Become a Social Worker in Maine

Start your career with the spruce islands of Acadia National Park, the lobster shacks up the coast and a state-wide network of social workers, 4,180 strong, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). So bring your unique set of skills in counseling, therapy and education to connect clients with public or private resources across the Pine Tree State.

Information below was retrieved January 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.

Common Steps to Become a Maine Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in Maine, your education depends on the license level you are pursuing (bachelor’s related field vs. BSW/social welfare vs. MSW/DSW). Maine offers five types of social work licensure options: LSX (Licensed Social Worker, Conditional), LS (Licensed Social Worker), LM (Licensed Master Social Worker), MC (Licensed Master Social Worker, Conditional Clinical) and LC (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). There may also be additional requirements such as a background check and clinical supervision, based on your goals. Below are the steps for obtaining each type of license in Maine; this information was obtained from the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure as of January 2026.

To become a Licensed Social Worker, Conditional (LSX) in Maine, you must:

1. Complete an approved Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program.
2. Submit your application to the board, along with a $70 application fee.
3. Undergo a required criminal background check, and pay a $21 fee.

To become a Licensed Social Worker (LS) in Maine, you must:

1. Bachelor’s degree in social work or social welfare OR completion of LSX consultation requirements
2. Complete the one-time 12 contact hours in family or intimate partner violence training (per Board note)
3. Apply to the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure
4. Submit your application to the board

To become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LM) in Maine, you must:

1. Complete an approved masters or doctoral degree program.
2. Pass the ASWB Masters examination
3. Submit your application to the board

To become a Licensed Master Social Worker, Conditional Clinical (MC) in Maine, you must:

1. Complete an approved master’s or doctoral degree program.
2. Pass the ASWB Masters exam
3. Submit your application to the board
4. Pay the $70 license fee and $21 criminal history check for initial licensure

To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LC) in Maine, you must:

1. Complete an approved and accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) degree or doctoral degree program
2. Pass the ASWB Clinical exam
3. Complete the required clinical consultation and experience and submit the Board’s Verification of Consultation
4. Submit your application to the board

Social Work Degree Programs in Maine

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Maine

MSW programs in Maine teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. MSW programs include coursework on human development, social work policy, intervention and social work practice for poverty, oppression and trauma.

Online MSW Programs in Maine

There are a few online MSW programs in Maine that are accredited by the CSWE and offered at least part-time, with an advanced-standing option.

Social Work Licenses in Maine

Maine has five types of licenses for social workers: Licensed Social Worker, Conditional (LSX), Licensed Social Worker (LS), Licensed Master Social Worker (LM), Licensed Master Social Worker, Conditional Clinical (MC) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LC). While you may practice entry-level social work under the title of “social worker” with a bachelor’s degree, the Maine Board requires an MSW to practice more specialized social work. All information on LSX, LS, LM, MC and LC licenses listed below was retrieved from the State Board of Social Worker Licensure.

LSX Requirements in Maine

An LSX is a non-clinical, entry-level social work license that allows you to practice under an approved consultation agreement (you may not practice without an active consultation agreement on file).

• Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree
• Field Requirements: No pre-licensure hours required, but you must have an active consultation agreement to practice.
• Exams: None
• License Renewal: 25 hours of professional development in continuing education

LS Requirements in Maine

Becoming an LS allows you to practice entry-level non-clinical social work. The first 3,200 hours under licensure must be under consultation.

• Education Requirement: Earn a BSW or Social Welfare bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program or qualify through the LSX pathway (completion of LSX consultation requirements).
• Field Requirements: Maintain a Board-approved consultation agreement and complete 3,200 hours of social work employment concurrent with 96 hours of consultation within 2–4 years (and report hours at renewal until completed).
• Exams: ASWB bachelor’s exam
• License Renewal: 25 hours of professional development in continuing education, including at least 4 hours in ethics, plus the one-time 12-hour family/intimate partner violence coursework requirement (if applicable).

LM Requirements in Maine

Becoming an LM allows you to practice advanced non-clinical social work without supervision upon earning your license.

• Education Requirement: Master of Social Work degree or doctoral degree
• Field Requirements: None
• Exams: ASWB Master’s exam
• License Renewal: 25 hours of professional development in continuing education with at least 4 in social work ethics

MC Requirements in Maine

Becoming an MC allows you to practice both clinical and non-clinical social work with limited consultation while working toward an LC license.

• Education Requirement: Master of Social Work degree or doctoral degree
• Field Requirements: No “pre-licensure hours” are required just to obtain MC, but you must maintain a Board-approved consultation agreement and use the MC license to accrue the clinical consultation/experience required for LC licensure.
• Exams: ASWB Master’s exam
• License Renewal: 25 hours of professional development in continuing education, including at least 4 hours in social work ethics

LC Requirements in Maine

Becoming an LC allows you to provide clinical and non-clinical services while performing assessments, diagnoses and emotional and mental disorder treatments without consultation required after licensure.

• Education Requirement: Master of Social Work Degree
• Field Requirements: Document 96 hours of consultation concurrent with 3,200 hours of social work employment in a clinical setting (submitted on the Board’s Verification of Consultation form).
• Exams: ASWB Clinical exam
• License Renewal: 25 hours of professional development in continuing education, including at least 4 hours in ethics, plus the one-time 12-hour family/intimate partner violence coursework requirement

Social Work Salaries in Maine

Information on the above social work salaries in Maine was retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: – Maine in January 2026.

Maine Social Work Scholarships

• Catharine Wilder Guiles Scholarship (Maine Community Foundation): This scholarship supports Maine-based professionals (including social workers) pursuing graduate-level training in the mental health field at the University of Maine (Orono) and the University of Southern Maine. Eligibility and application details are managed through the Maine Community Foundation.
• Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program (Returned Peace Corps Volunteers): The Coverdell Fellows program provides graduate fellowship support for returned Peace Corps Volunteers who want to continue service in underserved communities while pursuing graduate study. UMaine participates in the Coverdell partnership and publishes program-specific funding details through its Graduate School.

Maine Social Worker Organizations

There are countless local and national associations and organizations with goals to promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions to challenges such as child and elder welfare, healthcare reform, and other issues affecting disadvantaged populations in Maine and beyond.

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)–Maine Chapter: The NASW–Maine Chapter is committed to advancing professional social work practice and to promoting human rights, social and economic justice, and unimpeded access to services for everyone. Its members are trained professionals who have bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees in social work.
• Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care: The Maine chapter comprises social work leaders from diverse employment settings who are committed to social work ideals. Representation includes long-term care facilities, hospitals, behavioral health organizations, and other healthcare settings, and the society maintains strong relationships with the state's schools of social work.
• Social Work Student Organization: The purpose of the SWSO at the University of Southern Maine is to provide a forum to explore and discuss issues related to the development and the community of the undergraduate social work students. This organization seeks to facilitate communication between undergraduate students and faculty, ensure student involvement in departmental deliberations, provide for professional growth and respond to issues and problems in the community.