Indiana Social Work License Requirements
Indiana offers two social work licenses: LSW (requiring a BSW and the Master's-level ASWB exam; no supervised experience required) and LCSW (requiring an MSW, 3,000 supervised post-degree hours, and the Clinical ASWB exam). The LCSW process typically takes 2 years of full-time supervised experience after MSW graduation, with median salaries of $67,220 for healthcare social workers in Indiana (2024 BLS data).
Social work is a vital profession focused on improving lives and strengthening communities across Indiana. Whether you're drawn to clinical practice, school social work, or community services, becoming a licensed social worker in Indiana opens doors to meaningful career opportunities helping individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges. Exploring social work careers and specializations enables you to identify which path aligns with your interests and goals.
The path to licensure in Indiana requires dedication to education, supervised experience, and passing national examinations. Your degree level determines which license you can pursue and what scope of practice you'll have. Indiana recognizes two primary social work licenses: the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
This guide walks you through Indiana's social work licensing requirements —from education to licensure —plus current salary data and career outlook information to help you plan your professional journey.
Table of Contents
Overview of Indiana Social Work Licenses
Indiana's licensing structure allows social workers to practice at different levels based on their education and experience. Understanding the differences between license types helps you chart the right educational path for your career goals.
| License Type | Education Requirement | Supervised Experience | Exam Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Social Worker (LSW) | Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW) | No supervised experience is required before licensure. However, some roles may require supervised experience after licensure. | ASWB Master's Level Examination |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) | 3,000 post-degree hours under LCSW supervision (typically 2 years full-time) | ASWB Clinical Level Examination |
The LSW license allows you to practice social work in non-clinical settings, while the LCSW credential permits clinical practice, including diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Many social workers begin as LSWs and later pursue LCSW licensure to expand their scope of practice and career opportunities.
LSW Requirements in Indiana
The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is Indiana's entry-level social work license. It requires a bachelor's degree but uniquely requires passing the Master's-level ASWB exam rather than the Bachelor's-level exam used in many other states.
Educational Requirements for LSW
You must complete a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation is non-negotiable for licensure in Indiana and all US states. Your BSW program should include field education experiences and coursework in social work theory, practice methods, human behavior, and social welfare policy.
Work Experience Requirements
Indiana does not require supervised experience for initial LSW licensure. Once you've completed your CSWE-accredited BSW degree and passed the ASWB Master's exam, you're eligible to apply for your LSW license. Some employers may require supervised experience for specific positions, but this is not a state licensing requirement.
Master's Level Exam Requirement
Indiana requires LSW applicants to pass the ASWB Master's Level Examination, not the Bachelor's Level Examination. This is an important distinction that sets Indiana apart from many states. You'll arrange to take this exam through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA). The Master's exam tests advanced knowledge of social work practice and requires thorough preparation, even with a BSW degree.
LSW Application Requirements
To apply for your LSW license in Indiana, you'll submit an application package to the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board containing:
- Official college transcripts showing your BSW degree completion
- Proof of ASWB exam completion with passing scores
- Criminal background check results
- Completed application form with $50 application fee
Processing times vary, but you should expect 4-8 weeks for application review once all materials are received.
LCSW Requirements in Indiana
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Indiana's advanced-level license, authorizing you to provide clinical services, including mental health diagnosis and treatment. This credential significantly expands your practice scope and career opportunities in healthcare, private practice, and clinical settings.
Educational Requirements for LCSW
You must hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution. Your MSW program should include advanced clinical coursework and supervised field placements totaling at least 900 hours. Most MSW programs take two years of full-time study to complete.
Prerequisites: LSW Required
Indiana requires you to hold an active LSW license before beginning the LCSW application process. This ensures you have foundational social work practice experience before pursuing advanced clinical credentials.
Supervised Clinical Experience
The LCSW requires substantial supervised clinical experience after completing your MSW degree. You'll need at least two years or 3,000 hours of post-degree, full-time supervised practice. This supervision must include:
- Minimum of four hours monthly of face-to-face supervision
- Supervision by a licensed LCSW in good standing
- Clinical social work practice is the primary job responsibility
- Completion within five years of MSW graduation
Your supervised hours don't need to be consecutive, but must fall within five years of graduation. This flexibility allows you to balance career development with your personal circumstances while ensuring you maintain current knowledge and skills.
Clinical Examination Requirement
After completing your supervised experience, you'll take the ASWB Clinical Level Examination. This exam tests advanced clinical knowledge, including diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, and professional ethics. Contact the Indiana PLA to schedule your exam date and receive preparation resources.
LCSW Application Requirements
Your LCSW application package to the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board must include:
- Official transcripts from your MSW program
- Verification of current LSW license in good standing
- ASWB Clinical exam results showing passing scores
- Documented supervised experience meeting all requirements
- Supervision verification forms completed by your LCSW supervisor
- Criminal background check (updated if more than one year old)
- Completed application with $50 application fee
The LCSW demonstrates your advanced clinical competence and commitment to the profession. Many social workers find this credential essential for career advancement, private practice opportunities, and specialized clinical roles.
Social Worker Career Outlook in Indiana
Indiana offers strong employment opportunities for social workers across multiple settings and specializations. Recent data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024) shows robust employment levels and competitive salaries in the state.
Employment and Salary by Specialization
| Social Work Specialization | Indiana Employment | Median Annual Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| School & Family Social Workers | 6,270 | $48,730 | $41,450 - $61,310 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 4,320 | $67,220 | $47,330 - $95,390 |
| Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers | 3,930 | $53,950 | $45,910 - $80,220 |
| Social Workers (All Other) | 510 | $80,410 | $53,140 - $105,140 |
Healthcare and clinical social work positions typically offer higher salaries than school-based roles, reflecting the advanced clinical skills and LCSW credentials often required. Mental health and substance abuse social workers represent a significant employment category in Indiana, reflecting strong demand for behavioral health services.
Career advancement opportunities expand significantly with LCSW licensure. Clinical social workers can pursue private practice, supervisory roles, program director positions, and specialized treatment modalities. Many LCSWs also supplement their income through part-time private practice while maintaining agency employment.
Why CSWE Accreditation Is Vital
Attending a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program is essential for licensure in Indiana and all US states. Understanding social work licensing requirements across states helps you see how Indiana's standards compare with national standards. The CSWE establishes educational standards that ensure consistent, high-quality preparation for professional social work practice.
CSWE accreditation guarantees your degree meets rigorous standards for curriculum content, field education, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. Over 2,500 individual members and hundreds of accredited programs participate in the CSWE, maintaining these standards through regular evaluation and oversight.
If your degree comes from a non-accredited institution, Indiana's licensing board won't accept it for licensure eligibility. While some states allow exemption petitions for individuals licensed in related disciplines, such as medicine or psychology, these exemptions are rare and require extensive documentation.
Before enrolling in any social work program, verify its CSWE accreditation status on the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs. This verification protects your educational investment and ensures your path to licensure remains clear. Learn more about accredited social work programs in Indiana to find options that match youracademicl goals and schedule.
Search Accredited Social Work Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Master's degree to become a social worker in Indiana?
No, you can practice as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution. However, you'll need a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree if you want to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and provide clinical services, including mental health diagnosis and treatment.
How long does it take to get an LCSW in Indiana?
After completing your MSW degree, you'll typically need 2 years of full-time supervised experience to accumulate the required 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice. This timeline assumes full-time employment in a social work role with appropriate LCSW supervision. The entire process from starting your MSW to obtaining LCSW licensure usually takes 4 years.
What's the difference between LSW and LCSW in Indiana?
The LSW is an entry-level license requiring a BSW degree, allowing practice in non-clinical social work settings. The LCSW is an advanced clinical license requiring an MSW degree and extensive supervised experience, and permits independent clinical practice, including mental health diagnosis and treatment. LCSWs earn higher salaries and can work in private practice.
Can I practice as a social worker with just a BSW in Indiana?
Yes, but you'll need to obtain your LSW license first, which requires passing the ASWB Master's-level exam and documenting 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience. With an LSW, you can work in many social work settings, including case management, school social work, and community organizations, but you can't provide clinical mental health services.
How much do social workers make in Indiana?
Indiana social worker salaries vary by specialization and experience level. As of May 2024, median salaries range from $48,730 for school and family social workers to $80,410 for specialized social workers. Healthcare social workers earn a median of $67,220, while mental health and substance abuse social workers earn a median of $53,950 annually.
Does Indiana accept social work licenses from other states?
Indiana does not have formal reciprocity agreements, but offers licensure by endorsement for qualified out-of-state applicants. You'll need to meet Indiana's education requirements (CSWE-accredited degree), pass the appropriate ASWB exam if you haven't already, and provide verification of your current license in good standing from another state. Contact the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency for specific endorsement requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana offers two social work licenses: LSW (requiring a BSW degree, no supervised experience required before licensure) and LCSW (requiring an MSW degree plus 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience), each with distinct practice scopes
- LSW applicants must pass the ASWB Master's-level exam (not Bachelor's-level), which is unique to Indiana's requirements
- LCSW licensure requires 3,000 hours of supervised post-MSW clinical experience under an LCSW supervisor, typically taking 2 years of full-time work
- CSWE accreditation is non-negotiable for licensure eligibility in Indiana. Always verify program accreditation before enrollment
- Indiana social workers earn competitive salaries ranging from $48,730 to $80,410 annually, depending on specialization, with clinical roles offering higher compensation
- Indiana does not have a formal reciprocity agreement but offers licensure by endorsement for qualified out-of-state social workers
Ready to Start Your Social Work Career in Indiana?
Explore CSWE-accredited social work programs that prepare you for LSW and LCSW licensure in Indiana.
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Additional Resources for Social Workers in Indiana
- Indiana Psychologist Licensing
- Indiana Counselor Licensing
- Indiana Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Explore Additional Social Worker Careers
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
