Updated: 11/08/19
Becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker in NY
Questions regarding licensure can be addressed to the NY State Board of Social Work at 518.474.3817 (x592) or opunit5@mail.nysed.gov.
For those who are interested in applying for licensure online, you can access the electronic application here. If you prefer to complete the paper application, please follow the instructions below:
- Download Licensed Master Social Worker Application packet here.
- Complete FORM 1 (Application for Licensure) and mail to NYS Education Department – Office of Professions (full address on application)
- Include fee of $294 (Check or money order)
- For Advanced Standing, Transfer, and SH-NY Students ONLY: Complete and obtain the Child Abuse Identification Certificate (can be done 1-2 months prior to graduation) and hold on to it for your records
- You can also fill out an online application here.
- Include fee of $294 (Check or money order)
- No Action Needed: Certification of Graduation from MSW Program FORM 20
- When you have graduated, NYU Registrar - Academic Records will verify your degree once it is posted and will forward FORM 20 to the NYS Education Department on your behalf free of charge.
- FORM 2 is no longer needed
- When you have graduated, NYU Registrar - Academic Records will verify your degree once it is posted and will forward FORM 20 to the NYS Education Department on your behalf free of charge.
- After receiving an approval letter from NYS Education Department - Office of the Professions, register with the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) for the Master’s exam (fee: $230).
- Click here to register for the Master's Exam.
- After registering and paying, you may choose to purchase access to the online practice exam ($85) online or by calling 1-800-225-6880. Please note that this is the same exam you may have reviewed in your Practice IV class.
- After receiving email confirmation from ASWB, follow the instructions to choose your test site.
Licensing Webinar with Ben Sher, LMSW
Thursday, December 12th, 2019 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM EST
Ben Sher, LMSW, the Director of the Office of Global and Lifelong Learning and President of NASW-NYC, will be joining us to discuss the licensing procedure for New York State and New Jersey. At this webinar, you will be receiving a step by step guide for obtaining licensure in both states, as well as have the opportunity to hear the pros and cons of taking the exam earlier in New Jersey. If you have any questions about licensing, this is the event for you!
Join the live licensing webinar, hosted on Zoom.
Limited Permits - for those with a job offer who require a license immediately after graduation (if not working in an exempt agency).
If you you have met the education requirement for licensure as an LMSW, in order to practice licensed master social work prior to passing the examination, you must apply for a limited permit (Form 5) and pay the fee ($70 in addition to the application and fee for licensure, unless you are employed in an "exempt" agency).
Please note that:
- The limited permit is valid for one year and may not be renewed.
- You must complete the two-hour Department approved course in the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect or file an exemption using Form 1CE (available on the web) before a permit or license will be issued.
- You must be under the general supervision of an LMSW or LCSW, who is in the same facility and accessible to you.
- You can take the ASWB examination every 90 days if you do not pass the first time. If you are at risk of losing your job, the ASWB will waive the 90-day waiting period upon written request.
- If you have not passed the exam when the limited permit expires you may not practice as a licensed master social worker unless you work in an exempt setting.
