Licensed Graduate Social Worker Guide

Do you love helping others? Can you show empathy when others are in challenging situations? If the answer is yes, then a career in social work may be a fit for you. But becoming a licensed social worker requires effort, especially when seeking licensure in your state.

Some states have different types or titles of licenses. A licensed graduate social worker, or LGSW, is one such title, offered by a few states across the country. This path may be a fit for social workers who want to perform non-clinical social work in a wide variety of settings or supervised clinical social work.

On this page, we’ll discuss some key points to know when it comes to obtaining an LGSW license and how it may lead to a fulfilling career.

States that Offer an LGSW License

Before committing to an LGSW license, you should understand where these types of licenses are offered. Not every jurisdiction in the country offers this level of licensure under this name—but a few do. Here’s a list, as of January 2026:

• Minnesota
• Washington, D.C
• West Virginia

For these states, the title of LGSW may be used in place of other graduate-level licenses; be sure to check with your state’s board for more information:

• Minnesota Board of Social Work – LGSW Application Instructions
• Washington, D.C. – DC Health LGSW Application Checklist
• West Virginia Board of Social Work – LGSW Overview

Should I Obtain an LGSW license?

Obtaining an LGSW license may be a way to start your career in social work within the states above. Because it requires a Master of Social Work (MSW), an LGSW may provide opportunities to work with individuals and communities directly.

In turn, this allows social workers to perform all the duties within the scope of practice of a licensed social worker and provisional social worker. LGSWs in West Virginia can also formally teach social work theory and methodology to bachelor’s and master’s level students, or conduct clinical or psychotherapeutic work—though that must normally be done under the supervision of another experienced and credentialed behavioral health professional.

However, before you obtain an LGSW license, you should be aware of what the process calls for. Because this credential requires a graduate degree, you’ll need to invest significant time, effort, and money into your education beyond your undergraduate courses. Some states also require you to take a specialized LGSW examination, as well as undergo a criminal record check.

Path to Becoming a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)

License requirements vary by states. Be sure to check with your state’s social work board for more information. With an exam and deadlines to meet, becoming an LGSW might be tough. Here’s a simplified guide to help you understand the process.

• Take the relevant university courses. As the name implies, LGSWs are only open to candidates with graduate social work degrees. In general, states expect you to have earned a master’s in social work degree before applying for the license. You can even pursue a master’s in social work online. Whether you opt for an online degree or decide to attend classes on campus, be sure that the program you’ve chosen is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Completing an undergraduate degree in social work may help with admission to advanced-standing MSW programs.

• Take the exam. To earn an LGSW, you typically must pass an ASWB licensing exam, most often the ASWB Masters-level exam for MSW graduates (requirements vary by jurisdiction). The current ASWB registration fee for the Associate, Bachelor's, or Master's exam is $230. On test day, you’ll see 170 multiple-choice questions, but only 150 are scored. In many jurisdictions, you must first be approved/authorized by the licensing board before you can register for the exam through ASWB’s online system.
• Apply for LGSW licensure and pay fees. Once you’ve completed the educational prerequisites, you can apply for your license. Although specifics vary by jurisdiction, an application typically costs between $100 and $250.
• Background check (if necessary). If you don’t already hold an LGSW license in the state you wish to practice in, you will likely have to undergo a background check.
• Receive your license. After you pass the ASWB exam, you may then be eligible to receive your license as an LGSW. Each state has different processes. Be sure to check with yours for more specific information..
• Complete supervised practice. After receiving your LGSW license, you must complete a certain amount of supervised practice. The specifics vary, but some states expect you to complete the equivalent of two years of supervised work with a licensed independent social worker.

Factors to Consider When Obtaining LGSW License

From the study required to the skills needed, there are many factors to consider before obtaining an LGSW license.

Educational Requirements

Candidates for LGSW licensure can expect to gain a robust understanding of social work across its many forms. A master’s in social work program will introduce them to the principles of the field, teach them about addiction and mental illness, and help them prepare for more advanced study.

If you hold a bachelor’s in social work, you may have the option of completing a master’s faster by way of an advanced standing MSW, which requires fewer credits than the traditional MSW.

Clinical Experience

If your long-term goal is an independent and/or clinical social work license, you will typically need to complete a period of supervised post-MSW practice, but the exact rules depend on the jurisdiction.

In Minnesota, licensing supervision is required for LGSWs once licensed (for example, LGSWs in nonclinical practice must complete at least 4,000 hours under licensing supervision, and LGSWs in clinical practice must maintain ongoing supervision until an LICSW is issued).

In Washington, D.C., LGSWs may provide clinical services only under the supervision of an LICSW, and D.C.’s pathway to LICSW includes 3,000 hours of supervised experience over at least 2 years (and no more than 4 years).

In West Virginia, the LGSW license requires no experience or supervision to obtain, although clinical/psychotherapy services must be performed under clinical supervision and supervised experience requirements apply when upgrading to higher levels, such as LICSW.

Skills

In obtaining the LGSW license, you can build on a range of marketable skills. This starts with your education and extends into field experience. Some skills revolve around developing character, empathy, patience, and critical thinking. By focusing on clinical social work, you’ll gain expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and other behavioral issues. You may also specialize in certain types of therapy, including group and family therapy.

Careers Opportunity for LGSWs

Becoming a social worker with an LGSW license can lead to a career across social services and health care. Here are a few of the social worker careers you may qualify for with an LGSW:

• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker. Many LGSWs dig deep into mental illness, helping patients manage or overcome their psychological challenges (under supervision). These types of social workers may also serve as the link between medical caregivers and a patient’s community, home and family life. Clinically trained, these LGSWs are also members of their diagnostic and therapeutic team.
• School Social Worker. With extensive education, LGSWs may work in schools to support students facing life challenges.
• General Social Worker. Social workers can be found in a range of settings, including non-traditional ones, such as corporations and other organizations. There, they educate employees about the importance of mental health, helping those who are grieving or have experienced trauma, and promote community outreach.

Salary Expectations for LGSWs

Though it doesn’t have pay data for LGSWs, and exact figures vary by job and location, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that social workers earned a median salary of $61,330 in 2024. Because LGSWs are trained to work in clinical settings, their salaries may be higher than those of general social workers. Having said that, your social work salary will depend on your location and your position, so be sure to research before committing. The BLS projects 6% job growth for social workers between 2024 and 2034, faster than the national average.

Licensure Fee and Renewal

State licensure applications for LGSWs typically require a fee. The price varies by jurisdiction, but an application typically costs between $100 and $250. It’s also important to note that once you receive your social work license, you’ll then have to renew it regularly, typically every two years. That involves a fee too. The exact price depends on your licensing location. Renewal fees can increase if you submit your application late.

Conditions for renewing your license may vary, but you’ll usually have to prove that you’re continuing your education as a social worker and submit supervised practice verification forms. Requirements will vary by state, be sure to check with the state you are practicing in for more specific information.

Understanding LGSWs and how they work may take you some time as there are other licensed social workers whose scope of practice overlaps with LGSWs. Here are some answers to questions aspiring license-holders may have: