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Massachusetts licensing application processing

ASWB processes social work licensing applications on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers as authorized by the Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Professions Licensure.

  • System maintenance

    The Massachusetts Department of Public Health eLicensing System will be offline for system maintenance from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST on Friday, December 13, 2024.

  • NOTICE

    System transition

    As of July 1, 2024, we have transitioned to a new application processing system for Massachusetts applicants. If you have submitted and paid for an application prior to July 1, 2024 and are inquiring about the status of your application, contact us at mass.sw.app@aswb.org.

Online application Update an existing application

Application types

New application
Applying for a license that you have not previously held in Massachusetts or in another state or province
New application requirements
Reciprocity
Applying for a license in Massachusetts based on an equivalent social work license in another state or province
Reciprocity instructions
Relicensure, less than 2 years
Re-applying for a Massachusetts social work license that has lapsed more than one year, but less than 2 years ago
Relicensure instructions, less than 2 years
Relicensure, more than 2 years
Re-applying for a Massachusetts social work license that has lapsed more than 2 years ago
Relicensure instructions, more than 2 years
Update application
Updating an existing application for licensure in Massachusetts if that application has expired
Update application

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All fees are nonrefundable

Fees

Application fees

  • New applicant (all licenses): US$173
  • Reciprocity: US$187-US$267 (varies by license)
  • Relicensure: US$153
  • Update application: US$50

Exam registration fees

  • Bachelors or Masters: US$230
  • Clinical or Advanced Generalist: US$260

Licensure fees
(due after exam and licensing requirements have been met)

  • LICSW: US$82
  • LCSW: US$68
  • LSW: US$54
  • LSWA: US$42

Massachusetts MassHealth enrollment requirement

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers are eligible to order, refer or prescribe services for MassHealth members and, under state law, must apply to enroll with MassHealth.

Nonstandard testing arrangements

If you have a disability or other health condition or if English is not your primary language, you may be eligible to receive nonstandard testing arrangements.