⚠️ Important: This comparison is based on published state licensing requirements and may not reflect recent changes. Reciprocity and transfer rules change frequently and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by state licensing boards. This tool is for research purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always contact Board of Registration of Social Workers directly to confirm current transfer requirements before submitting any applications or fees.

Transfer Your Social Worker License: New York → Massachusetts

Everything you need to know about transferring your social worker license from New York to Massachusetts

Reciprocity Available

Massachusetts offers license by endorsement for out-of-state social workers who meet equivalent requirements. ASWB exam scores are accepted from other states. Massachusetts has not enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact as of 2025.

Requirements Comparison

Requirement	New York (NY)	Massachusetts (MA)
Education Requirements	Not available	Not available
Exam Requirements●	Not available	Not available
Experience Requirements	Not available	Not available
Fees	application fee: $294 (licensure and first registration); aswb exam fee: $230-$260; license fee: Included in $294 application fee; supervision registration fee: $70 (limited permit fee, non-refundable); renewal fee: $148; total initial fees: Approximately $554-$624 (application + exam + optional limited permit); confidence: high; sources: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-clinical-social-worker/license-requirements	application fee: $0 (application fees currently waived due to Commonwealth grant funding; time-limited program, typical fee $173); aswb exam fee: $260 for Clinical; license fee: Included in application fee; supervision registration fee: $0; renewal fee: $120 (biennial, LICSW); total initial fees: Approximately $312-$342 (application + exam for LICSW track); confidence: high; sources: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-social-workers; https://agentsofchangeprep.com/blog/massachusetts-social-work-licensure-renewal-dates-and-ce-requirements/
Renewal / CE Requirements●	Period: 3 years (triennial registration); CE hours: 36 hours per 3-year registration period (exemption for first registration period after licensure); Fee: $65 (triennial)	Period: Biennial renewal on licensee's birthday; CE hours: 30; Fee: LSWA: $42; LSW: $68; LCSW/LICSW: $120

Data verified as of 2026-03-24. Requirements may have changed since verification.

Key Differences

Massachusetts accepts out-of-state social worker licenses via reciprocity/endorsement.
Renewal differs: New York — Period: 3 years (triennial registration); CE hours: 36 hours per 3-year registration period (exemption for first registration period after licensure); Fee: $65 (triennial); Massachusetts — Period: Biennial renewal on licensee's birthday; CE hours: 30; Fee: LSWA: $42; LSW: $68; LCSW/LICSW: $120.

Next Steps

1
Contact the destination state board to confirm current transfer/reciprocity requirements. Visit Board of Registration of Social Workers →
2
Request credential verification from New York State Education Department (NYSED), Office of the Professions — this often takes 4–8 weeks. Visit New York board →
3
Gather required documentation (education transcripts, experience logs, exam scores).
4
Submit your application to Board of Registration of Social Workers.

These steps are general guidance based on common transfer processes. Your state may have a different process. Always follow the instructions provided by your state licensing board.

Massachusetts Licensing Board

Board: Board of Registration of Social Workers
Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-social-workers
Phone: (617) 727-3080

Contact Board of Registration of Social Workers to confirm current transfer requirements →

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GetLicenseMap is a research tool and does not provide legal, financial, or professional licensing advice. Licensing requirements vary by state and change frequently. Verify all information directly with your state licensing board before making licensing decisions.

Requirements Comparison

Requirement	New York (NY)	Massachusetts (MA)
Education Requirements	Not available	Not available
Exam Requirements●	Not available	Not available
Experience Requirements	Not available	Not available
Fees	application fee: $294 (licensure and first registration); aswb exam fee: $230-$260; license fee: Included in $294 application fee; supervision registration fee: $70 (limited permit fee, non-refundable); renewal fee: $148; total initial fees: Approximately $554-$624 (application + exam + optional limited permit); confidence: high; sources: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-clinical-social-worker/license-requirements	application fee: $0 (application fees currently waived due to Commonwealth grant funding; time-limited program, typical fee $173); aswb exam fee: $260 for Clinical; license fee: Included in application fee; supervision registration fee: $0; renewal fee: $120 (biennial, LICSW); total initial fees: Approximately $312-$342 (application + exam for LICSW track); confidence: high; sources: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-social-workers; https://agentsofchangeprep.com/blog/massachusetts-social-work-licensure-renewal-dates-and-ce-requirements/
Renewal / CE Requirements●	Period: 3 years (triennial registration); CE hours: 36 hours per 3-year registration period (exemption for first registration period after licensure); Fee: $65 (triennial)	Period: Biennial renewal on licensee's birthday; CE hours: 30; Fee: LSWA: $42; LSW: $68; LCSW/LICSW: $120

Data verified as of 2026-03-24. Requirements may have changed since verification.

Key Differences

Massachusetts accepts out-of-state social worker licenses via reciprocity/endorsement.

Renewal differs: New York — Period: 3 years (triennial registration); CE hours: 36 hours per 3-year registration period (exemption for first registration period after licensure); Fee: $65 (triennial); Massachusetts — Period: Biennial renewal on licensee's birthday; CE hours: 30; Fee: LSWA: $42; LSW: $68; LCSW/LICSW: $120.

Next Steps

Contact the destination state board to confirm current transfer/reciprocity requirements. Visit Board of Registration of Social Workers →

Request credential verification from New York State Education Department (NYSED), Office of the Professions — this often takes 4–8 weeks. Visit New York board →

Gather required documentation (education transcripts, experience logs, exam scores).

Submit your application to Board of Registration of Social Workers.

These steps are general guidance based on common transfer processes. Your state may have a different process. Always follow the instructions provided by your state licensing board.

Transfer Your Social Worker License: New York → Massachusetts

Reciprocity Available

Requirements Comparison

Key Differences

Next Steps

Massachusetts Licensing Board

Prepare for Your Licensing Exam

Related Pages

Transfer Your Social Worker License: New York → Massachusetts

Reciprocity Available

Requirements Comparison

Key Differences

Next Steps

Massachusetts Licensing Board

Prepare for Your Licensing Exam

Related Pages