8 Steps to Obtaining Your LMSW

 

Are you about to graduate with your Master’s in Social Work? Congratulations!

If you are focused on obtaining your LMSW, starting the application process early can help prevent delays and unnecessary stress.

Obtaining Your LMSW: Step by Step Overview

Step 1: Complete Child Abuse Training

Before you apply, you must complete a 2-hour course in the identification and reporting of child abuse from a

New York State-approved provider. This is a mandatory requirement, so tackle this early!

Where to find approved providers:

Visit the NYS Office of Professions website for a current list of approved training providers.

Step 2: Submit Your Application for Licensure (Form 1)

You can now apply online through the New York State Education Department’s system!

What you need:

• Complete Form 1 – Application for Licensure online
• Pay the $294 fee (covers both licensure and first registration)
• Submit proof of your completed child abuse training
• Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays

Payment methods: Credit card (for online applications), personal check, or money order payable to NYS

Education Department. Do NOT send cash.

Step 3: Request Education Verification (Form 2)

Your graduate school must verify your MSW degree directly to the NYS Education Department.

Action items:

    1 Download Form 2 – Certification of Professional Education

    2. Complete Section 1 yourself

    3. Send the form to your school’s registrar or social work department

    4. Your school will complete the form and send it directly to NYS Education Department after you graduate  

Important: Form 2 will NOT be accepted if you submit it yourself; it must come directly from your school.

Step 4: Wait for NYS Education Department Approval

The NYS Education Department will:

• Review your application, fee, and child abuse training certificate
• Verify your MSW degree (via Form 2 from your school)
• Approve your eligibility to take the ASWB exam

Once approved, they will notify the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and send you an approval letter with instructions.

Many people find that obtaining your LMSW feels most overwhelming at this stage, when application approval and exam registration overlap.

Step 5: Register with ASWB for the Masters Exam

After receiving your approval letter from NYS, you must register directly with ASWB.

Registration details:

• Visit www.aswb.org to register online
• Exam fee: $230 (non-refundable)
• You’ll receive confirmation via email with your authorization to test

Note: As of March 2025, ASWB returned to Pearson VUE as their testing administrator. Your confirmation will include instructions for scheduling with Pearson VUE.

Step 6: Schedule Your LMSW Exam

Once you receive your Authorization to Test email from ASWB, you can schedule your exam appointment.Once you receive your Authorization to Test email from ASWB, you can schedule your exam appointment.

Scheduling:

• Contact Pearson VUE at 877-884-9537 or schedule online through their portal
• Testing centers are available throughout New York State
• Choose a date within the one-year eligibility window
• Test centers fill up quickly, especially during peak graduation seasons, so schedule early!

Exam details:

• Duration: 4 hours
• Questions: 170 total (150 scored, 20 pretest questions that don’t count)
• Format: Multiple choice, computer-based
• Passing score: Typically 400-450 on a scale of 0-999 (varies by state)

Note: Starting August 2026, the exam format will change to 122 questions with three content areas instead of four. Check ASWB’s website for the most current information.

Step 7: Study and Take the Exam!

Now it’s time to prepare!

The LMSW exam tests your knowledge across four content areas:

1. Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment (28%)

2. Assessment and Intervention Planning (25%)

3. Direct and Indirect Practice (28%)

4. Professional Relationships, Values, and Ethics (19%)

Study tips:

• Give yourself 3-4 months to prepare
• Use ASWB practice tests and study materials
• Join study groups or online communities
• Review the NASW Code of Ethics thoroughly
• Focus on applying knowledge, not just memorization

Related resources:

Read our Complete LMSW Exam Guide for detailed content breakdowns

Check out Social Work Licensing – Part I for understanding exam requirements

Step 8: Pass and Receive Your License!

After passing the exam:

• ASWB will forward your official score to NYS Education Department (typically within 7-10 days)
• NYS will process your licensure application
• You’ll receive notification of your LMSW licensure status
• Your license will be registered for a 3-year period

Congratulations – you’re now an LMSW!

————————————–

Optional: Apply for a Limited Permit

If you’ve completed all requirements except the exam and need to start working immediately, you can apply for a Limited Permit.

Requirements:

• Submit Form 5 – Application for Limited Permit
• Pay $70 fee (non-refundable)
• Must be supervised by a licensed LMSW or LCSW
• Must be employed in an approved setting
• Valid for one year (not renewable)

Important: With a limited permit under LMSW supervision, you cannot provide clinical services(diagnosis/psychotherapy). To practice clinical social work, you must be supervised by an LCSW.

Key Points to Remember

• Fees are subject to change – The fees listed here ($294 for licensure, $230 for exam, $70 for limited permit) were current as of December 2025. Always verify current fees on the official NYS and ASWB websites.
• Save all documentation – Keep copies of all forms, receipts, course syllabi, and correspondence. Some states require syllabi years later for advanced licensure!
• Start early – Begin the application process 3-4 months before graduation. The earlier you apply, the sooner you can take the exam after graduation.
• All states differ – This guide is specific to New York. If you’re applying in another state, check your state’s requirements at the ASWB Board Finder or NASW.
• Take the exam soon after graduation – Knowledge is freshest within the first 6 months after completing your MSW program.
• Retakes are possible – If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after 90 days (some exceptions may apply). The retake fee is the same: $230.

After You Become an LMSW

Once licensed, you can:

• Practice social work legally in New York State
• Begin accumulating supervised clinical hours toward your LCSW
• Use the “LMSW” designation after your name
• Provide clinical services (diagnosis, psychotherapy) under LCSW supervision

Next steps toward LCSW:

• Read our Social Work Licensing – Part II: LCSW Requirements guide
• Find a qualified LCSW supervisor early
• Submit Form 6 (Plan for Experience) to the State Board before starting supervised hours
• Track your clinical hours meticulously from day one

Resources for LMSW Candidates

Official Sources:

• NYS Office of Professions – Social Work
• Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
• NASW-NYS Chapter
• CSWE Accredited Programs

Helpful Articles:

10 Questions About the ASWB Exams – The New Social Worker

What Do I Do When I Fail the Social Work Exam? – The New Social Worker

 

Share Your Experience!

Have you taken the LMSW exam? Please share your tips, study strategies, and insights in the comments below to help future test-takers!

Questions about the process? Feel free to ask in the comments—our community is here to support you.

In the meantime, wishing you all lots of good luck on your upcoming LMSW exam! You’ve got this!

About the Author:

Dorlee Michaeli, MBA, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Social Work Career. She provides career guidance, exam preparation tips, and professional development resources for social workers at all stages of their careers.

Related Posts:

Social Work Licensing – Part I: Understanding LMSW Requirements

Social Work Licensing – Part II: LCSW Requirements & Practice Options

Complete LMSW Exam Study Guide

Last updated December 28, 2025