It’s time to take your licensing exam in NYS

General Requirement to be a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in New York State

  • Must be of good moral character as determined by the Department
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must meet education requirements
  • Must meet examination requirements
  • Must complete coursework and/or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State provider.
Applying to become a Master’s level Licensed Social Worker (LMSW)

File an Application for Licensure (Form 1). Submit Form 1 with the $294.00 licensure and first registration fee. You must answer ALL questions unless otherwise indicated. The process will be delayed if this is not completed accurately. Mail to the Office of the Professions at the address given on each form. Find Form 1 here: https://eservices.nysed.gov/professions/before/072

Certification of Professional Education (Form 2) must be submitted directly by the school(s) you attended. This form will NOT be accepted by the Office of Professions if it is submitted by the applicant. Find Form 2 here: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/lmsw2.pdf .

There are 2 sections to this form:

Section 1: The applicant must complete this form before sending it to your school. Reminder: sign and date item 9.

Section 2: The Registrar must complete this section and return both pages of the form in an official school envelope with requested documents directly to the Office of the Professions at the address at the end of the form.

Verification of Other Professional Licensure/Certification (Form 3). This form only applies to those who hold or have ever held a license or certificate to practice any profession in any jurisdiction. This form must be submitted directly by the licensing/certifying authority. The Office of Professions with NOT accept this form if it is submitted by the applicant. Find Form 3 here: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/lmsw3.pdf .

There are 2 parts to this form:

Section 1: Applicant must complete this section before sending the entirety of the form to the licensing. Certifying authority of each jurisdiction in which the applicant has been licensed/certified by. Reminder: sign and date item 8.

Section 2: The licensing/certifying authority must complete this section, sign, date and return both pages of the form directly to the Office of Professions at the address at the end of the form.

Application for Limited Permit (Form 5). A limited permit authorizes practice as a licensed master social worker under the supervision of an New York State licensed and currently registered, LMSW or LCSW. The permit is valid for a period of one year and may not be extended. Return this completed form with the $70.00 fee to the Office of Professions at the mailing address at the end of the form. Find Form 5 here: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/lmsw5.pdf.

There are 2 sections of this form:

Section 1: The applicant must complete this section before having the prospective supervisor complete Section 2. Reminder: sign and date item 9.

Section 2: Ask your prospective supervisor to complete this section.

Application checklist: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/lmswchecklist.pdf

Fees

The fee for your licensure and first registration is $294.00.

The fee for your limited permit is $70.00.

Please note:

    1. These fees are subject to change.
    2. Do not send cash!
    3. Make your personal check or money order payable to the New York State Education Department. Your cancelled check is your receipt.
    4. Mail your application and fee to:

New York State Education Department
Office of the Professions
PO Box 22063
Albany, NY 12201

For more detail on Education Requirements, Examination Requirements, and Limited Permits, follow this link.