Social Work License Requirements in Maryland
If you’re looking for social worker opportunities and comparatively high salaries, consider social work licensure in Maryland.
Current and prospective social workers may find abundant career opportunities in Maryland. Projections Central’s long-term data forecasts positive job growth for social workers in Maryland from 2022-2032, ranging from 10%-14% growth based on the specific role. According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, several of the state’s metropolitan areas rank high for their employment levels and salaries.
Learn how to obtain social work licensure in Maryland and explore salary data in this in-depth guide.
Maryland Social Work Licensure Requirements
Maryland’s Board of Social Work Examiners oversees social worker licensing, offering three levels of credentials: licensed bachelor’s social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), and licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C). Social workers can apply for licensure by examination or endorsement. Discover details for each type of license below.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker in Maryland?
Becoming a social worker in Maryland can take 4-9 years, depending on educational requirements and license type.
Social workers with BSWs can become licensed LBSWs in about four years. An LMSW takes an additional 2-3 years to complete their MSWs. However, BSW degree-holders who qualify for advanced standing admission to their MSW program can shorten the time by half. LCSW-Cs can add at least two years by obtaining their post-master’s supervised training.
The time it takes to earn a degree depends on full-time or part-time study.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Maryland
Maryland’s Board of Social Work Examiners does not offer reciprocity to social workers licensed in other states. Out-of-state applicants must submit evidence of a BSW or MSW and their ASWB exam scores to the board. LCSW-C candidates must also show proof of post-MSW experience obtained in another state under supervision from an LCSW and out-of-state licensure.
The board does not accept experience hours supervised by counselors, psychologists, or other non-social workers.
Maryland has joined the multistate Social Work Licensure Compact. While not yet implemented, the state plans to allow for multistate licenses in the near future.
How to Renew a Social Work License in Maryland
Social workers in Maryland must renew their licenses every two years. LBSWs need to complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) during each renewal period, and LMSWs and LCSW-Cs must complete 40 CE hours. The board accepts CE credits from ASWB, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and board-approved organizations.
Approved CE must include professional skills and knowledge, professional competence, enrichment of social work services, and ethics and professional conduct.
Renewal also requires a criminal history background check. License renewal fees vary by licensure level. LBSWs pay $100 to renew, LMSWs pay $226, and LCSW-Cs pay $301.
Professional Organizations for Social Workers in Maryland
- National Association of Social Workers: NASW’s Maryland Chapter supports professionals and students through advocacy for professional standards, professional development and promotion, and social justice advancement. Benefits include an annual conference, leadership opportunities, and a chapter newspaper.
- Association of Oncology Social Work: AOSW is an international nonprofit organization that supports those providing psychosocial services to people with cancer, their families, and their caregivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Licensure
Maryland offers three types of social work licenses: bachelor’s (LBSW), master’s (LMSW), and clinical (LCSW-C).
