At a Glance
Minnesota issues four social work licenses: LSW, LGSW, LISW, and LICSW. Each generally requires a CSWE-accredited social work degree, or a board-designated equivalent, along with a passing score on the applicable ASWB exam. The LICSW is Minnesota’s independent clinical social work license, authorizing independent clinical practice. Licenses renew every two years and require 40 hours of continuing education per cycle.
Minnesota licenses more than 25,000 social workers through the state Board of Social Work (BOSW), which administers four credential levels tied to education, exam, and supervised practice requirements. Whether you’re finishing a BSW or preparing to upgrade from an LGSW to the LICSW, the path is defined in Minnesota Statutes chapter 148E. For a broader overview of how requirements compare across states, see our guide to social work license requirements by state. Here’s what each Minnesota license requires and how to apply.
Minnesota Social Work License Types
The BOSW issues four license types, each with a different scope of practice. Understanding the differences before you apply matters because the degree, exam, and experience requirements don’t overlap. Minnesota generally requires a CSWE-accredited social work degree, a Canadian-accredited equivalent (CASW), or another board-designated equivalent. Doctorate pathways may also apply for graduate-level licenses.
| License |
Degree Required |
ASWB Exam |
Supervision Required? |
| LSW |
BSW (CSWE-accredited) |
Bachelors |
Yes, first 4,000 hours |
| LGSW |
MSW or DSW (CSWE-accredited) |
Masters |
Yes, first 4,000 hours |
| LISW |
MSW or DSW (CSWE-accredited) |
Advanced Generalist |
No (independent, non-clinical) |
| LICSW |
MSW or DSW (CSWE-accredited) |
Clinical |
No (independent, clinical) |
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
The LSW is the entry-level license for bachelor’s-prepared social workers. It authorizes non-clinical social work practice, including case management, advocacy, assessment, and referrals, under supervision. LSWs are not licensed for clinical social work practice; clinical practice pathways in Minnesota are tied to graduate-level licensure and supervision requirements.
Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
The LGSW is the master’s-level entry credential. It allows non-clinical social work to operate independently, and clinical social work under the ongoing supervision of a licensed LICSW. LGSWs who choose the clinical path must maintain that supervisory relationship until they qualify for and obtain licensure as an LICSW.
Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
The LISW authorizes independent, non-clinical social work without supervision. If an LISW engages in any clinical work, Minnesota law requires ongoing LICSW supervision until they obtain the LICSW. This license is often a stepping stone for social workers who ultimately want full clinical independence.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
The LICSW is Minnesota’s independent clinical social work license. It authorizes independent clinical practice, including diagnosis and treatment of behavioral, emotional, and addiction-related disorders using interventions like psychotherapy. LICSWs can also supervise LSWs, LGSWs, and LISWs in clinical settings. In other states, this credential is often called the licensed clinical social worker requirements (LCSW), though titles and requirements vary by state.
How to Get Your LSW in Minnesota
The LSW requires a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and a passing score on the ASWB Baccalaureate exam. The application fee is $93.25. Initial license fees vary by license type and may be prorated based on the license term. You can apply online or by mail through the BOSW.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Apply through the BOSW and include official transcripts from your CSWE-accredited BSW program. Unless you hold a current Minnesota social work license, you’ll also need to complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check (CBC). The BOSW will email instructions once your application is received.
Step 2: Register for the ASWB Bachelors Exam
Once the BOSW notifies the ASWB that you’re eligible, register directly with the ASWB to schedule your Bachelors exam. Your scores are forwarded to the BOSW automatically after you test.
Step 3: Pay the License Fee and Receive Your License
After your exam scores are accepted, pay your license fee, and the BOSW will issue your LSW.
LSW renewal: Your license expires every two years on the last day of your birth month. As of the current BOSW fee schedule, the 24-month renewal fee is $115; confirm current fees before renewing. You’ll need 40 hours of continuing education per cycle, including 2 hours of ethics and 4 hours of cultural responsiveness. During your first 4,000 hours of practice, you must work under supervision and submit a supervision verification form with each renewal.
How to Get Your LGSW in Minnesota
The LGSW requires an MSW or DSW from a CSWE-accredited program and a passing score on the ASWB Master’s exam. The application fee is $93.25, with initial license fees varying by license type.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Apply through the BOSW and include official transcripts from your CSWE-accredited graduate program. A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required unless you hold a current Minnesota social work license.
Step 2: Register for the ASWB Master’s Exam
After the BOSW notifies the ASWB, register for the Master’s exam. Your results go directly to the BOSW.
Step 3: Pay the License Fee and Receive Your License
Pay the license fee, and the BOSW issues your LGSW.
LGSW renewal: Your license expires every two years on the last day of your birth month. As of the current BOSW fee schedule, the 24-month renewal fee is $210; confirm current fees before renewing. You need 40 hours of continuing education per cycle, including 2 hours of ethics and 4 hours of cultural responsiveness. During your first 4,000 hours of supervised practice, you must submit a supervision verification form. Use the non-clinical form for non-clinical practice, and the clinical supervision form if you’re working toward the LICSW under LICSW supervision.
How to Get Your LISW in Minnesota
The LISW requires 4,000 hours of post-graduate supervised non-clinical practice, including at least 100 hours of supervision during that period. You’ll also need an MSW or DSW from a CSWE-accredited program and a passing score on the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam.
Step 1: Complete 4,000 Hours of Supervised Non-Clinical Practice
Document your supervised hours using the BOSW’s supervision verification form. You need at least 100 hours of supervision across that period, at a minimum ratio of 4 supervision hours per 160 practice hours. Submit this documentation with your application.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Apply through the BOSW with official transcripts from your graduate program and your completed supervision documentation. A criminal background check is required unless you hold a current Minnesota social work license.
Step 3: Register for the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Once cleared by the BOSW, register with the ASWB for the Advanced Generalist exam. Your scores are forwarded automatically.
Step 4: Pay the License Fee and Receive Your License
Pay the license fee, and the BOSW issues your LISW.
LISW renewal: Your license expires every two years on the last day of your birth month. As of the current BOSW fee schedule, the 24-month renewal fee is $305; confirm current fees before renewing. You need 40 hours of continuing education per cycle, including 2 hours of ethics and 4 hours of cultural responsiveness.
How to Get Your LICSW in Minnesota
The LICSW has the most detailed requirements of the four licenses. In addition to a qualifying graduate degree and the ASWB Clinical exam, you need 4,000 to 8,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical practice, including at least 1,800 hours of direct clinical client contact, plus 200 hours of clinical supervision and 360 clinical clock hours in six knowledge areas defined by Minnesota Statutes section 148E.055.
Step 1: Complete 360 Clinical Clock Hours
You must document 360 clock hours across six clinical knowledge areas: differential diagnosis and biopsychosocial assessment (108 hours), clinical treatment planning (36 hours), clinical intervention methods (108 hours), social work values and ethics including cultural context (72 hours), culturally specific assessment and intervention (18 hours), and one additional area. These hours can be satisfied through graduate coursework in an accredited MSW or DSW program or through post-MSW coursework completed with board approval.
Step 2: Complete Supervised Clinical Practice Hours
Complete between 4,000 and 8,000 hours of supervised clinical practice as an LGSW or LISW, including at least 1,800 hours of direct clinical client contact. You also need a minimum of 200 hours of clinical supervision during this period, at a ratio of 4 to 8 supervision hours per 160 practice hours, with at least 100 of those supervision hours completed in an individual (1:1) format.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply through the BOSW with official graduate transcripts, documentation of your clinical clock hours, and your supervised practice verification. A criminal background check is required unless you hold a current Minnesota social work license.
Step 4: Register for the ASWB Clinical Exam
Once the BOSW confirms eligibility, register with the ASWB for the Clinical exam. Your scores are forwarded directly to the BOSW.
Step 5: Pay the License Fee and Receive Your License
Pay the license fee and the BOSW issues your LICSW.
LICSW renewal: Your license expires every two years on the last day of your birth month. As of the current BOSW fee schedule, the 24-month renewal fee is $335; confirm current fees before renewing. You need 40 hours of continuing education per cycle, including 2 hours of ethics, 4 hours of cultural responsiveness, and 12 hours of clinical content.
Social Work Degrees in Minnesota
Every Minnesota social work license requires a degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), a Canadian-accredited equivalent, or another board-designated equivalent. Minnesota currently has 18 CSWE-accredited BSW programs and 14 CSWE-accredited MSW programs, with one additional MSW program in candidacy, according to NASW-MN. Verify current listings on the CSWE website before applying, as program counts can change.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW)
A BSW is required for the LSW and typically takes four years to complete. CSWE accreditation requires each program to include at least 400 hours of supervised field education, so you’ll have hands-on practice experience before you graduate.
Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
An MSW is required for the LGSW, LISW, and LICSW. Most full-time programs take two years, though advanced-standing options for BSW graduates can shorten that. CSWE-accredited MSW programs require at least 900 hours of field education. Clinical specialization during your MSW is the most straightforward way to satisfy the 360 clinical clock hours required for licensure as an LICSW.
Doctoral Degrees in Social Work
A DSW or PhD in social work isn’t required for any Minnesota license, but the BOSW accepts a doctorate in social work from an accredited institution in place of an MSW for LGSW, LISW, and LICSW applications. Practice-focused DSW programs often include clinical components. Research-oriented PhD programs typically don’t.
How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?
The timeline depends on which license you’re working toward. Entry-level social work practice is accessible four years out of high school. Full clinical independence takes longer.
- LSW: 4 years (BSW degree)
- LGSW: 6 years (BSW plus MSW)
- LISW: 8 years (BSW plus MSW plus approximately two years of supervised non-clinical practice as an LGSW)
- LICSW: 8 to 12 years (BSW plus MSW plus supervised clinical practice as an LGSW or LISW, which can take 2 to 5 years depending on hours worked per week)
The LICSW timeline varies the most. Working full-time at 40 hours per week, 4,000 clinical hours takes roughly two years. If you work part-time or need more than 4,000 hours to accumulate the required supervision ratio, plan for longer.
Temporary Social Work Licenses
The BOSW issues temporary licenses in specific situations. You may be eligible if you’ve completed the education and exam requirements but your permanent license hasn’t been processed yet, if you’re licensed in another state and have applied for Minnesota licensure, or if you’re a licensed out-of-state social worker providing services during an emergency in Minnesota. The temporary license application fee is $83.25 plus a $50 license fee.
Reciprocity and Endorsement
You can apply for Minnesota licensure by endorsement if you hold a current, equivalent social work license in another state and meet Minnesota’s exam and experience requirements. One exception: LICSW applicants by endorsement don’t need to document the 360 clinical clock hours required of exam applicants. Apply online or by mail with an application and a verification of out-of-state license form.
Social Work Salaries in Minnesota
Social work salaries vary by specialty, setting, and license level. The figures below use national BLS May 2024 data and should not be treated as Minnesota-specific wages. State figures may differ.
| Social Work Specialty |
National Median (May 2024) |
| Healthcare Social Workers |
$68,090 |
| Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers |
$61,330 |
| Child, Family & School Social Workers |
$53,940 |
| Social & Community Service Managers |
$78,240 |
Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, according to the BLS. About 74,000 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Minnesota Social Work Resources
These organizations offer licensing guidance, continuing education, networking, and advocacy for social workers in Minnesota.
- Minnesota Social Service Association (MSSA): Founded in 1893, the MSSA supports the social work and social services professions through education and advocacy.
- Minnesota School Social Workers Association (MSSWA): Focuses on removing barriers to academic success by partnering with administrators, families, and community agencies.
- NASW Minnesota Chapter: Advocates for policies that advance the profession and represents Minnesota social workers at the state and national level.
- Association of Macro Practice Social Workers (AMPSW): A hub for macro practitioners in Minnesota to network, access continuing education, and build community.
- Minnesota Society for Clinical Social Work: Advances clinical social work practice through professional development, ethics advocacy, and legislative engagement.
- Minnesota Nursing Home Social Workers Association (MNHSWA): Dedicated to enhancing care through advocacy, education, and peer support for social workers in long-term care settings.
Career Opportunities in Minnesota
Minnesota’s social work job market spans healthcare systems, school districts, county agencies, and non-profit organizations. Large employers include Children’s Minnesota, a not-for-profit pediatric health system with hospitals and specialty care sites across the state. The Minnesota Department of Human Services administers programs covering mental health, substance use, housing, and family wellness. Fairview Health Services is a non-profit hospital and clinic network serving communities across Minnesota.
School districts are another major employer. Minneapolis Public Schools and Rochester Public Schools are among the larger districts, each serving tens of thousands of students. County agencies like Saint Louis County Public Health and Human Services also employ social workers across child welfare, adult services, and mental health programs. Verify current employer size and facility counts directly before publication, as these figures change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the LISW and LICSW in Minnesota?
The LISW authorizes independent non-clinical social work practice. If an LISW performs any clinical work, they must do so under the supervision of an LICSW until they obtain licensure as an LICSW. The LICSW is the only license that allows fully independent clinical social work, including diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and emotional disorders without supervision.
Can I practice social work in Minnesota while waiting for my license to be processed?
Yes, in some situations. The BOSW issues temporary licenses for applicants who have completed the required education and exam but are waiting on permanent licensure, for social workers licensed in another state who have applied for Minnesota licensure, and for out-of-state licensees providing emergency services in Minnesota. The temporary license fee is $83.25 plus $50.
Do I need a BSW before pursuing an MSW in Minnesota?
No. You can enter an MSW program with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work. However, holding a CSWE-accredited BSW can qualify you for advanced-standing MSW programs, which let you skip the foundation year and complete your degree faster.
How many continuing education hours are required to renew a Minnesota social work license?
All four Minnesota social work licenses require 40 hours of continuing education per two-year renewal cycle. Requirements include 2 hours in ethics and 4 hours in cultural responsiveness. Up to 50 percent of CE hours may be completed through independent learning.
Can I transfer my social work license from another state to Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota allows licensure by endorsement for applicants who hold a current, equivalent social work license in another state and meet Minnesota’s exam and experience standards. LICSW applicants applying by endorsement don’t need to document the 360 clinical clock hours. You can apply online or by mail through the BOSW.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota issues four social work licenses: LSW (BSW-level), LGSW (MSW-level), LISW (independent non-clinical), and LICSW (independent clinical).
- All licenses generally require a CSWE-accredited degree or board-designated equivalent, and a passing score on the appropriate ASWB exam; endorsement and provisional pathways have separate requirements.
- The LICSW requires 4,000 to 8,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, 1,800 hours of direct client contact, 200 hours of supervision, and 360 clinical clock hours across six knowledge areas.
- All four licenses renew every two years and require 40 hours of continuing education; LICSWs also need 12 clinical-content hours per cycle. Confirm current fees with the BOSW before renewing.
- Out-of-state license holders can apply for Minnesota licensure by endorsement. LICSW endorsement applicants are exempt from the 360-clinical-clock-hour requirement.
Ready to start or advance your social work career in Minnesota? Browse accredited BSW and MSW programs and find options that fit your goals.
Find Schools Near You
Program availability, accreditation status, licensure eligibility, and fees can change. Confirm requirements with the Minnesota Board of Social Work and CSWE before enrolling.
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 social workers and social and community service managers represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
