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 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.

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

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.