Social Work Licensure Portability: Understanding Reciprocity and Interstate Compacts
For social workers considering relocation, accepting remote positions, or simply wanting flexibility in where they practice, understanding licensure portability is essential. Unlike some healthcare professions with robust interstate compact systems, social work licensure operates through a patchwork of state-specific requirements, reciprocity agreements, and endorsement processes that can make cross-state practice complex. Whether you’re a newly graduated MSW student planning your career or an experienced LCSW contemplating a move, knowing how your credentials transfer (or don’t) across state lines can significantly impact your professional options.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How social work licensure portability currently works in the United States
- Which states have reciprocity agreements, and what they actually mean
- The difference between reciprocity, endorsement, and licensure by examination
- How to plan your social work education with future mobility in mind
- What steps you need to take to practice social work in a new state
The Current State of Social Work Licensure Portability
Social work licensure in the United States is regulated at the state level, with each jurisdiction maintaining its own requirements, examination standards, and renewal processes.
No Universal Social Work Compact (Yet)
Unlike nurses, who benefit from the Nurse Licensure Compact allowing practice in multiple states with one license, social workers currently have no equivalent interstate compact system. This means that, with rare exceptions, you need a separate license for each state where you wish to practice social work.
Important note: There have been ongoing efforts to establish a social work licensure compact, with legislation proposed in various states. However, as of 2026, no comprehensive multi-state compact for social workers exists.
What This Means for Your Career
- Relocation requires re-licensure: Moving from California to Texas means applying for a new Texas license
- Telehealth is state-specific: Providing online therapy to a client in another state typically requires licensure in that client’s state
- No automatic practice rights: Your LCSW from one state doesn’t automatically authorize practice in another
- Varying timelines: Getting licensed in a new state can take weeks to months
TIP: If you anticipate relocating or want maximum flexibility, research licensure requirements in states you’re most likely to move to before completing your MSW. Some states have more streamlined processes for out-of-state applicants than others.
Understanding Reciprocity, Endorsement, and Equivalency
Reciprocity
True reciprocity means two or more states have formal agreements to accept each other’s licenses with minimal additional requirements. In reality, very few states have genuine reciprocity agreements for social work licensure. What’s often called “reciprocity” is actually endorsement.
Endorsement (Licensure by Endorsement)
Endorsement is the most common path for licensed social workers moving between states. It allows you to apply for licensure in a new state based on your existing license from another state, but you still must:
- Meet the new state’s specific educational requirements
- Demonstrate equivalent supervised experience hours
- Pass the new state’s jurisprudence exam (if required)
- Submit to background checks
- Pay application and licensing fees
Endorsement is typically easier and faster than applying as a new graduate, but it’s not automatic.
Licensure by Examination
If your original state’s requirements don’t meet the new state’s standards, or if you don’t hold an active license, you may need to apply through licensure by examination, essentially starting fresh as if you were a new graduate in that state.
State-by-State Variations in Portability
Social work licensure portability varies significantly by state.
| Factor | Impact on Portability |
| Educational requirements | Some states require CSWE-accredited MSW; others accept non-accredited programs |
| Supervised hours | Requirements range from 2,000 to 4,000+ hours; fewer hours may require supplemental supervision |
| Examination type | Most require ASWB Clinical or Advanced Generalist exam |
| Continuing education | States vary in CE requirements |
| Jurisprudence exams | Some states require state-specific law and ethics exams |
States with More Restrictive Requirements
Some states have requirements that make endorsement more challenging:
- California: Requires specific coursework in California law, aging, and other topics that out-of-state applicants may need to complete separately
- New York: Has detailed documentation requirements and can have lengthy processing times
- Texas: Requires jurisprudence exam and has specific supervised experience documentation standards
These states still grant licenses to out-of-state applicants regularly, the process simply requires more attention to specific requirements. Check out MSW schools by state.
TIP: If you know you’re relocating, begin the licensure application process 3-6 months before your move. Processing times vary, and you don’t want to wait months without income because your license is pending.
How Education Choices Affect Future Portability
Your social work education decisions can significantly impact licensure mobility.
CSWE Accreditation: The Gold Standard
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits social work programs nationally. Graduating from a CSWE-accredited MSW program provides the strongest foundation for licensure portability because:
- All states accept CSWE-accredited degrees
- Many states require CSWE accreditation for clinical licensure
- Employers and licensing boards recognize CSWE as the quality standard
If you attend a non-CSWE accredited program, you may face significant barriers to licensure in many states, limiting your geographic flexibility.
Online vs. Campus Programs
Accreditation matters more than delivery format. Online MSW programs from CSWE-accredited universities are accepted for licensure in all states that accept the campus-based version. However, verify your program’s CSWE accreditation status; not all online programs are accredited.
Degree Level Considerations
| Degree Level | Licensure Implications | Portability Notes |
| BSW | Qualifies for entry-level licensure (LSW, LBSW) in most states | Generally portable for entry-level credentials |
| MSW | Required for clinical licensure (LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C) nationwide | Excellent portability if from CSWE-accredited program |
| DSW/PhD | Not required for licensure but may enhance credentials | Doesn’t typically affect portability directly |
The Licensure Transfer Process: What to Expect
When you need to obtain licensure in a new state, here’s the typical process:
Step 1: Research Requirements
Visit the new state’s social work licensing board website. Key information to find: specific educational requirements, supervised experience hour requirements, which ASWB exam(s) are accepted, and processing timelines and fees.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Most states require official transcripts from your MSW program, verification of licensure from your current state, documentation of supervised hours, ASWB exam scores, background check clearance, and continuing education certificates.
Step 3: Submit Application
Complete the state’s application for licensure by endorsement with all required documentation and application fee ($100-$500 depending on state).
Step 4: Additional Requirements
Some states require state jurisprudence examination or supplemental coursework.
Step 5: Await Processing
Processing times range from a few weeks to several months. Some states offer temporary permits allowing supervised practice while your application is pending.
Step 6: Maintain Multiple Licenses
If you hold licenses in multiple states, track different renewal cycles, meet each state’s CE requirements, pay annual fees for each license, and report any changes to all licensing boards.
Special Considerations for Telehealth
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically expanded telehealth use, including teletherapy and remote social work services. However, licensure requirements remain state-based.
The General Rule
You need licensure in the state where your client is physically located during the session, not necessarily where you’re located. This means a social worker in Illinois providing therapy to a client in Wisconsin needs a Wisconsin license.
Interstate Telehealth Options
Some social workers pursue licenses in multiple states to expand their telehealth client base. This requires paying application and renewal fees in each state, meeting continuing education requirements for each state, and staying current with each state’s regulations.
Note Regarding PSYPACT: The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) allows psychologists to practice telepsychology across state lines. This compact does not include social workers, even clinical social workers providing therapy.
Planning Your Social Work Career for Mobility
If geographic flexibility matters to you, consider these strategies:
During Your Education: Choose a CSWE-accredited MSW program, exceed minimum supervised hour requirements if possible, and research licensing requirements in states you’re interested in.
When Pursuing Initial Licensure: Document everything meticulously and keep copies of all licensing documentation, transcripts, and exam scores.
As a Licensed Social Worker: Maintain active licensure even if not currently practicing and keep supervision documentation permanently.
If Relocation is Likely: Begin researching new state requirements early, connect with social workers who’ve transferred to your target state, and budget for application fees and potential lost income during processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it typically take to get licensed in a new state?
A: Processing times vary from 4-6 weeks in efficient states to 4-6 months in slower ones. Factors include completeness of your application, whether you need additional documentation, and state workload. Apply well in advance of when you need to practice.
Q: Can I practice social work in a new state while my license application is pending?
A: Some states offer temporary permits allowing supervised practice while your full license application is processed. Others do not permit any practice until full licensure is granted. Check your specific state’s policies; never practice without proper authorization.
Q: Do I need to retake the ASWB exam when moving to a new state?
A: Generally no, most states accept ASWB exam scores from other jurisdictions without requiring retesting, provided you took the same level exam that the new state requires. However, some states require state-specific jurisprudence exams in addition to accepting your original ASWB scores.
