Licensing Process

Getting Started: Candidate Handbooks to Navigate the California Licensing Process
The BBS has published the following handbooks to help candidates navigate the licensure process in California: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - ...
Tue, 24 Jun, 2025 at 2:52 PM
The Process for Obtaining a California LCSW
The fastest and the best way to find specific licensing requirements and information is to go to the California Board of Behavior Sciences (BBS) website (h...
Tue, 24 Jun, 2025 at 2:49 PM
If I received my MSW in California, what additional coursework do I need to get my LCSW?
Most schools of social work in California offer the pre-licensure coursework required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). To view a list o...
Tue, 24 Jun, 2025 at 2:49 PM
What Mandated Pre-license Coursework is Time Sensitive?
California LCSW Pre-license Mandated Coursework that is Time Sensitive   The following mandated pre-licensure coursework has specific time sensitive manda...
Tue, 24 Jun, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Clinical Hours for California ASWs
California Licensing Board (BBS) Publications and Forms Explaining Clinical Hours for ASWs   Answers to frequently asked questions about clinical hours fo...
Tue, 24 Jun, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Where do I apply to renew my ASW?
ASWs must renew their license yearly The application can be found here: https://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/man_reg_renewal.pdf The application can be sub...
Tue, 24 Jun, 2025 at 3:00 PM
How can I prepare for the California Law and Ethics Exam?
Associate Clinical Social Workers (ASWs) are required to sit for the California Law and Ethics Exam during their first year of registration and before their...
Tue, 24 Jun, 2025 at 3:06 PM
How can I find a clinical supervisor in California?
NASW does not maintain a list of qualified clinical supervisors—and neither does any other agency. However, there are several strategies that applicants can...
Tue, 24 Jun, 2025 at 3:14 PM
How can I prepare for the ASWB Clinical Level Exam (2nd licensing exam)?
There are various resources that candidates can access to obtain information on and prepare for the California Law and Ethics Exam. The following resource...
Thu, 23 Mar, 2023 at 1:58 PM
If I took the ASWB Clinical Exam in another state do I need to take it to get licensed in California?
If you have passed the ASWB Clinical Exam and currently hold a valid LCSW license in another state, you are not required to retake the clinical exam to beco...
Tue, 24 Jun, 2025 at 3:21 PM