Loading...
Loading...
Social Worker (LCSW)
Total cost: Approximately $435 (application $50 + license $125 + exam $260)
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
LCSW
Clinical License
Required
ASWB Exam
3,000
Supervised Hours
36 hrs
CE Hours
Approximately $435 (application $50 + license $125 + exam $260)
Total Initial Fees
No
Interstate Compact
BSW-Level (LSW/LBSW)
Title
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Abbreviation
LSW
Education
BSW from CSWE-accredited program
Exam Required
ASWB Bachelor's Examination
Supervision
Must work under supervision of a licensed social worker at a higher level
Scope
Generalist social work practice including case management, intake assessments, referrals, and community outreach
MSW-Level (LMSW)
Title
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Abbreviation
LMSW
Education
MSW from CSWE-accredited program
Exam Required
ASWB Master's Examination
Supervision
Must work under supervision; prerequisite for LISW and LCSW
Scope
Advanced generalist social work practice under supervision
LCSW/LISW/LICSW
Title
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Abbreviation
LCSW
Education
MSW from CSWE-accredited program plus post-graduate internship with 3,000 hours under supervision of LISW or LCSW; at least 2,000 hours in psychotherapeutic processes; minimum 2 years, maximum 6 years; at least 110 hours of supervision over 2 years (max 60 in group)
Exam Required
ASWB Clinical Examination
Supervision
3,000 hours under supervision of LISW or LCSW; at least 2,000 hours in psychotherapeutic processes; minimum 2 years, maximum 6 years; at least 110 hours of supervision over 2 years (max 60 in group). Independent practice after licensure.
Scope
Independent clinical practice including psychotherapy, diagnosis, treatment planning, and private practice
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.
Browse Social Worker study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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.
Overall licensing difficulty: 37/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam
Browse study guides
Social Work Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
ASWB Social Work Exam
Questions
170 questions
Time Limit
240 minutes
Administered By
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $230 for Bachelor's/Master's; $260 for ClinicalInvest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the ASWB Social Work Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam
Prepare for your ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Study guides for the ASWB licensing exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Post-Master's Supervision Requirements
VerifiedSupervised experience required for clinical license
3,000
Total Hours
2,000 hours in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions
Direct Client Hours
Minimum 2 years, maximum 6 years
Duration
Supervisor Qualifications
LISW or LCSW approved by the board
Supervision Ratio
Regular supervision required per board regulations
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 | $50 |
ASWB Exam Fee | $260 for Clinical |
License Fee | $125 |
Supervision Registration Fee | Included in internship registration |
Renewal Fee | $150 (biennial) |
Total Initial Fees | Approximately $435 (application $50 + license $125 + exam $260) |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedAnnual — last day of birth month; CE requirements on 2-year cycle despite annual renewal
Renewal Period
36 hrs
CE Hours Required
Mandatory CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$150
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
Not a Member of Interstate Compact
Reciprocity Type
License by endorsement available
Transfer Details
Nevada offers license by endorsement for out-of-state social workers who meet equivalent requirements. Nevada has not enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact as of 2025.
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.
See all Social Work Licensure Compact member states & eligibility details →
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Nevada with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Title Protection
VerifiedNevada requires licensure for any person engaged as a social worker. All four titles are protected under state statute (NRS Chapter 641B).
Telehealth Rules
VerifiedInterstate Telehealth Not Allowed
Telehealth permitted within Nevada. Not a compact member.
Mandatory Reporting
VerifiedSocial Workers Are Mandatory Reporters
Licensed social workers in Nevada are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse, neglect, and elder 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.
Nevada requires 2,000 of 3,000 supervised hours specifically in diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Requires 6 hours of cultural competency/DEI CE. Not a compact member.
Nevada requires 2,000 of 3,000 supervised hours in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
36 CE hours per biennium with 6 in cultural competency/DEI.
Nevada is NOT a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact.
Must earn LSW first before any advanced license.
Tele-supervision allowed under specific conditions.
CE on 2-year cycle despite annual renewal.
Social Worker requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada (you) | Approximately $435 (application $50 + license $125 + exam $260) | 420–450 wks | |
| Arizona | Approximately $520-$550 (application $250 + fingerprint $40 + exam $230-$260) | 420–450 wks | → |
| California | Approximately $860 (ASW registration $150 + LCSW application $250 + ASWB exam $260 + initial license $200) | 420–450 wks | → |
| Idaho | Approximately $300-$330 (application $70 + ASWB exam $230-$260) | 420–450 wks | → |
| Oregon | $520 (application + ASWB exam) | 420–450 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Nevada
See how Nevada compares: Social Worker License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Nevada is not currently a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact. Social Worker licensees must apply through standard reciprocity or endorsement. See which states are in the SW Compact →
Related Guides
Compare social worker requirements across all states →
Social Worker licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure social worker is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Nevada compare to other states for social worker? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your social worker license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Nevada.
Social Worker Schools in Nevada
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Nevada? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Social Worker license to Nevada →
Transfer your Social Worker license from Nevada to: Arizona → | California → | Idaho → | Oregon → | Utah →
Nevada offers the LCSW 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 Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers.
Requirements vary by state and license level. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board.