Social Work License Requirements in Minnesota
Thinking about a social work career in the land of 10,000 lakes? Explore social work licensure requirements in Minnesota.
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A social work career in Minnesota allows you to help individuals, families, and communities overcome mental health and other challenges. According to Projections Central, social workers in Minnesota can expect strong employment growth between 2022-2032. Explore the state’s social work licensing requirements, career opportunities, and salary information in this guide.
Minnesota Social Work Licensure Requirements
The Minnesota Board of Social Work oversees licensure in the state and offers four social work licenses. Choosing the right social work license will depend on your career and educational goals.
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
- Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
You can apply for social work licensure in Minnesota by examination or endorsement. Explore the various licensure levels.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker in Minnesota?
Becoming a social worker in Minnesota can take 4-6 years, depending on the license you want to pursue. Entry-level positions require a BSW, which typically takes four years to complete.
Advanced practice social workers — such as LISWs and LICSWs — must complete an MSW, which takes an additional two years. LICSWs must also complete additional clinical training. After earning their MSW, social workers must complete 4,000 hours of postgraduate supervised practice, calculated at 40 hours a week.
Part-time students will take longer to complete their education. Those who fail the ASWB exam will need more time to retake it.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Minnesota
Minnesota has no licensing reciprocity agreements with other states. Social workers from other states can apply for a Minnesota license by endorsement. Candidates must hold a current social work license to practice in another state and meet all of the licensure requirements applicable to Minnesota residents.
Eligibility requirements in Minnesota include:
- Active social work license
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on the license type
- Criminal background check
- Initial license fee once approved for a license
Those licensed in another state can also apply for a temporary license that allows them to practice in Minnesota for a limited period of time.
How to Renew a Social Work License in Minnesota
Practitioners must renew their social work license every two years. They must complete 40 hours of continuing education, verify supervised practice where applicable, and answer standards of practice questions. The renewal fee ranges from $115-$335, depending on the license type.
Note that pending legislation for a Social Work Licensure Compact will include Minnesota and other states. Once enacted, social workers with active, unencumbered licenses in a compact state can apply for a multistate license.
Salary Expectations for Social Workers in Minnesota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota’s social workers earned an average annual salary of $65,010-$79,220 as of May 2024. Nationally, social workers earned an average annual salary of $60,060-$69,480.
Your earnings will depend on factors such as your specialty, level of experience, location, and employer. For example, Minnesota’s mental health and substance use social workers earned more than healthcare social workers. Those specializing in children and families earned the least of all specialties.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $31.26 | $65,010 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $34.78 | $72,330 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $37.07 | $77,100 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $38.09 | $79,220 |
Professional Organizations for Social Workers in Minnesota
- National Association of Social Workers (Minnesota Chapter): NASW is the world’s largest membership organization for professional social workers. Member benefits include access to a jobs database, peer support, access to publications, professional development, and advocacy events in the state and nationally.
- Minnesota Society for Clinical Social Work: The Society is dedicated to advancing clinical social work practice in the state. Member benefits include professional development, such as monthly educational events, networking programs, a journal and newsletter, and advocacy.
- Minnesota School Social Workers Association: MSSWA works to improve the school social work profession and the well-being of children and families in Minnesota. Member benefits include free MSSWA membership for BSW and MSW students, scholarships, reduced-cost conferences, publications, and advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Licensure
Minnesota offers four levels of social work licensure and practice: licensed social worker, licensed graduate social worker, licensed independent social worker, and licensed independent clinical social worker.
