At a Glance
A Maryland social work license is issued at four levels: the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C). Each requires a CSWE-accredited degree, an ASWB exam, and a criminal history check. Only the LCSW-C is authorized to engage in independent clinical practice and private practice.
Maryland uses a multi-tier social work licensure structure with distinct scopes of practice for each credential. Four credential levels define what you can practice, with whom, and whether you can operate independently. Every path generally begins with a degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and every path runs through the Maryland Department of Health’s Board of Social Work Examiners (MDBSWE). Which license you pursue depends on the kind of social work you want to do and how far you want to take it.
All four Maryland social work licenses share the same foundational requirements, but their authorized scope of practice differs in important ways. Here’s what each credential allows.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW): Entry-level license for generalist social work practice under supervision. An LBSW may provide bachelor’s-level social work services within Maryland’s defined scope, including case management, advocacy, assessments, resource coordination, and counseling for substance use and addictive behavior. An LBSW cannot make a clinical diagnosis, provide psychotherapy, or engage in private practice.
LBSW with Independent Practice: After three years as an LBSW and 4,500 hours of supervised experience, you can apply to remove the supervision requirement and practice independently at the generalist level. The scope of practice itself doesn’t change, and you still can’t diagnose or provide psychotherapy, but you no longer need a supervisor overseeing your work.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): Master ‘s-level license for advanced practice under supervision. An LMSW can treat emotional disorders, provide psychotherapy, diagnose mental disorders, and work as an employee in a private practice setting. Still, all of those activities require supervision by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
LMSW with Independent Practice: Same experience pathway as the LBSW version. After three years and 4,500 supervised hours, you can practice your LMSW duties without general supervision, but you still need an LCSW-C supervisor for clinical activities, including psychotherapy and diagnosis.
Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW): Advanced generalist license that lets you practice LMSW duties independently and supervise other social workers. You still must work under an LCSW-C for clinical activities.
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C): Maryland’s highest social work credential. The LCSW-C is the only license in Maryland that authorizes independent diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, psychotherapy in a person-to-person setting, private practice, and the ability to petition for emergency client evaluation. LCSW-C holders can also supervise LMSWs and LCSWs in clinical activities.
General Requirements for All Licenses
Regardless of which license level you’re pursuing, the MDBSWE requires four things from every applicant.
CSWE-accredited degree: Your social work degree must come from a program accredited by the
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Maryland doesn’t accept social science degrees in related fields as substitutes.
ASWB exam: You must pass the exam appropriate to your license level, administered by the
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The MDBSWE notifies ASWB once your application is approved, and you register with ASWB directly after that.
Application fees: A $100 application fee and a $75 initial licensing fee apply at all levels. You can submit your application and attachments online through the MDBSWE portal.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
The LBSW is Maryland’s entry-level social work credential. It requires a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and prepares you for generalist direct practice under supervision.
Step 1: Complete Your Degree
Earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and have your school send official transcripts directly to the MDBSWE.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Create an online application with the MDBSWE, including all required attachments and the $100 application fee.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Bachelors Exam
Once the MDBSWE approves your application, it notifies ASWB that you’re eligible to test. Register with ASWB for the Bachelor ‘s-level exam and schedule your testing date.
Step 4: Receive Your License
After the MDBSWE is notified you’ve passed the exam, it issues your LBSW. You’re now eligible to practice generalist social work under supervision in Maryland.
Adding Independent Practice to Your LBSW
Once you’ve gained experience as an LBSW, you can apply to have the supervision requirement removed.
Step 1: Meet the Experience Threshold
You must hold the LBSW for at least three years and accumulate 4,500 hours of supervised work experience, including a minimum of 150 face-to-face supervision hours.
Step 2: Submit Supervisor Verification
Have your supervisor verify your experience using this form and submit it to the MDBSWE. There’s no application fee for this designation.
Step 3: Receive Your Authorization
The MDBSWE will issue your updated authorization to practice independently at the generalist level.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
The LMSW requires a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and opens the door to clinical activities, including psychotherapy and diagnosis, all under the supervision of a licensed LCSW-C.
Step 1: Complete Your Degree
Earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and have your school send official transcripts to the MDBSWE.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Create an online application with the MDBSWE. No post-degree supervised experience is required at this stage.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam
Once your application is approved, register with ASWB for the Master ‘s-level exam. Pass the exam, and the MDBSWE will issue your license.
Adding Independent Practice to Your LMSW
The Independent Practice pathway for the LMSW mirrors the LBSW process.
Step 1: Meet the Experience Threshold
Hold the LMSW for at least three years and complete 4,500 hours of supervised work experience, including 150 face-to-face supervision hours.
Step 2: Submit Supervisor Verification
Have your supervisor complete and submit the verification form to the MDBSWE. No application fee applies.
Step 3: Receive Your Authorization
The MDBSWE issues your updated Independent Practice authorization. You still need an LCSW-C supervisor for clinical activities, psychotherapy,y and diagnosis, but general supervision is no longer required.
Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
The LCSW is the advanced generalist credential. It requires post-degree supervised experience and allows you to practice independently at the master’s level and to supervise other social workers, with an LCSW-C still required for clinical work.
Step 1: Complete Your Degree
Earn an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and submit official transcripts to the MDBSWE.
Step 2: Complete Supervised Experience
Accumulate at least 3,000 hours of post-master’s experience over two years as an LMSW, including 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. Track your hours on the MDBSWE summary sheet. Your supervisor must be board-approved and must submit a supervision verification form to the MDBSWE.
Step 4: Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Once approved, register with ASWB for the Advanced Generalist exam. The MDBSWE will issue your LCSW upon your passing.
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C)
The LCSW-C is Maryland’s top-tier social work credential and the only license in the state that permits independent clinical practice. If you want to diagnose mental disorders, provide psychotherapy independently, or open a private practice, the LCSW-C is the credential you’re working toward. It also authorizes you to petition for emergency client evaluations and to supervise other licensed social workers in clinical activities.
Reaching the LCSW-C requires an MSW with specific clinical coursework, two years of post-LCSW clinical experience, and passing the ASWB Clinical exam, the highest-level social work examination offered by the ASWB. If you’re comparing the LCSW-C pathway to a counseling credential, see our LCSW vs. LMHC comparison for a breakdown of how the two differ in scope and licensure requirements.
Step 1: Complete Your Degree and Clinical Coursework
Earn an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Your MSW must include at least 12 semester credits of clinical coursework covering clinical social work theory, diagnosis, and practice modalities. Up to six of those credits can come from a qualifying BSW program. Submit official transcripts to the MDBSWE.
Step 2: Complete Clinical Supervised Experience
Accumulate at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over two years as an LCSW, including 1,500 hours of face-to-face client contact and a minimum of 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. Track your hours on the MDBSWE summary sheet. Your supervisor must be board-approved and submit a supervision verification form.
Step 4: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam
Register with ASWB for the Clinical exam after the MDBSWE confirms your eligibility. Once you pass, the MDBSWE issues your LCSW-C, giving you full clinical independence.
Renewing Your Maryland Social Work License
Maryland social work licenses generally expire every two years on October 31 and must be renewed online. Confirm your specific expiration date through the MDBSWE portal. The continuing education (CE) requirement depends on your license level.
- LBSW: 30 CE hours per renewal cycle
- LMSW, LCSW, LCSW-C: 40 CE hours per renewal cycle
Of the required hours, at least 3 must address ethics and professional conduct. The MDBSWE accepts CE credits from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and MDBSWE-authorized sponsors.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker in Maryland?
The path to licensure in Maryland can take anywhere from four to ten years, depending on your target credential and how quickly you complete your supervised experience requirements.
| License Level |
Minimum Time |
| LBSW |
4 years |
| LBSW with Independent Practice |
7 years |
| LMSW |
6 years |
| LMSW with Independent Practice |
9 years |
| LCSW |
8 years |
| LCSW-C |
10 years |
These are minimums based on full-time education and continuous supervised work. Part-time study, gaps in employment, or a competitive supervised placement market can extend the timeline at any stage.
Social Work Degrees in Maryland
To qualify for licensure at any level in Maryland, your degree must come from a CSWE-accredited program. There are 11 such programs in the state, including options at the BSW and MSW levels and at least two that offer online formats.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Maryland has multiple CSWE-accredited BSW programs. These four-year programs total approximately 120 semester credits and include at least 400 hours of CSWE-mandated field education, supervised practice in community settings. Verify current program listings and accreditation status directly through CSWE.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Maryland has CSWE-accredited MSW programs, including options with online or hybrid formats. Full-time MSW programs typically take two years and start at 30 semester credits, with CSWE requiring at least 900 hours of field education. If you’re pursuing the LCSW-C track, confirm that your MSW includes the 12 clinical semester credits MDBSWE requires, as not all programs include them by default. Verify current program listings through CSWE and individual schools.
Doctoral Programs
A PhD in Social Work or a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) isn’t required for Maryland licensure, but both degrees signal advanced mastery. They can open doors in research, policy, or academic settings. The PhD tends to be more research-oriented, while the DSW is more practice-focused—both offer opportunities for specialized expertise in specific populations or fields of practice.
Reciprocity and Endorsement
Maryland doesn’t have formal reciprocity agreements with other states, but it does offer licensure by endorsement for applicants already licensed elsewhere. If you hold a qualifying ASWB exam score from another state, you don’t need to retake the exam. Call ASWB at 1-888-579-3926 and request that your score report be sent directly to the MDBSWE.
For LCSW-C applicants coming from another state, the MDBSWE will also want proof of post-MSW supervised clinical experience completed in the other state, documentation that you were licensed there, and confirmation that your supervising clinician held equivalent credentials. The basic requirements (CSWE-accredited degree, ASWB exam, criminal history check) still apply.
Social Work Salaries in Maryland
Maryland social work wages compare favorably with national benchmarks across several occupation categories. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mean annual wages for social workers in Maryland as of May 2025 were as follows:
| Occupation |
Annual Mean Wage |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers |
$75,400 |
| Healthcare Social Workers |
$72,140 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers |
$72,980 |
| Social Workers, All Other |
$81,380 |
| Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary |
$103,930 |
The national mean annual wage for all social workers as of May 2025 was $67,540. Maryland’s figures exceed that national benchmark across all listed occupational categories.
Social Work Resources in Maryland
These organizations provide career support, professional development, peer community, and advocacy resources for Maryland social workers.
Maryland Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW): MD-NASW provides advocacy, professional development, and networking resources for Maryland social workers. Sponsored committees address issues like aging, behavioral health, ethics, legislation, and more.
Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work (GWSCSW): This nonprofit serves clinical social work professionals across DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. It promotes high standards of clinical social work through community building, continuing education, and advocacy.
Career Opportunities in Maryland
Maryland’s mix of large urban systems, major healthcare institutions, and state agencies creates a broad range of employment settings for licensed social workers at every credential level.
Baltimore City Public Schools: One of the state’s largest school systems, with roots going back to 1829. The district serves tens of thousands of students across elementary, middle, and high school campuses throughout Baltimore. Verify current enrollment and school count directly with the district.
Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services: A major county-level agency serving residents dealing with substance use, adult and child disabilities, early childhood nutrition, mental health, and food and housing insecurity.
University of Maryland Medical Center: Part of the University of Maryland Medical System, a major employer of social workers statewide. Its parent not-for-profit system operates hospitals and healthcare facilities across Maryland. Verify current capacity and system-location figures directly with UMMS.
Behavioral Health System Baltimore (BHSB): The lead behavioral health authority for Baltimore, coordinating access to substance use treatment and mental health services through citywide provider networks. Current service-volume figures should be verified against BHSB’s most recent reporting.
Maryland Department of Human Services: A state-level agency that addresses homelessness, child and adult abuse, food insecurity, and support for people living with mental and physical disabilities, both directly and through community partnerships.
Adventist HealthCare: A not-for-profit health system serving the greater Gaithersburg area, founded in 1907 as Montgomery County’s first health system. It includes three acute care hospitals, a network of mental health facilities, home health agencies, and urgent care centers.
Prince George’s County Public Schools: The state’s second-largest school district, headquartered in Upper Marlboro. It serves students across hundreds of campuses and is among the larger school districts in the DC metro area. Current enrollment and staffing figures should be verified directly with the district.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LCSW-C stand for?
LCSW-C stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Clinical. It’s Maryland’s highest social work credential, authorizing independent clinical practice, including diagnosing mental disorders, providing psychotherapy, and operating a private practice. No other Maryland social work license permits these activities without clinical supervision.
Does Maryland offer reciprocity for licensed social workers from other states?
Maryland doesn’t have formal reciprocity agreements, but it offers licensure by endorsement. If you hold a qualifying ASWB exam score from another state and meet Maryland’s education and experience requirements, you can apply without retaking the exam. Contact ASWB directly at 1-888-579-3926 to have your score report sent to the MDBSWE.
What ASWB exam do I need for each Maryland social work license?
The ASWB Bachelors exam is required for the LBSW, the Master’s exam for the LMSW, the Advanced Generalist exam for the LCSW, and the Clinical exam for the LCSW-C. The MDBSWE notifies ASWB once your application is approved, and you register for the exam through ASWB after that notification.
How many continuing education hours do Maryland social workers need?
LBSW holders must complete 30 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle. LMSW, LCSW, and LCSW-C holders must complete 40 hours. In either case, at least 3 of the required hours must cover ethics and professional conduct. Licenses expire every two years on October 31.
Can an LMSW in Maryland work in private practice?
An LMSW can work as an employee in a private practice setting, but can’t operate their own private practice. Opening and running a private practice requires the LCSW-C. The LCSW-C is also the only license that authorizes independent psychotherapy and independent diagnosis of mental health conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland issues four social work licenses: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, and LCSW-C. Each requires a CSWE-accredited degree, an ASWB exam, and a criminal history check.
- The LCSW-C is Maryland’s only license that permits independent clinical practice, private practice, and independent diagnosis of mental health conditions. It requires an MSW with 12 clinical credits plus 3,000 hours of post-LCSW supervised clinical experience.
- Maryland doesn’t offer formal reciprocity but does license by endorsement. A qualifying ASWB score from another state transfers without a re-exam.
- Social workers in Maryland earn well above national averages. BLS Ma 20255 data show that the mean annual wage ranges from $72,14 to $103,9,3,0, depending on specialization.
- All licenses expire on October 31 every two years. LBSW holders need 30 CE hours per cycle, and all other levels require 40, with at least 3 dedicated to ethics.
Ready to start your path toward Maryland social work licensure? Browse accredited BSW and MSW programs and find options that fit your 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
May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Child, Family, and School Social Workers, Healthcare Social Workers, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, Social Workers, All Other, and Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary represent state data for Maryland and not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
