This document focuses on the first license application for which many students aim: the LMSW. This document is updated regularly and is dated March 2026. For any and all levels of licensure, please note that state agencies may require post-graduation examinations, experience, application and licensing fees, criminal background checks, and reference checks, along with other requirements for license eligibility. LCSW licensure requirements include, but are not limited to, significant hours of direct clinical work post-MSSW and supervision.