At a Glance
Tennessee issues four social work licenses (LBSW, LMSW, LAPSW, and LCSW), all administered by the Tennessee Board of Social Work Licensure. Requirements range from a BSW plus one ASWB exam for the entry-level LBSW to an MSW plus 3,000 supervised hours for the clinical and advanced practice tiers. All licenses renew every two years.
Tennessee’s social work licensing system gives you a clear pathway, whether you’re just finishing a bachelor’s degree or preparing to open an independent clinical practice. Understanding the differences among Tennessee’s license types can help prospective social workers compare education and career options. The four license levels, Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), are each tied to a specific degree, exam, and scope of practice.
Social Work License Types in Tennessee
The Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure (TBSWL), a division of the state’s Department of Health, issues all four license types. Each one defines what settings you can work in, whether you can practice independently, and what clinical responsibilities you can carry.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW): This is Tennessee’s entry-level credential. LBSWs work within agencies or organizations providing non-clinical services, including case management, client advocacy, community organizing, and direct supportive intervention. Independent private practice isn’t permitted at this level. LBSWs are generally limited to non-clinical practice functions under Tennessee law.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): The LMSW builds on the LBSW scope with advanced skills and specialized knowledge. LMSWs can provide supportive counseling, consultation, and research, and may engage in clinical social work under the supervision of an LCSW. Like the LBSW, this license requires employment with an agency or organization, not independent practice. The LMSW is the prerequisite for the LAPSW and LCSW licenses.
Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW): The LAPSW is the advanced generalist track. Tennessee permits LAPSWs to practice independently in certain non-clinical capacities, subject to state scope-of-practice rules, including program administration, policy development, community organizing, case management, and counseling. Clinical social work services at this level still require supervision from an LCSW.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): The LCSW is Tennessee’s highest license level. LCSWs can practice independently in any setting, accept direct payment and third-party reimbursement, and provide clinical social work services within the scope authorized by state statute and board regulations, including assessment and therapeutic services for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Social workers weighing clinical practice paths may also want to review Tennessee counseling licensure requirements, as the LPC is a separate credential with its own pathway.
Universal Requirements for All Licenses
Before applying for any Tennessee social work license, you’ll need to meet a set of baseline requirements that apply at every level. The TBSWL requires all applicants to:
- Earn a degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), or hold a doctoral degree in social work, and have official transcripts sent directly to the TBSWL
- Pass the appropriate ASWB licensing exam using the passing standard accepted by the Tennessee Board of Social Work Licensure at the time of application. Register directly with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) once your application is approved.
- Submit a completed application to the TBSWL with a Declaration of Citizenship, passport-style photograph, and Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire
- Complete a fingerprint criminal background check after passing the ASWB exam
Applications can be submitted online or by mail. Applicants graduating from programs with pending CSWE accreditation may qualify for temporary authorization, subject to board review and current regulations.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
Follow these steps to qualify for the LBSW license in Tennessee.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Social Work
Your BSW must be from a CSWE-accredited program. Have your school send official transcripts directly to the TBSWL at 665 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, TN 37243, or via email to [email protected].
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Apply for the LBSW license through the TBSWL, including a $75 application fee. Once the board approves your application, it will notify the ASWB that you’re cleared to test.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Associate Level Exam
Register with the ASWB and pass the Associate Level exam using the passing standard accepted by the TBSWL at the time of application. Once you pass, the TBSWL will issue your LBSW license.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
The LMSW requires a graduate degree and the same application-and-exam sequence, with a higher application fee.
Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Social Work
Your MSW or DSW must be from a CSWE-accredited program. As an LMSW, you can begin accruing the supervised experience hours needed for the LAPSW or LCSW, so keep detailed logs throughout.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Apply for the LMSW license through the TBSWL, including a $125 application fee. The board will notify the ASWB that you’re cleared to test once your application is approved.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam
Register with the ASWB and pass the Master’s Level exam using the passing standard accepted by the TBSWL at the time of application. The TBSWL will issue your LMSW license once you pass.
Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW)
The LAPSW requires your LMSW plus two years of qualifying supervised experience before you can sit for the exam. Application review timelines and submission deadlines may vary by board meeting schedule and application completeness.
Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Social Work
Your degree must be from a CSWE-accredited program and must fulfill the education requirement shared by both advanced-level licenses.
Step 2: Complete the Supervised Experience Requirement
You’ll need at least 2 years of supervised work experience as an LMSW, completed within 2 to 6 years of receiving your LMSW license. This must include at least 3,000 hours of non-clinical experience and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision (at least 60 hours individual, no more than 40 hours group) under the supervision of an LAPSW or LCSW. Keep a detailed supervision log throughout.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply for the LAPSW license with a $225 application fee. Include your current LMSW renewal card, a professional reference, verification of supervision, verification that your supervisor is qualified, and your supervision logs. The board will notify the ASWB once your application is approved.
Step 4: Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Register with the ASWB and pass the Advanced Generalist exam using the passing standard accepted by the TBSWL at the time of application. The TBSWL issues your LAPSW license once you pass. Note that LAPSWs can also pursue LCSW licensure by completing that license’s clinical experience and exam requirements.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
The LCSW is the clinical track. Like the LAPSW, it requires two years of supervised LMSW experience, but the hours must be clinical. Application review timelines and submission deadlines may vary by board meeting schedule and application completeness.
Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Social Work
Your degree must be from a CSWE-accredited program. As with the LAPSW, the education requirement is the same, but the supervised experience track is different.
Step 2: Complete Clinical Supervised Experience
You’ll need at least 2 years of supervised work experience as an LMSW, completed within 2 to 6 years of receiving your LMSW license. This must include at least 3,000 hours of clinical client-therapist contact experience and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision (at least 60 hours individual, no more than 40 hours group) under the direct supervision of an LCSW.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply for the LCSW license with a $210 application fee. Include your current LMSW renewal card, a professional reference, verification of supervision, verification that your supervisor is qualified, and your supervision logs. Review timelines may vary; contact the board to confirm current submission requirements.
Step 4: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam
Register with the ASWB and pass the Clinical Level exam using the passing standard accepted by the TBSWL at the time of application. ASWB exam fees are set by the Association of Social Work Boards and may change periodically; verify current fees directly with ASWB before registering. The TBSWL will issue your LCSW license once you pass.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker in Tennessee?
Your timeline depends on which license level you’re pursuing. A BSW typically takes 4 years and earns you LBSW eligibility. Add two years for an MSW, and you can qualify for the LMSW. The LAPSW and LCSW both require an MSW plus two years of supervised experience, so from high school, you’re looking at roughly eight years total to reach the clinical or advanced practice levels.
Accelerated BSW-to-MSW pathways can shorten the graduate portion for students who hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Some programs offer advanced-standing tracks that condense the MSW into one year.
Application Fees at a Glance
Here’s a quick comparison of current TBSWL application fees by license level.
| License |
Application Fee |
ASWB Exam |
| LBSW |
$75 |
Associate Level |
| LMSW |
$125 |
Master’s Level |
| LAPSW |
$225 |
Advanced Generalist |
| LCSW |
$210 |
Clinical Level |
Renewing Your Social Work License in Tennessee
All TBSWL licenses expire two years after they’re issued and must be renewed every two years thereafter. You can renew online through the TBSWL’s Licensure and Regulatory System. Renewal fees are established by the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure and may change; check the board’s current fee schedule before renewing.
Continuing education (CE) requirements vary by license level and are calculated over the full two-year renewal cycle:
- LBSW: 18 clock hours per cycle, including 6 hours in social work ethics and 1 hour on Tennessee licensing laws and regulations
- LMSW: 24 clock hours per cycle, including 6 hours in social work ethics and 1 hour on Tennessee licensing laws and regulations
- LAPSW: 30 clock hours per cycle, including 6 hours in social work ethics and 1 hour on Tennessee licensing laws and regulations
- LCSW: 30 clock hours per cycle, including 6 hours in social work ethics and 1 hour on Tennessee licensing laws and regulations
Tennessee currently requires suicide-prevention training for social work license renewal, subject to board rules and applicable exemptions. Licensees should confirm current requirements with the TBSWL at the time of renewal.
Social Work Degrees in Tennessee
A common pathway to meeting Tennessee’s education requirements is earning a degree from a CSWE-accredited program. A doctoral degree in social work, either a PhD or Doctor of Social Work (DSW), also qualifies you for the master’s-level licenses (LMSW, LAPSW, LCSW), though CSWE doesn’t accredit programs at the doctoral level.
Tennessee currently has several CSWE-accredited programs at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. BSW programs require a minimum of 120 semester credits and include at least 400 hours of field education. MSW programs include at least 900 hours of field education, a requirement that comes with CSWE accreditation and applies to every accredited program in the state. An MSW from a CSWE-accredited program satisfies the education requirement for the LMSW, LAPSW, and LCSW.
Reciprocity
Tennessee offers pathways for out-of-state social workers to seek comparable licensure, subject to board review and approval. If your current out-of-state license is valid and comparable to one of Tennessee’s four license types, and your home state’s requirements were at least as stringent as Tennessee’s, you may be eligible. Follow the same application procedure for your desired license level and include:
- A photocopy of your out-of-state license showing your license number
- A photocopy of a renewal certificate confirming your out-of-state license is current
- ASWB exam scores are forwarded directly to the TBSWL
- License verification sent from your out-of-state board of social work to the TBSWL
- A copy of your state’s licensure laws and rules, if available
The Tennessee Board evaluates out-of-state supervised experience on an individual basis to determine whether it substantially satisfies Tennessee requirements. For a side-by-side look at how Tennessee’s requirements compare to those of other states, see our social work licensure requirements by state.
Social Worker Salaries in Tennessee
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data published in 2025, based on May 2024 wage estimates, the national median pay for social workers was approximately $61,330 annually. Earnings vary by specialty, license level, and employer type. Healthcare social workers and those in clinical or managerial roles tend to earn more than entry-level agency positions. See our social work salary data by specialty for a broader breakdown.
| Social Work Specialty |
National Median Annual Wage (May 2024) |
| Social Workers (All Specialties) |
$61,330 |
| Social and Community Service Managers |
$78,240 |
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects social work employment growth of about 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, though actual labor-market conditions may vary, with about 74,000 openings projected each year. Demand is particularly strong in healthcare settings and mental health and substance abuse services, where the BLS projects growth driven by an aging population, expanded treatment programs, and greater access to behavioral health care.
Social Work Organizations and Resources in Tennessee
Tennessee Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-TN): The local branch of the largest professional social work organization in the country. NASW-TN provides resources on job opportunities, networking events, legislative developments, and continuing education.
Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare (TCSW): A statewide nonprofit with roots going back to 1912, TCSW convenes policymakers, practitioners, and advocates working on issues from child welfare to criminal justice reform. It hosts an annual conference and supports statewide social policy initiatives.
Tennessee Association of School Social Workers (TASSW): Founded in 1978, TASSW serves school social workers and their allies across the state. It hosts an annual conference, offers scholarships, provides continuing education, and is a strong networking resource for those working in educational settings.
Career Opportunities in Tennessee
Tennessee Department of Human Services: This state agency connects residents to employment, education, and support services, running programs focused on children, families, adults, and people with disabilities across all 95 counties.
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: Provides mental health services for children, youth, and adults, and coordinates substance abuse services through a statewide network of partners, including faith-based organizations and criminal justice system resources.
Shelby County Schools: One of Tennessee’s largest school districts by enrollment, with recent figures exceeding 100,000 students. School social workers play a key role in the district’s student wellness and college- and career-readiness goals.
Vanderbilt Health: Vanderbilt Health operates an extensive statewide network of hospitals, clinics, and specialty locations, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital. This system employs social workers across clinical, case management, and behavioral health settings.
Metro Nashville Public Schools: The state’s second-largest district, with recent enrollment exceeding 86,000 students across 130-plus schools. Social workers support student mental health, family engagement, and access to community resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the LAPSW and LCSW in Tennessee?
Both licenses require an MSW and 3,000 hours of supervised LMSW experience, but the tracks diverge on the type of experience and the scope of practice. The LAPSW is the advanced generalist track: your supervised hours are non-clinical, and your exam is the ASWB Advanced Generalist. The LCSW is the clinical track: your hours must be clinical client-therapist contact, and your exam is the ASWB Clinical Level. LCSWs can provide clinical social work services within the scope authorized by state statute and board regulations; LAPSWs cannot provide independent clinical services.
Do I need supervised hours for the LBSW or LMSW in Tennessee?
No. Neither the LBSW nor the LMSW requires post-degree supervised experience before you apply. The field practicum embedded in your degree program satisfies the field education requirement, but it’s a degree requirement, not a separate licensing threshold. Once you’ve passed the corresponding ASWB exam, the TBSWL can issue your license.
How do I verify a social work license in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Department of Health’s online Licensure Verification system lets you search by name or license number to confirm current license status and view publicly available credential details. The TBSWL also maintains a directory through its section of the TDH website.
Can I transfer my social work license from another state to Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee allows licensure by reciprocity if your current out-of-state license is valid and comparable to one of Tennessee’s four license types, and if your home state’s requirements were at least as stringent as Tennessee’s. You’ll need to have ASWB forward your exam scores and have your out-of-state board send license verification to the TBSWL, along with your application and supporting documents.
What are the continuing education requirements for Tennessee social workers?
CE requirements are based on a two-year renewal cycle. LBSWs complete 18 hours per cycle, LMSWs complete 24, and LAPSW and LCSW licensees complete 30. All levels require 6 ethics hours and 1 hour on Tennessee licensing laws within each cycle. Every licensee must also complete a two-hour suicide prevention training at least once every four years.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee issues four social work licenses (LBSW, LMSW, LAPSW, and LCSW), each tied to a specific degree level, ASWB exam, and scope of practice. Tennessee permits broader independent practice authority for LAPSW and LCSW licensees than for LBSW or LMSW licensees, subject to statutory limitations.
- The LBSW and LMSW require no post-degree supervised hours. The LAPSW and LCSW each require 3,000 supervised hours as an LMSW, completed within two to six years of receiving that license.
- The LAPSW and LCSW differ on experience type and exam: non-clinical with the Advanced Generalist exam for the LAPSW, clinical with the Clinical Level exam for the LCSW.
- All four licenses renew every two years. CE requirements range from 18 hours per cycle for the LBSW to 30 hours per cycle for the LAPSW and LCSW.
- National median wages for social workers reached $61,330 in May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with employment projected to grow 6 percent through 2034.
Prospective students can compare accredited degree programs that align with Tennessee licensure requirements.
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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 Social Workers and Social and Community Service Managers represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2025.
