A Complete Breakdown of LMSW Eligibility Requirements, Education Standards, International Rules, and State-by-State Variations

Before registering for the LMSW exam, you must meet specific eligibility requirements set by both the ASWB and your state licensing board. Many candidates feel unsure about when they’re allowed to apply, whether they can test before graduation, what documents they need, or how international degrees are evaluated.

This guide lays out every requirement clearly and step-by-step, including education criteria, state variations, international rules, background checks, and common mistakes to avoid.

👉 Check out our LMSW Practice Questions + Study Guide — updated for 2025, with exam-style practice for the Masters Social Work exam, plus specialized content on ethics, interventions, and community systems.

Who Is Eligible to Take the LMSW Exam?

To qualify for the LMSW exam, you must meet three universal requirements:

✔️ 1. Earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree

✔️ 2. Graduate from a CSWE-accredited program (or equivalent)

✔️ 3. Apply through your state licensing board and receive official approval

These core requirements apply nationwide. Below is a detailed breakdown of each one.

1. You Must Hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree

The LMSW exam is designed specifically for master’s-level social workers. Having an MSW degree is the foundational requirement.

You qualify if:

• You completed a traditional MSW program
• You completed an advanced standing MSW
• Your MSW includes any specialization (clinical, macro, generalist, etc.)
• Your degree was granted by a recognized institution

You do not need:

• A minimum GPA
• A specific internship type
• A particular research or concentration focus

If you have an MSW—and it is accredited—you meet the academic requirement.

2. Your MSW Must Come From a CSWE-Accredited Program

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the accrediting body for U.S. MSW programs. To sit for the exam, your degree must come from a program that is:

• Fully CSWE-accredited, or
• In candidacy status at the time you graduate

✔️ Degrees that qualify:

• Traditional on-campus MSW programs
• Online MSW programs accredited by CSWE
• Hybrid programs
• Advanced standing programs
• Part-time MSW programs
• Programs in candidacy during your graduation year

❌ Degrees that do not qualify:

• Unaccredited MSW programs
• Degrees in related fields (psychology, counseling, human services, etc.)
• International MSWs that haven’t been evaluated

If your program is not accredited, you must undergo a CSWE evaluation (explained later).

3. You Must Receive Eligibility Approval From Your State Licensing Board

The ASWB does not approve candidates directly. Your state licensing board verifies your eligibility before you can register for the exam.

Depending on your state, requirements may include:

• Official transcripts
• Degree verification
• Application forms
• Licensing fees
• Criminal background checks
• Fingerprinting
• Proof of internship completion
• State-specific coursework
• Residency documentation (some states)

Only once your state approves you can you register and pay the exam fee to the ASWB.

Can You Take the LMSW Exam Before Graduation?

It depends entirely on your state.

✔️ Some states allow you to take the exam before graduation

Requirements usually include:

• Being in your final semester
• Receiving approval from your school
• Providing proof of expected graduation

Common states that allow early testing include:

• Texas
• New York
• Utah
• Ohio

(Always verify with your state board.)

❌ Other states require full completion of the MSW degree

These states require:

• Degree fully posted
• Official transcripts submitted
• All internship hours completed

Examples include:

• California
• Virginia
• North Carolina
• Georgia

Check your state’s rules before applying.

Requirements That Vary by State

Although the exam itself is standardized, eligibility requirements are not. States add their own requirements on top of ASWB criteria.

1. Background Checks

Most states require:

• FBI fingerprinting
• State background check
• Criminal history disclosure
• Child abuse clearance (in some jurisdictions)

2. Additional Coursework

Some states require specific pre-licensure coursework, such as:

• Ethics
• Social work law
• Child abuse recognition
• Domestic violence
• Suicide prevention

Examples:

• Pennsylvania → Child abuse recognition training
• New York → Mandated reporter course
• Maryland → Required ethics training

3. Residency Requirements

A few states require applicants to be legal residents, although this is not common.

4. Additional State Exams

Some states require:

• Jurisprudence exams
• State law and ethics tests
• Supplemental documentation

These are separate from the ASWB exam.

What About International Students?

If your MSW was earned outside the U.S. or Canada, you must undergo the CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service.

International applicants must:

• Submit transcripts
• Provide detailed course descriptions
• Pay evaluation fees
• Undergo full academic evaluation
• Receive official CSWE equivalency
• Apply to the state licensing board
• THEN receive approval to take the LMSW exam

Only after your degree is deemed equivalent can you move forward.

Who Cannot Take the LMSW Exam?

You are not eligible if:

❌ You do not have an MSW

(You must take the BSW exam instead.)

❌ Your MSW is not CSWE-accredited

or hasn’t been evaluated.

❌ You have not been approved by your state board

ASWB requires state authorization.

❌ Your background check has unresolved issues

Some cases require further documentation.

❌ Your application contains mismatched or incomplete information

Your legal name must match exactly across all documents.

Can You Take the LMSW Exam If You Have a Criminal Record?

In most states—yes.

A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you.

However, you must:

• Fully disclose your history
• Provide documentation if requested
• Undergo board review
• Possibly supply evidence of rehabilitation

Boards consider:

• Nature of the offense
• Time since the incident
• Rehabilitation efforts
• Patterns of conduct

Each case is reviewed individually.

Can You Take the LMSW Exam While Working in the Field?

Yes. Many candidates work in:

• Case management
• Social service agencies
• Mental health programs
• Community organizations

Work experience does not replace academic requirements, but it can help when answering scenario-based questions.

Can You Take the Exam in Any State?

You must register through the state where you aim to be licensed.

However:

✔️ You can take the exam physically in another state

✔️ You can transfer your scores if you move later

Most states accept ASWB results from other jurisdictions.

How Long Does It Take to Become Eligible?

Processing times vary.

Approximate timelines:

• Fast states: 2–3 weeks
• Average states: 4–8 weeks
• Slow states: 8–16 weeks
• International applicants: 12–24 weeks (due to evaluation process)

Start early to avoid delays.

Documents You Will Typically Need

Your state board may require:

• MSW transcript
• Degree verification
• Background check results
• Fingerprinting clearance
• State licensure application
• Personal information forms
• Photo ID
• Licensing fees ($80–$200)
• Passport-style photo (varies)

The ASWB will require:

• State approval
• Exam category selection
• $230 exam fee

Common Eligibility Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues that delay approval:

❌ Using a nickname instead of your legal name
❌ Sending unofficial transcripts
❌ Assuming your program is accredited without checking
❌ Forgetting to update your address or email
❌ Ignoring background check requirements
❌ Missing mandatory coursework
❌ Waiting too long to apply

Being thorough prevents weeks of delays.

Quick Checklist: Are You Eligible?

You qualify if:

✔️ You have an MSW
✔️ Your program is CSWE-accredited (or evaluated equivalent)
✔️ Your state board approves your application
✔️ You pass required background checks
✔️ You meet state-specific requirements
✔️ Your documentation matches your ID
✔️ You can pay the exam fee

If all apply—you are officially eligible.

👉 Check out our LMSW Practice Questions + Study Guide — updated for 2025, with exam-style practice for the Masters Social Work exam, plus specialized content on ethics, interventions, and community systems.

Final Thoughts

Eligibility for the LMSW exam centers on three main requirements: holding an MSW, graduating from a CSWE-accredited program (or equivalent evaluation), and receiving approval from your state licensing board. Once these requirements are met, the rest of the process becomes straightforward.

As you move forward, your LMSW Study Guide and LMSW Practice Questions can help you reinforce the content, understand exam structure, and prepare confidently for your testing date.