Social Work Licensure in Connecticut: LCSW Requirements, Hours and Exams
Connecticut licenses clinical social work at two rungs: the licensed master social worker (LMSW) may practice clinical social work only under professional supervision, while the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) may practice independently.
The LCSW requires a CSWE-accredited degree, 3,000 hours of post-master's experience including 100 hours under a licensed clinical or certified independent social worker, and the ASWB clinical level examination.
The Department of Public Health administers the chapter, which enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact in 2024, not yet issuing multistate licenses as of September 2026.
Verify before you rely on this
At a glance
Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), issued by the Department of Public Health under CGS chapter 383b.
One, the licensed master social worker (LMSW), plus a temporary permit for LMSW applicants who hold the degree but have not yet passed the exam (a permit, not a license).
LCSW: doctorate or master's from a CSWE-accredited social work program.
LMSW: master's from a CSWE-accredited program, with in-state candidate-status programs counting if offered from spring 2024 and before spring 2028.
3,000 hours of post-master's social work experience, including not less than 100 hours under professional supervision by a licensed clinical or certified independent social worker; no minimum number of months is stated in the statute.
Masters level examination for the LMSW, clinical level examination for the LCSW; the 2023 masters-exam waiver reads as running to January 1, 2026 in the current text.
The 100 qualification hours must be under a licensed clinical or certified independent social worker; day-to-day professional supervision may also be by a physician, APRN, psychologist, marital and family therapist or professional counselor.
Enacted by P.A.
24-30, effective May 21, 2024; Connecticut is on the commission's member list, but no multistate licenses were being issued as of the September 2026 research date.
15 hours of continuing education per twelve-month registration period, at least 5 of them in person or synchronous; renewal runs under the annual DPH registration, CGS 19a-88.
The Connecticut credential ladder
- Temporary permit to practice as a master social workerOther
A permit, not a license, for an LMSW applicant who holds the degree but has not yet taken the licensure examination; since July 1, 2024 it runs no more than 120 calendar days, is not renewable, and becomes void if the applicant fails the exam.
- Licensed master social worker(LMSW)Pre-licensure
May practice clinical social work under professional supervision and offer a mental health diagnosis in consultation with specified licensed professionals; independent practice is barred.
- Licensed clinical social worker(LCSW)Independent
May practice clinical social work, perform everything an LMSW may do, and engage in independent practice, which the chapter defines as clinical social work without supervision.
Two licenses and one temporary permit
Connecticut issues two social work licenses: the licensed master social worker (LMSW) and the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
The clinical practice rule is categorical: no one practices clinical social work in Connecticut without the license.
The LMSW is the subordinate rung, authorized for clinical social work under professional supervision but barred from independent practice (20-195s(a)), and the LCSW is the independent one.
Title protection runs deeper than the licenses: using even the bare title "social worker" requires a baccalaureate or master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, a doctoral degree in social work, or a council-deemed equivalent (20-195q(c)).
For how pre-licensure titles line up across states, see the LMSW, LPC-A and AMFT title alphabet.
“No person shall practice clinical social work unless such person has obtained a license pursuant to this section.”
CSWE-accredited degrees, with a candidate-status window
The LCSW needs a doctorate or master's degree from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or a foreign-equivalent program the council deems equivalent (20-195n(c)(1)).
The LMSW needs a master's from an accredited program (20-195n(b)(1)).
Since P.A.
24-68, effective May 28, 2024, a master's from an in-state program in CSWE candidate status, offered during or after the spring semester of 2024 and prior to the spring semester of 2028, counts for the LMSW — a window for programs still awaiting accreditation.
For a graduate the practical check is the same either way: the program must be CSWE-accredited, or inside that candidate window.
For why boards write program accreditation into the degree rule, see CSWE vs CACREP vs COAMFTE accreditation.
“An applicant for licensure as a master social worker shall: (1) (A) Hold a master's degree from a social work program (i) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or (ii) that is in candidate status for accreditation by said council and offered by an institution of higher education in the state during or after the spring semester of 2024, and prior to the spring semester of 2028, or (B) if educated outside the United States or its territories, have completed an educational program deemed equivalent by the council; and (2) pass the masters level examination of the Association of Social Work Boards or any other examination prescribed by the commissioner.”
3,000 post-master's hours, 100 of them under an LCSW
The statute puts one number on the LCSW experience requirement: three thousand hours of post-master's social work experience, of which not less than one hundred must be under professional supervision by a licensed clinical or certified independent social worker (20-195n(c)(2)).
The same subdivision carries a trap for the unwary: hours completed in Connecticut on and after October 1, 2011 count only if you held them as a licensed master social worker.
Get the LMSW before you start counting.
No minimum number of months for the 3,000 hours is stated in the statute.
For what counts as a supervised hour, and what changes at independent licensure, see associate vs. independently licensed therapists.
“have three thousand hours post-master's social work experience which shall include not less than one hundred hours of work under professional supervision by a licensed clinical or certified independent social worker, provided on and after October 1, 2011, such hours completed in this state shall be as a licensed master social worker”
The ASWB exams, and the masters-exam waiver
The LMSW requires the masters level examination of the Association of Social Work Boards (or any other examination prescribed by the commissioner); the LCSW requires the clinical level examination (20-195n(b)(2), (c)(3)).
P.A.
23-31, effective June 7, 2023, waived the masters exam, and the current text as published on the research date still reads "until January 1, 2026, at which time such requirement shall be reinstituted."
On that text the masters exam is back in force for graduates after January 1, 2026, and no later act appears in the chapter to change it.
If you graduated inside the waiver window and never sat the exam, confirm your status with the Department before applying.
For how the counselor, social work and MFT licensing exams compare, see ASWB vs NCE vs NCMHCE vs the MFT national exam.
“Notwithstanding the provisions of section 20-195n concerning examinations, the commissioner shall waive the requirement to pass the masters level examination of the Association of Social Work Boards or any other examination prescribed by the commissioner, as described in subsection (b) of section 20-195n until January 1, 2026, at which time such requirement shall be reinstituted.”
Who can supervise you, and what supervision must look like
The chapter defines two different supervision questions, and conflating them is the classic Connecticut mistake.
"Under professional supervision", the condition of LMSW practice, may be provided by a physician, APRN, psychologist, marital and family therapist, clinical social worker or professional counselor (20-195m(7)).
But the 100 qualification hours for the LCSW must be under a licensed clinical or certified independent social worker specifically (20-195n(c)(2)).
Whoever supervises, the statute defines professional supervision as face-to-face consultation, not less than a monthly review, with a written evaluation and assessment of your practice (20-195m(8)); when you are choosing a supervisor, the qualification hours are the constraint that decides.
Whether you or your employer pays for that supervision is covered in who pays for clinical supervision.
“"Professional supervision" means face-to-face consultation between one supervisor, who is a person described in subdivision (7) of this section, and one person receiving supervision that consists of not less than a monthly review, a written evaluation and assessment by the supervisor of such person's practice of clinical social work.”
What each tier may do
An LMSW may practice clinical social work under professional supervision and may offer a mental health diagnosis, but only in consultation with a physician, APRN, psychologist, marital and family therapist, professional counselor or clinical social worker (20-195s(a)).
Independent practice is expressly off the table.
An LCSW may practice clinical social work, perform everything an LMSW may do, and engage in independent practice (20-195s(b)), which the chapter defines as the practice of clinical social work without supervision (20-195m(6)).
That line, supervised diagnosis by consultation versus autonomous practice, is what separates the tiers in daily work.
“A licensed master social worker may not engage in independent practice.”
Moving to Connecticut: endorsement at both levels
Endorsement exists at both tiers.
For the LMSW, the commissioner may license an applicant licensed or certified as a master or clinical social worker in another state or jurisdiction whose requirements are substantially similar to or higher than Connecticut's, who has also passed the masters level examination (20-195n(d)).
For the LCSW, the parallel route requires a clinical social worker license from a jurisdiction with requirements substantially similar to or greater, plus the clinical level examination (20-195n(e)).
Out-of-state clinical social workers have a third door: three years of licensed or certified clinical practice may be substituted for the 3,000 hours if the commissioner finds the experience equal to or greater than Connecticut's (20-195n(f)).
Both endorsement subsections bar applicants against whom professional disciplinary action is pending or who are the subject of an unresolved complaint.
Application mechanics are not stated in the sources read; ask the Department.
For how endorsement works when you move, see moving states as a therapist: license transfer and endorsement.
“No license shall be issued under this subsection to any applicant against whom professional disciplinary action is pending or who is the subject of an unresolved complaint.”
Social Work Licensure Compact: enacted in 2024, not yet issuing
Connecticut enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact effective May 21, 2024 (P.A.
24-30, CGS 20-195w).
As of the September 2026 research date the compact commission lists Connecticut among its member jurisdictions, but multistate licenses are not yet being issued anywhere, and the commission estimates its data system will be complete in spring 2027.
Until licenses actually issue, a Connecticut license is a single-state license, and an out-of-state clinician still comes in through endorsement.
The compact's text as codified also contemplates multistate-license applicants submitting fingerprints for criminal history checks.
For the compact’s status nationally and what it will allow, see the Social Work Licensure Compact.
“The Social Work Licensure Compact is hereby enacted into law and entered into by the state of Connecticut with any and all jurisdictions legally joining therein in accordance with its terms.”
15 hours of CE per registration period; annual renewal
Each LCSW and LMSW must complete a minimum of fifteen hours of continuing education per registration period, the twelve-month period for which the license has been renewed under CGS 19a-88, with at least five hours in person or synchronous online and no more than ten asynchronous (20-195u(a)).
Every registration period must also include at least one contact hour on cultural competency, plus two hours on mental health conditions common to veterans, covering screening, PTSD, depression and grief, and suicide prevention, during the first renewal period in which continuing education is required and not less than once every six years after (20-195u(b)).
Continuing education must be offered or approved by ASWB, NASW or a CSWE-accredited school of social work, and a licensee applying for the first renewal is exempt (20-195u(e)).
Renewal fees are $200 for the LCSW and $125 for the LMSW (20-195o(c)).
“Except as otherwise provided in this section, each clinical social worker, licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, and each master social worker licensed pursuant to this chapter shall complete a minimum of fifteen hours of continuing education during each registration period in the following manner: (1) Not less than five hours shall be earned through in-person or synchronous online education with opportunities for live interaction; and (2) not more than ten hours shall be earned through asynchronous online education, distance learning or home study.”
What changed, 2022 to 2024
P.A.
22-47, effective May 23, 2022, wrote the temporary-permit limits into CGS 20-195t with a delayed start: up to one year before June 30, 2024, then 120 calendar days on and after July 1, 2024.
P.A.
23-31, effective June 7, 2023, waived the masters level examination until January 1, 2026 and split the CE rule into synchronous and asynchronous buckets.
P.A.
23-101, effective July 1, 2023, reset the fees: $200 to apply for the LCSW and $125 for the LMSW, the same amounts to renew.
P.A.
24-30, effective May 21, 2024, enacted the compact and added a fingerprint-based criminal history records check for applicants for licensure as a social worker, defined there as licensure for independent practice (CGS 20-195x).
P.A.
24-68, effective May 28, 2024, opened the candidate-status degree window for in-state LMSW applicants.
Temporary permit, fees and licence lookup
The temporary permit bridges graduation and the exam: it goes to an LMSW applicant who holds the master's degree but has not yet taken the licensure examination, and it authorizes practice as a master social worker (20-195t).
Since July 1, 2024 it runs no more than 120 calendar days, is not renewable, and becomes void, with no reissue, if the applicant fails the exam; before that date it could run up to a year and survived a failed attempt.
The permit fee is $50, and application fees are $200 for the LCSW and $125 for the LMSW (20-195o(a)).
Licenses can be looked up through the Department's eLicense system.
“On and after July 1, 2024, such temporary permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed one hundred twenty calendar days after the date of issuance, shall not be renewable and, if the applicant fails to pass such examination, shall become void and shall not be reissued.”
What This Page Does — and Doesn’t — Cover
This page summarizes the Connecticut statute, rules, board pages and other documents cited above, as read for this state-by-state social work licensure series, current as of September 2026.
It does not list application forms, fees beyond those cited above, or processing times, and it is not a substitute for the instructions the Department of Public Health publishes.
Nor does it cover counselor licensure in Connecticut, MFT licensure in Connecticut, or what therapists earn in Connecticut.
Hour totals, exams and supervision rules change by statute and by board rule; for how the counselor, social work and MFT licences differ, see LCSW vs. LPC vs. LMFT: which therapy licence to get.
Confirm every requirement with the Department of Public Health before you count hours, register for an exam or apply — and before you take one of the licensed clinical social worker jobs in Connecticut that asks for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many supervised hours does Connecticut require for the LCSW?
Three thousand hours of post-master's social work experience, which must include not less than one hundred hours under professional supervision by a licensed clinical or certified independent social worker (CGS 20-195n(c)(2)).
Hours completed in Connecticut on and after October 1, 2011 count only if you held an LMSW license while earning them.
The statute sets no minimum number of months.
If you are licensed elsewhere, three years of licensed clinical practice may substitute if the commissioner finds it equal or greater (20-195n(f)).
Who can supervise my hours for the Connecticut LCSW?
The 100 qualification hours must be under a licensed clinical or certified independent social worker; that is the default rule in CGS 20-195n(c)(2).
Broader professional supervision of LMSW practice may also come from a physician, APRN, psychologist, marital and family therapist or professional counselor (20-195m(7)).
Whoever supervises must provide face-to-face consultation, at least a monthly review and a written evaluation of your practice (20-195m(8)).
Choose your qualification supervisor first; the wider list covers day-to-day supervision.
Do I have to take the ASWB masters exam for the Connecticut LMSW?
Plan on it.
Connecticut waived the masters level examination from June 7, 2023, but the statute as published on the research date still reads "until January 1, 2026, at which time such requirement shall be reinstituted" (CGS 20-195o(b)(2)).
No later act appears in the current chapter text, so the exam is reinstated for graduates after January 1, 2026.
The LCSW clinical level examination was never waived.
Confirm your own status with the Department of Public Health before applying.
Does Connecticut issue a temporary permit to practice before the exam?
Yes, for an applicant for LMSW licensure who holds the master's degree but has not yet taken the examination (CGS 20-195t).
On and after July 1, 2024 the permit is valid for up to 120 calendar days, is not renewable, and becomes void, and is not reissued, if the applicant fails the exam.
Before July 1, 2024 it could run up to one year and survived a failed attempt.
The permit fee is $50.
Can I use the Social Work Licensure Compact to practice in Connecticut?
Not yet.
Connecticut enacted the compact effective May 21, 2024 (P.A.
24-30, CGS 20-195w) and the commission lists Connecticut among its member jurisdictions, but as of September 2026 no multistate licenses are being issued anywhere; the commission estimates its data system will be complete in spring 2027.
Until then a Connecticut license is single-state, and an out-of-state clinician enters through endorsement (CGS 20-195n(d)-(f)) or by meeting the Connecticut requirements.
More Connecticut & Licensed Clinical Social Worker Resources
Sources
- Connecticut General Assembly — CGS ch. 383b (current) (retrieved 2026-09-24)
- CSG / Social Work Licensure Compact — Home page (retrieved 2026-09-24)
- CSG / SW Compact — Compact Jurisdictions (retrieved 2026-09-24)
Sourced from the statute, rules, board pages and other documents cited above.
Verified September 2026.
This is career information, not legal or clinical advice — confirm current rules with the Department of Public Health.