How to Become a Social Worker in Minnesota
To become a social worker in Minnesota, you'll need a Bachelor's degree for entry-level (LSW) or a Master's degree for clinical practice (LICSW), completion of 4,000 hours of supervised experience, and passing the ASWB exam at the appropriate level. The whole process takes 4-10 years, depending on your career goals, with median salaries ranging from $54,230 to $89,470 annually.
Social work is a rewarding field that combines compassion with practical action to help individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. Whether you're drawn to clinical counseling, community organization, healthcare settings, or school-based support, Minnesota offers clear pathways to licensure across four distinct levels of practice.
The state's licensing system accommodates both Bachelor's-level practitioners and advanced clinical professionals, allowing you to enter the field relatively quickly while maintaining options for career advancement. Understanding Minnesota's specific requirements is the first step toward building a meaningful career in social work.
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Minnesota Social Work License Requirements
Minnesota offers four levels of social work licensing, each designed for different educational backgrounds and career goals. The level you pursue depends on whether you want to provide clinical therapy, work independently, or focus on case management and community services.
| License Level | Education Required | Supervised Experience | Exam Level | Practice Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LSW (Licensed Social Worker) | Bachelor's in Social Work | 4,000 hours | ASWB Bachelor's | Entry-level, supervised practice |
| LGSW (Licensed Graduate Social Worker) | Master's in Social Work | 4,000 hours | ASWB Master's | Graduate-level, supervised practice |
| LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker) | Master's in Social Work | 4,000 hours post-LGSW | ASWB Master's | Independent administrative practice |
| LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) | Master's in Social Work (24+ clinical credits) | 4,000-8,000 hours total | ASWB Clinical | Independent clinical practice and therapy |
All candidates must complete coursework from a CSWE-accredited institution, pass the appropriate ASWB social work exam, and submit a complete application package to the Minnesota Board of Social Work. Criminal background checks are required for all license levels.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Social Worker in Minnesota?
The timeline to licensure varies significantly depending on your career goals and educational background. Here's what you can expect:
LSW (Entry-Level Bachelor's): 4-5 years total
- 4 years for a Bachelor's degree in Social Work
- 4,000 hours of supervised experience (typically 1-2 years while working)
LGSW (Graduate Entry): 6-7 years total
- 4 years for a Bachelor's degree
- 2 years for a Master's in Social Work
- 4,000 hours of supervised experience (can overlap with graduate work and employment)
LISW (Independent Practice): 8-9 years total
- 6 years for Bachelor's and Master's degrees
- Additional 4,000 hours post-LGSW supervision (2-3 years)
LICSW (Clinical Practice): 9-10 years total
- 6 years for Bachelor's and Master's degrees (with clinical coursework)
- 4,000-8,000 total hours, including 1,800 hours of direct client contact
- 200 hours of clinical supervision
The good news is that you can work in the field and earn a salary while completing most supervision requirements. Many social workers progress through the licensing levels as they build their careers, rather than waiting to complete all requirements before starting work.
LSW Requirements in Minnesota
The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is Minnesota's entry-level Bachelor's licensure. It qualifies you to work in case management, community services, administrative roles, and support positions under the supervision of a licensed social worker.
Education Requirements
You must hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution. The program must include foundational coursework in social work theory, practice methods, human behavior, social policy, and research methods.
Supervised Experience
Complete 4,000 hours of supervised work experience in social work settings. This supervision must be provided by a practicing licensed social worker at any level (LSW, LGSW, LISW, or LICSW). You'll need 100 hours of supervision for every 160 hours of work, with at least 50 hours conducted individually rather than in group settings.
Examination
Pass the ASWB social work exam at the Bachelor's level. The state board will provide instructions for scheduling this exam through approved testing centers. The exam covers social work knowledge, values, and practice skills appropriate for Bachelor's-level practitioners.
Application Package
Submit a complete application to the Minnesota Board of Social Work, including:
- Completed state board application with $60 application fee
- Official college transcripts showing your BSW degree
- Verification and documentation of supervised experience hours
- ASWB exam results
- Criminal background check ($15 fee)
LGSW Requirements in Minnesota
The Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) is the basic graduate-level social work license in Minnesota. It allows for social work practice and the provision of social services at the administrative level, and serves as a prerequisite for higher-level independent and clinical licensure.
Education Requirements
You must hold a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution. Graduate programs typically require two years of full-time study and include advanced coursework in clinical practice, research, policy analysis, and specialized practice areas. Explore social work degree programs in Minnesota to find CSWE-accredited options that match your goals.
Supervised Experience
Complete 4,000 hours of supervised work experience under the guidance of a licensed social worker at the LGSW, LISW, or LICSW level. The supervision requirements mirror those for LSW: 100 hours of supervision per 160 hours of work, with at least 50 hours conducted individually.
Examination
Pass the ASWB social work exam at the Master's level. This exam is more comprehensive than the Bachelor's level exam and covers advanced social work knowledge, assessment, intervention, and professional values.
Application Package
The application package requirements are identical to those for LSW, including the $60 application fee, official transcripts (showing your MSW), documentation of supervised experience, exam results, and a criminal background check.
LISW Requirements in Minnesota
The Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) allows for independent practice at the administrative and program levels. This is one of two career-level licensures in Minnesota and provides significantly more autonomy than LGSW. LISW social workers can later pursue LICSW licensure by completing additional clinical requirements.
Education Requirements
An MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution is required. Your Master's program should have included coursework in administration, program development, policy analysis, and community organization if you plan to focus on non-clinical independent practice.
Prior Licensure
You must first hold an LGSW license before obtaining an LISW license. This ensures you have experience working under supervision at the graduate level before transitioning to independent practice.
Supervised Experience
Complete an additional 4,000 hours of supervision specifically in LISW-level work under the guidance of an LISW or LICSW supervisor. This is in addition to the hours completed for LGSW. The same supervision ratio applies: 100 hours of supervision per 160 hours of work, with at least 50 hours of individual supervision.
Examination
Pass the ASWB social work exam at the Master's level (the same exam required for LGSW).
Application Package
Submit the standard application package with the same elements required for LSW and LGSW, demonstrating completion of the additional post-LGSW supervised experience.
LICSW Requirements in Minnesota
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers provide direct clinical care and counseling services to individuals, families, and groups experiencing mental health challenges, trauma, relationship difficulties, and other psychosocial concerns. This is Minnesota's highest level of social work licensure and qualifies you for independent clinical practice, including diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.
Education Requirements
You must hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution with at least 24 credit hours of coursework in clinical areas. Clinical coursework typically includes psychopathology, clinical assessment, evidence-based treatment modalities, psychotherapy techniques, and clinical diagnosis.
Prior Licensure
LGSW licensure is required as a prerequisite to pursuing LICSW. You must complete your LGSW supervision before accruing hours toward LICSW.
Professional Experience
LICSW requires the most extensive supervision of all Minnesota social work licenses:
- 4,000-8,000 total hours of supervised experience (including LGSW hours)
- At least 1,800 hours must involve direct client contact, providing clinical services
- 200 hours of specialized clinical supervision focused on therapeutic interventions LICSW or other qualified clinical supervisor must provide supervision
This typically takes 2-4 years of full-time clinical work, depending on your caseload and practice setting.
Examination
Pass the ASWB social work exam at the Clinical level. This is the most advanced ASWB exam and covers clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, and clinical ethics.
Application Package
Submit a complete application package including:
- Completed state board application ($60 fee)
- Official educational transcripts showing MSW with clinical coursework
- Documentation of all supervised work experience, including clinical hours and direct contact hours
- Verification of 200 hours of clinical supervision
- ASWB Clinical exam results
- Criminal background check ($15 fee)
More detailed information on Minnesota's education and field experience requirements is available through Minnesota Statutes 148E.055.
Social Worker Career Outlook in Minnesota
Minnesota offers strong employment prospects for social workers across multiple specializations. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, Minnesota employed thousands of professional social workers across diverse settings.
Employment by Specialization
| Specialization | Employment | Median Annual Salary | Salary Range (10th-90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 6,430 | $68,580 | $45,480 - $79,450 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 2,530 | $72,330 | $55,510 - $93,290 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | Data varies by source | $89,470 | $61,300 - $97,920+ |
| Social Workers, All Other | 7,240 | $79,220 | $54,860 - $100,570 |
Entry-level positions with an LSW typically start around $45,000-$50,000 annually, while experienced LICSW practitioners in clinical private practice can earn well over $90,000. Salary varies significantly by specialization, geographic location in Minnesota (Twin Cities vs. rural areas), practice setting (nonprofit vs. healthcare vs. private practice), and years of experience.
Job Growth and Opportunities
Social work is experiencing steady growth nationwide, driven by increased awareness of mental health needs, an aging population requiring healthcare coordination, and growing demand for substance abuse treatment services. Minnesota's robust healthcare system, extensive school districts, and strong nonprofit sector create diverse employment opportunities for social workers at all license levels.
Suppose you're interested in related mental health professions. In that case, you might also explore becoming a licensed counselor in Minnesota, pursuing a marriage and family therapy license, or pursuing a psychology licensure pathway.
The Importance of CSWE Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the sole accrediting body for social work education programs in the United States. Minnesota requires all social work license applicants to graduate from a CSWE-accredited program, whether at the Bachelor's or Master's level.
What CSWE Accreditation Means
CSWE accreditation ensures that a social work program meets rigorous educational standards covering curriculum content, field education, faculty qualifications, program assessment, and student outcomes. Accredited programs must demonstrate that graduates possess core competencies in:
- Professional ethical principles and values
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
- Evidence-based practice and research
- Human behavior and social environment knowledge
- Social policy analysis and advocacy
- Direct practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Non-CSWE Degrees
If you hold a social work degree from a non-accredited program, you may potentially apply to the Minnesota Board of Social Work for an exemption. However, exemptions are rarely granted, except in specific circumstances, such as when the applicant is already licensed to practice a related discipline, such as medicine, nursing, psychology, or counseling.
Before enrolling in any social work program, verify its CSWE accreditation status through the CSWE directory of accredited programs. Attending a non-accredited program will likely prevent you from obtaining licensure in Minnesota and most other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed social worker in Minnesota?
It takes 4-5 years for entry-level LSW licensure (Bachelor's degree plus supervised experience) and 9-10 years for clinical LICSW licensure (Bachelor's, Master's, and extensive clinical supervision). You can work in the field while completing supervision requirements, so you're learning a salary for most of this timeline.
What's the difference between LGSW and LISW in Minnesota?
LGSW is the entry-level graduate license that allows you to work under supervision after completing your Master's degree. LISW allows independent practice in administrative and program roles after completing an additional 4,000 hours of post-LGSW supervision. LGSW is typically obtained within 1-2 years of graduating with your MSW, while LISW requires 2-3 extra years of supervised experience.
Can I practice social work in Minnesota with an out-of-state license?
Minnesota doesn't have automatic reciprocity, but you can apply for licensure by endorsement if you hold an active, equivalent license in another state. You'll need to meet Minnesota's specific requirements, which may include additional supervision hours or coursework depending on your current credentials and the state where you're licensed. Contact the Minnesota Board of Social Work to review your specific situation.
How much do social workers make in Minnesota?
As of 2024, Minnesota social workers earn median salaries ranging from $68,580 (child and family social workers) to $89,470 (mental health and substance abuse specialists). Healthcare social workers earn a median of $72,330. Entry-level positions typically start around $45,000-$50,000, while experienced LICSW practitioners can earn over $90,000, particularly in clinical private practice or specialized healthcare settings.
Do I need a Master's degree to be a social worker in Minnesota?
Not for all positions. You can practice social work with a Bachelor's degree (LSW), which qualifies you for case management, community support, and administrative roles under supervision. However, clinical practice, independent work, therapy, and most advanced positions require a Master's degree and higher licensure (LGSW, LISW, or LICSW).
What does CSWE accreditation mean and why is it important?
CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accreditation ensures your social work program meets rigorous national standards for curriculum, field education, and student outcomes. Minnesota requires a CSWE-accredited degree for all license levels. Non-accredited degrees generally won't qualify you for licensure, so always verify a program's accreditation status before enrolling.
How many hours of supervision do I need to become a LICSW in Minnesota?
LICSW requires 4,000-8,000 total hours of supervised experience (including your LGSW hours), with at least 1,800 hours involving direct client contact and 200 hours of specialized clinical supervision. This typically takes 2-4 years of full-time clinical work, depending on your caseload and practice setting.
What's the ASWB exam, and how difficult is it?
The ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) exam tests your knowledge of social work practice, ethics, assessment, and intervention at your specific license level. The exam uses a scaled scoring system, and while passing rates vary, most candidates pass with proper preparation. Many social workers use official ASWB study guides, practice exams, and review courses. The exam is computer-based and offered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout Minnesota.
Can I work while completing my supervision hours?
Yes, and this is how most social workers complete their supervision requirements. You'll work in a social work position under a qualified supervisor and accrue hours while earning a salary. The 4,000-hour requirement equals approximately two years of full-time work. Many employers specifically hire graduates in LGSW-track positions, knowing they're working toward full licensure.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota offers four social work license levels: LSW (Bachelor's entry-level), LGSW (Master's entry-level), LISW (independent administrative practice), and LICSW (independent clinical practice)
- All licenses require a CSWE-accredited degree, 4,000 hours of supervised experience, and passing the appropriate ASWB exam at your license level.el
- The complete licensure process takes 4-10 years, depending on your career goals, but you can work and earn a salary while completing most supervision requirements.s
- Minnesota social workers earn median salaries ranging from $68,580 to $89,470 annually (2024 BLS data), with strong job growth projected across all specializations.
- Clinical practice (LICSW) requires a Master's degree with at least 24 clinical credits, additional clinical supervision including 1,800 hours of direct client contact, and passing the ASWB Clinical exam
- CSWE accreditation is mandatory for licensure, so verify program accreditation before enrolling in any social work degree program
Ready to Start Your Social Work Career in Minnesota?
Explore CSWE-accredited social work programs that match your career goals, schedule, and location. Compare Bachelor's and Master's programs to find your path to licensure.
Find Accredited Programs
Additional Resources for Social Workers in Minnesota
- Minnesota Psychologist Licensing
- Minnesota Counselor Licensing
- Minnesota Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Explore Additional Social Worker Careers
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for child, family, and school social workers, healthcare social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, and social workers (all other) are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
