’t authorize independent clinical work or private practice. The LCSW is the full clinical license and allows you to provide psychotherapy independently, open a private practice, and diagnose mental and behavioral disorders. Getting to the LCSW requires 5,760 hours of post-graduate supervised experience beyond the LMSW.
Which ASWB exam do I need for a Louisiana social work license?
The LMSW requires the ASWB Masters-level exam. The LCSW requires the ASWB Clinical-level exam. Both are 170-question, computer-based tests. You register with the ASWB directly after receiving authorization from LABSWE following your application approval.
Can I transfer my social work license to Louisiana from another state?
Yes. Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with states that have comparable requirements, and LABSWE can also grant credentials by endorsement when the out-of-state license has substantially similar requirements. You’ll need to submit an application through your LABSWE online account along with official transcripts, ASWB exam scores from the ASWB, and credential verification from your current state’s board.
How many CEUs do I need to renew a Louisiana social work license?
All Louisiana social work credentials require 20 hours of continuing education completed before June 30 each year. LCSWs must complete 10 of those hours in clinical social work. Every licensee must also complete three hours of social work ethics training every two years, and LCSW-BACS holders must complete three hours of clinical supervision every two years.
How long does it take to become an LCSW in Louisiana?
From high school graduation, the minimum is approximately eight years and ten months: four years for a BSW (optional), two years for an MSW, and roughly two and a half to three years of post-graduate supervised practice hours. The exact timeline depends on whether you pursue your MSW directly or complete a BSW first, and how quickly you accumulate and document your 5,760 supervised hours.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana issues four active social work credentials through LABSWE: RSW (BSW required), CSW, LMSW, and LCSW (all of which require an MSW).
- The LCSW is the only credential that allows independent clinical practice and private practice in Louisiana.
- The LCSW requires 5,760 total post-graduate hours, including 3,840 supervised by an LCSW-BACS, which typically takes two and a half to three years of full-time work.
- Both the LMSW and LCSW require a passing score on the corresponding ASWB exam at the Master’s or Clinical level.
- All LABSWE credentials renew annually and require 20 CEU hours. LCSWs must complete 10 of those hours in clinical social work.
Ready to find a CSWE-accredited social work program in Louisiana or online? Explore degree options that match your credential goals.
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Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for child, family, and school social workers, healthcare social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, social workers (all other), and social and community service managers represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.
