Maryland Social Work Licensure Requirements

The Maryland Department of Health’s Board of Social Work Examiners (MDBSWE) issues the following types of social work credentials:

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) – With this license you can practice social work at a generalist level under supervision. The practice of social work is undertaken with individuals, families, couples, and groups in order to enhance or restore social functioning. This includes providing counseling for addictive behavior, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse. With an LBSW you can engage in the following social work practice methods at a generalist level:

• Using evaluation and intervention plans
• Conducting assessments and planning sessions
• Case management
• Counseling that does not include the treatment or diagnosis of mental disorders Advocacy
• Consultation, education, and research
• Cannot make a clinical diagnosis
• Cannot provide psychotherapy
• Cannot engage in private practice

LBSW Independent Practice – You can add “Independent Practice” to your LBSW once you’ve gained several years of supervised work experience. This allows you to perform your duties as an LBSW independently without supervision, albeit still at a generalist level.

Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) – This license allows you to practice social work at a master level, using specialized knowledge and advanced practice to engage in social work practice methods, under supervision. You can only engage in the following specific activities under the supervision of a LCSW-C:

• Treatment of emotional disorders
• Psychotherapy
• Diagnoses of mental disorders
• Work as an employee in private practice

LMSW Independent Practice – You can add “Independent Practice” to your LMSW once you’ve gained several years of supervised work experience. This allows you to perform your duties independently without supervision, however you still must work under the supervision of an LCSW-C for the activities specified above.

Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) – This license allows you to engage in the social work practices of an LMSW independently, and additionally supervise other social workers. However you still must work under the supervision on an LCSW-C for the specific activities mentioned above.

Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) – This license allows you to engage in the social work practices of an LCSW, and additionally:

• Petition for emergency evaluation of clients
• Treat, diagnose, and evaluate mental disorders and emotional conditions
• Provide psychotherapy in a person-to-person setting
• Have your own private practice
• Practice clinical social work

Steps Towards Licensure

While you can request paper applications for licensure from the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners (MDBSWE), the easiest way to apply for licensure at all levels is online. When applying online, make sure to include the documents referenced below as scanned attachments.

To qualify for licensure at any level you’ll need:

• A Social Work degree from a school that’s approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• To pass an exam sponsored by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
• To complete a Criminal History Records Check before the MDBSWE will issue your license
• To pay a $100 application fee and a $75 initial licensing fee

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)

• Learn more about the LBSW

Application Process:

1. Step One – Earn a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and have your school send your official transcripts to the MDBSWE.
2. Step Two – Create an online application with the MDBSWE.
3. Step Three – Once the MDBSWE approves your application it will notify the ASWB that you’re qualified to test.
4. Step Four – Register with the ASWB for its Bachelors exam.
5. Step Five – Once the MDBSWE is notified you’ve passed the exam it will issue your license.

Adding Independent Practice – You can add an “Independent Practice” designation to your LBSW through the following process:

1. Step One – Be an LBSW for at least three years and obtain 4,500 hours of supervised work experience, including 150 hours of face-to-face.
2. Step Two – Have your supervisor verify your experience on this form and submit it to the MDBSWE; no application fee.
3. Step Three – The MDBSWE will issue your authorization to practice independently.

Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW)

Application Process:

1. Step One – Earn a Master’s degree in Social Work and have your school send your official transcripts to the MDBSWE.
2. Step Two – Create an online application with the MDBSWE.
3. Step Three – Once the MDBSWE approves your application it will notify the ASWB that you’re qualified to test.
4. Step Four – Register with the ASWB for its Masters exam.

Adding Independent Practice – You can add an “Independent Practice” designation to your LMSW through the following process:

1. Step One – Be an LMSW for at least three years and obtain 4,500 hours of supervised work experience, including 150 hours of face-to-face.
2. Step Two – Have your supervisor verify your experience on this form and submit it to the MDBSWE; no application fee.
3. Step Three – The MDBSWE will issue your authorization to practice independently.

Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

• Learn more about the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Application Process:

1. Step One – Earn a Master’s degree in Social Work and have your school send your official transcripts to the MDBSWE.
2. Step Two – Complete the supervised experience requirement: two years as an LMSW with at least 3,000 hours of post-master’s experience, including 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. Keep track of your supervised experience on this form and submit it with your application. You must be supervised by a board-approved supervisor, a requirement your supervisor must fulfill by submitting this form to the MDBSWE.
3. Step Three – Create an online application with the MDBSWE. Include a résumé that details your work experience according to this format.
4. Step Four – Once the MDBSWE approves your application it will notify the ASWB that you’re qualified to test.
5. Step Five – Register with the ASWB for its Advanced Generalist exam.
6. Step Six – Once the MDBSWE is notified you’ve passed the exam it will issue your license.

Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C)

Application Process:

1. Step One – Earn a Master’s degree in Social Work and have your school send your official transcripts to the MDBSWE. Your MSW program must include 12 semester credits of courses covering clinical social work, and if it didn’t you must obtain these before you can apply for licensure. Up to six of these credits can be from your BSW program.
2. Step Two – Complete the supervised experience requirement: two years as an LCSW with at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, including 1,500 hours of face-to-face client contact and 144 hours of face-to-face supervision. You must be supervised by a board-approved supervisor, a requirement your supervisor must fulfill by submitting this form to the MDBSWE. Keep track of your supervised experience on this form and submit it with your application.
3. Step Three – Create an online application with the MDBSWE. Include a résumé that details your supervised clinical work experience according to this format.
4. Step Four – Once the MDBSWE approves your application it will notify the ASWB that you’re qualified to test.
5. Step Five – Register with the ASWB for its Clinical exam.
6. Step Six – Once the MDBSWE is notified you’ve passed the exam it will issue your license.

Renewing Your Maryland Social Work License

Licenses expire every two years on October 31st and must be renewed, which you can do online. To be eligible for renewal you must complete 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) if you hold an LBSW, and 40 CEUs if you hold an LMSW, LCSW, or LCSW-C. Approved providers of CEUs are:

• Association of Social Work Boards
• National Association of Social Workers
• MDBSWE authorized sponsors

How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker in Maryland?

You can start practicing social work in Maryland in as soon as four years after graduating from high school. It will take you at least 10 years to attain the highest social work license. The time you need to invest depends a lot on how fast you finish your education and attain your supervised work experience. At a minimum you can expect the following:

• LBSW – Four years
• LBSW with Independent Practice – Seven years
• LMSW – Six years
• LMSW with Independent Practice – Nine years
• LCSW – Eight years
• LCSW-C – 10 years

Social Work Degrees in Maryland

To be eligible for licensure at any level in Maryland you need to graduate from a school that’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). There are 11 such programs in Maryland, including at least two that are offered online. You also have the option of earning a doctoral-level education in this field to demonstrate advanced mastery.

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW)

Maryland is home to eight CSWE-accredited BSW programs. These take approximately four years to complete and total 120 semester credits. Part of being CSWE-accredited means these programs include at least 400 hours of a field education segment that takes you out into the community for an on-site social work assignment.

Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)

There are currently three CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Maryland, two of which offer online options. Master’s-level programs typically take at least two years to complete and start at 30 semester credits in total. CSWE-mandated field education continues at this level with at least 900 hours required as part of your MSW program. If you’re completing your MSW online you can check with your school to see if they have field education agreements with local social work organizations in your area.

Doctoral Degree in Social Work

While not required for licensure, earning a PhD in Social Work or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) are professional ways of demonstrating you’ve reached the top of your education in this field. Both types of degrees cover similar territory; the PhD can be more research-oriented and take longer to complete than the DSW, which can be more clinically oriented. Programs at this level also offer the option for specialized niche expertise in different fields of social work.

Reciprocity

While Maryland does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, it does recognize qualifying national ASWB exam scores, work experience, and education from CSWE-accredited schools, as counting towards Maryland licensure-via-endorsement requirements.

You can apply for your desired license online via endorsement through the processes outlined above. Instead of re-taking the ASWB exam you can call the ASWB at 1-888-579-3926 and request them to send your score report to the MDBSWE.

How Much do Social Workers Earn in Maryland?

The following average annual salaries are reported in 2020 specifically for Maryland by the US Department of Labor. Nationally, Maryland is among the top-five states for offering the highest average annual salaries for post-secondary social work teachers and child, family, and school social workers.

• Social and Community Service Manager – $76,930
• Healthcare Social Worker – $59,530
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker – $52,710
• Child, Family, and School Social Worker – $61,910
• Social Work Teachers, Post-secondary – $94,170
• Social Worker, All Other – $71,820

Social Work Resources in Maryland

Additional information about career placement, professional development, peer support, and networking opportunities can be found through these organizations:

Maryland Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – One of the largest social work organizations in the state, MD-NASW strives to support social workers through professional development, advocacy, and promotion. With the aim of advancing social justice, sponsored committees address issues like aging, behavioral health, ethics, sexual minorities, and legislation.

Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work (GWSCSW) – This non-profit organization is comprised of more than 850 professionals hailing from DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Through the promotion of community, education, and advocacy, GWSCSW promotes the highest standards of clinical social work.

Career Opportunities in Maryland

Some of the largest social work employers in the state include:

Baltimore City Public Schools – One of the largest school systems in the state with roots dating back to 1829, last year nearly 80,000 students were enrolled at 168 schools throughout this district. The educational system itself is made up of 25 high schools, 11 middle-high schools, 73 elementary-middle schools, and 45 elementary schools.

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services – One of the most prominent county-level agencies in the state dedicated to serving its constituents who are most in need, this department offers services to address issues like substance abuse, adult and child disabilities, early childhood nutrition and care, mental health, community health, geriatric issues, and food and housing insecurity.

University of Maryland Medical Center – A key component of the University of Maryland Medical System, this hospital provides the entire gamut of medical care with over 750 beds and 200,000 patient visits annually. Its parent not-for-profit medical system hosts medical care facilities at more than 150 locations throughout the state, including at 13 hospitals.

Behavioral Health System Baltimore – The region’s leading resource and expert on advancing behavioral wellness and health, BHSB is a non-profit organization that serves as the preeminent local behavioral health authority for Baltimore. Approximately 12.5% of Baltimoreans access behavioral health services in the city, and over 65,000 receive substance abuse treatment and mental health services every year.

Maryland Department of Human Services – As a state-level department that’s devoted to helping the most vulnerable in Maryland, this agency runs its own programs and partners with local organizations to address issues like homelessness, abuse of children and adults, food insecurity, and people living with mental and physical disabilities.

The Ranch – Based in Frederick, this organization got its start in 1974 as an association to provide assistance to at-risk boys. Today its mission has grown to focus on serving men with substance abuse issues, which it does with outpatient group and individual therapy, as well as a residential program that includes life skills education and job placement services.

Adventist HealthCare – Serving the greater Gaithersburg area, this not-for-profit healthcare organization dates back over a century to 1907 as the first, largest, and only health system based in Montgomery County. It includes three nationally-accredited acute care hospitals, home health agencies, a network of three mental health facilities, and four urgent care centers.

Prince George’s County Public Schools – The second-largest school district in the state and headquartered in Upper Marlboro, last year this system educated 136,500 students from 206 different schools throughout Maryland. It’s also the third-largest district in the DC metro area and among the top-25 largest nationally, whose backbone is comprised of nearly 19,000 employees.