• Download the "Application for ASWB "Masters" Level Examination Preapproval" application from the BSWE website.
• Mail the notarized Application for ASWB "Masters" Level Examination Preapproval" application and a copy of your MSW transcript (if you are in your last semester) to the BSWE with $75 fee. BSWE address: BSWE, PO Box 45033, Newark, New Jersey 07101.
• Submit requests for special accommodation including ESL or ADA needs to the BSWE if applicable.
• Receive approval via mail to register with ASWB to take the exam.
   

STEP 2: Register for and take exam

• Call ASWB at 1-888-579-3926 or visit their website at www.aswb.org to register for the appropriate examination (Masters). At this time, you must also pay the exam fee and notify the testing representative about any approved special accommodations.
• Receive an ASWB Authorization Letter and Number to sit for the exam. You will NOT be admitted to the testing site without this letter!
• Call ACT to make an examination appointment. The phone number will be provided on your Authorization Letter or you can visit their website at www.act.org. Make sure to follow all of the directions on your authorization letter carefully, write down all of the information pertaining to your appointment.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and ASWB Authorization Letter to the testing center on the day of your exam.
• After you complete the exam, you will receive a paper with your pass or fail score immediately - please hold on to this as you will need to submit a copy to the BSWE.
   

STEP 3: Apply for State license

• Download the “Application for Licensure as a Licensed Social Worker.” Follow the instructions carefully and include all required documentation.
• Mail in the completed application with all documentation including a copy of your ASWB passing score and “final official transcript.”
• You will receive information about fingerprinting in the mail after your application has been reviewed. Fingerprinting must be done even if you’ve been previously fingerprinted for employment purposes. There is a fingerprint rescan fee if you were originally fingerprinted for previous Division of Consumer Affairs credential.
• Application packets are formally approved by the BSWE during the 4th week of each month.
• You will receive a letter advising you of the next steps including payment of the licensure fee. 
• You will receive your license after you have paid your licensure fees and your payment has been processed.  This will take 8-10 weeks.
  

Please note: You may not practice as a LSW until you receive your paper license in the mail from the BSWE.

BSW Graduates ~ Certified Social Worker (CSW)
A BSW (bachelor social work) from a CSWE accredited program or one in candidacy for accreditation.

• Download the "Application for Certification as a Certified Social Worker" from the BSWE website.
  
  
• Mail the Application and your BSW official transcript to the BSWE with the $75 fee. BSWE address: BSWE, PO Box 45033, Newark, New Jersey 07101.
  
  
• You will receive information about fingerprinting in the mail after your application has been reviewed. Fingerprinting must be done even if you’ve been previously fingerprinted for employment purposes. There is a fingerprint rescan fee if you were originally fingerprinted for previous Division of Consumer Affairs credential.
  
• You will receive a letter advising you of the next steps including payment of the certification fee. 
  
  
• You will receive your certification after you have paid your certification fees and your payment has been processed.  This will take 8-10 weeks.
  

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
The exam and licensing process is similar to the LSW licensing process. Please read the process for "MSW Graduate - Licensed Social Worker (LSW)" above.

The ASWB requires that LSW wait 90 days before taking the LCSW exam. There is currently no limitation on the number of times you can take the exam. For additional information regarding clinical supervision, see our Frequently Asked Question section of the website.

 STEP 1: Apply to take exam

• Download the Application for ASWB “Clinical” Level Examination Preapproval  from the BSWE website.
• Mail the notarized Application for ASWB "Clinical" Level Examination Preapproval" application to the BSWE with $75 fee. BSWE address: BSWE, PO Box 45033, Newark, New Jersey 07101.
• Submit requests for special accommodation including ESL or ADA needs to the BSWE if applicable.
• Receive approval via mail to register with ASWB to take the exam.
   

STEP 2: Register for and take exam

• Call ASWB at 1-888-579-3926 or visit their website at www.aswb.org to register for the appropriate examination (Clinical). At this time, you must also pay the exam fee and notify the testing representative about any approved special accommodations.
• Receive an ASWB Authorization Letter and Number to sit for the exam. You will NOT be admitted to the testing site without this letter!
• Call ACT to make an examination appointment. The phone number will be provided on your Authorization Letter or you can visit their website at www.act.org. Make sure to follow all of the directions on your authorization letter carefully, write down all of the information pertaining to your appointment.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and ASWB Authorization Letter to the testing center on the day of your exam.
• After you complete the exam, you will receive a paper with your pass or fail score immediately - please hold on to this as you will need to submit a copy to the BSWE.
   

STEP 3: Apply for State license

• Download the “Application for Licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker." Follow the instructions carefully and include all required documentation.
• Mail in the completed application with all documentation including a copy of your ASWB passing score, “final official transcript," and proof of your compliance with the supervisors’ criteria, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:44G-8.1 (a) 4. 
• You will receive information about fingerprinting in the mail after your application has been reviewed. Fingerprinting must be done even if you’ve been previously fingerprinted for employment purposes. There is a fingerprint rescan fee if you were originally fingerprinted for previous Division of Consumer Affairs credential.
• Application packets are formally approved by the BSWE during the 4th week of each month.
• You will receive a letter advising you of the next steps including payment of the licensure fee. 
• You will receive your license after you have paid your licensure fees and your payment has been processed.  This will take 8-10 weeks.
  

Please note: You may not practice as an LCSW until you receive your paper license in the mail from the BSWE.

Licensed Social Worker Moving to NJ from Another State
There is no reciprocity between states for social work licensure. If your state's requirements meet or exceed those of New Jersey and you have already passed the ASWB Master's or Clinical exam in your state, you may apply for your New Jersey license. If you have not passed the exam, then please follow instructions for MSW Graduates above.

New Jersey has three certification and licensing levels:

• Certified Social Worker (CSW) - Bachelor of Social Work,
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) - Master of Social Work,
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)  - Master of Social Work and additional clinical social work training.

Please determine your equivalent license level from your state to request the appropriate application. LSW and LCSW licensing levels require an exam in New Jersey . You must have taken the ASWB exam, or a similar exam, to be eligible for LSW or LCSW in New Jersey. Complete the application and include ALL relevant information for consideration, for example: supervisor's signature confirming clinical hours, license from another state, exam scores from another state, and school transcripts.