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How to become a licensed clinical social worker in Nebraska. Clinical license: LMHP (LCSW title requires both LMHP/LIMHP + CMSW). ASWB Clinical exam required. Supervised hours: 3,000. Total initial fees: Approximately $465 (application + exam for LMHP + CMSW). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Social Worker (LCSW)
Governing Authority
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
79% of data points are verified against official sources. 13 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
LMHP (LCSW title requires both LMHP/LIMHP + CMSW)
Clinical License
Required
ASWB Exam
3,000
Supervised Hours
32 hrs
CE Hours
Approximately $465 (application + exam for LMHP + CMSW)
Total Initial Fees
Member
Interstate Compact
BSW-Level (LSW/LBSW)
Title
Certified Social Worker
Abbreviation
CSW
Education
BSW from CSWE-accredited program
Exam Required
ASWB Bachelor's Examination
Supervision
Must work under supervision of a higher-level social worker
Scope
Generalist social work practice including case management, intake assessments, referrals, and community outreach
MSW-Level (LMSW)
Title
Certified Master Social Worker
Abbreviation
CMSW
Education
MSW from CSWE-accredited program
Exam Required
ASWB Master's Examination
Supervision
Must work under supervision; prerequisite for LMHP track
Scope
Advanced social work practice under supervision; required for LMHP and LIMHP pathways
LCSW/LISW/LICSW
Title
Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (with CMSW for LCSW title use)
Abbreviation
LMHP (LCSW title requires both LMHP/LIMHP + CMSW)
Education
MSW from CSWE-accredited program, plus 3,000 hours supervised mental health practice (1,500 face-to-face client contact) within 5 years
Exam Required
ASWB Clinical Examination (or equivalent approved by the board)
Supervision
Independent practice after obtaining LMHP; LIMHP allows fully independent practice including supervision of others
Scope
Clinical mental health practice including psychotherapy, diagnosis, treatment planning, and private practice. To use LCSW title, must hold both LMHP (or LIMHP) and CMSW.
Education & Training
VerifiedBachelor's Degree
BSW from CSWE-accredited program
Master's Degree
MSW from CSWE-accredited program
Required
CSWE Accredited
900
Field Placement Hours
60 graduate credit hours for MSW
Credit Hours
Social work education must come from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The MSW is required for clinical licensure (LCSW). Field placement provides supervised clinical experience integral to social work training.
ASWB Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Bachelor's Exam
Required
Master's Exam
Required
Clinical Exam
Exam Provider
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Available ASWB Exam Levels
Exam Details
170
Questions
240 min
Time Limit
ASWB Exam Fee
$230 for Bachelor's/Master's; $260 for Clinical
Retake Policy
Candidates may retake the exam after a 90-day waiting period.
Post-Master's Supervision Requirements
VerifiedSupervised experience required for clinical license
3,000
Total Hours
1,500
Direct Client Hours
Must be completed within 5 years
Duration
Supervisor Qualifications
LMHP, LIMHP, psychologist, or physician
Supervision Ratio
Regular supervision throughout the practice period; specific ratio not detailed
Clinical social work licensure (LCSW) requires post-master's supervised experience under a qualified clinical supervisor. Supervision must include both direct client contact hours and face-to-face supervision meetings.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $585 (total LMHP licensure) |
ASWB Exam Fee | $260 for Clinical |
License Fee | Included in application fee |
Supervision Registration Fee | Included in provisional application |
Renewal Fee | Biennial renewal (amount varies by credential) |
Total Initial Fees | Approximately $465 (application + exam for LMHP + CMSW) |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (by September 1 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Period
32 hrs
CE Hours Required
Mandatory CE Topics
Renewal Fee
Varies by credential type (biennial)
Regulatory Board
Social worker licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering topics such as ethics, cultural competency, suicide prevention, and clinical practice updates. Some states have specific mandatory CE topics that must be completed each renewal cycle.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Interstate Compact Member
Reciprocity Type
Interstate compact and endorsement
Transfer Details
Nebraska has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact. License by endorsement is also available for practitioners from non-compact states.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
The Social Work Licensure Compact allows eligible social workers to practice across member states. States not in the compact may offer license by endorsement for out-of-state applicants with equivalent credentials and experience.
Title Protection
VerifiedNebraska uses CSW, CMSW, LMHP, and LIMHP designations. The title 'LCSW' is not a separate license but may be used by individuals holding both LMHP (or LIMHP) and CMSW credentials. Using protected titles without proper credentials is a violation of state law.
Telehealth Rules
VerifiedInterstate Telehealth Allowed
Telehealth permitted. Nebraska is a compact member state.
Mandatory Reporting
VerifiedSocial Workers Are Mandatory Reporters
Licensed social workers in Nebraska are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse, neglect, and elder/vulnerable adult abuse. Failure to report can result in disciplinary action and criminal penalties.
Social work scope of practice includes title protection, telehealth regulations, and mandatory reporting obligations. Clinical social workers (LCSWs) can independently diagnose and treat mental health conditions in most states.
Nebraska has a unique dual-credential system where LCSW is not a standalone license but a title earned by holding both LMHP and CMSW credentials. Similarly, LICSW requires LIMHP + CMSW. This creates a complex credentialing pathway. Compact member.
Nebraska has a unique dual-credential system: LCSW is a title, not a standalone license.
LCSW = LMHP (Licensed Mental Health Practitioner) + CMSW (Certified Master Social Worker).
LICSW = LIMHP (Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner) + CMSW.
32 CE hours per biennium with 4 in ethics.
Nebraska is a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact.
Social Work Compact enacted and commission activated (April 2024) but NOT yet issuing multistate licenses as of March 2026.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Nebraska.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#31 of 51
Cost
#39 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Social Workers, All Other (SOC 21-1029)
Entry Level
$56,840
25th percentile
Median
$67,590
-3% vs. national avg ($69,480)Experienced
$93,640
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
270 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Social Workers, All Other" covers social workers not classified under more specific categories. Clinical social workers (LCSW) may earn differently.
Source: BLS OEWS – Social Workers, All Other (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+8.5%
High DemandNew Jobs
+7,700
over 10 years
Annual Openings
10,100
per year (avg.)
91,300 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Social Work Career Ladder
You are here
Social Worker (BSW/MSW)
$67,590
BSW or MSW degree + ASWB exam
$45,120
MSW + 2-3 years supervised clinical experience + ASWB Clinical exam
You are here
Social Worker (BSW/MSW)
BSW or MSW degree + ASWB exam
$67,590
MSW + 2-3 years supervised clinical experience + ASWB Clinical exam
$45,120
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 420–450 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the ASWB licensing exams.
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ASWB exam prep, supervised experience requirements, state-by-state LCSW paths, interstate compact details, and career resources for social workers.
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Nebraska offers the LMHP (LCSW title requires both LMHP/LIMHP + CMSW) as its clinical social work license. The ASWB Clinical exam is required. 3,000 hours of supervised experience are required. All licensing is managed through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit.
Requirements vary by state and license level. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board.