Licensed Bachelor Social Worker License in Maryland
Quick Answer
Maryland licenses social workers at four tiers, with the LCSW-C (clinical) requiring two years of supervised experience and the ASWB Clinical exam. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $580. Maryland's proximity to DC creates a large cross-jurisdictional social work labor market.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $580 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker license in Maryland
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $200
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $150
- Total Estimated Cost
- $580
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Bachelor Social Worker license in Maryland. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Maryland licensing board.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker Salary in Maryland
Entry Level
$48,310
Median
$77,900
Experienced
$125,960
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Licensed Bachelor Social Worker in Maryland.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Felony convictions prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Exam (level varies)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$200.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker Licensing in Maryland: What to Know
Maryland licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work Examiners, offering Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) credentials. The LCSW-C is the highest level, allowing independent clinical practice and requiring an MSW, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least two years of supervised clinical experience. Maryland requires 40 hours of continuing education biennially for clinical-level licensees. The state has been involved in national discussions about ASWB exam equity. Maryland's proximity to Washington, DC creates a large interconnected social work labor market, with many practitioners working across jurisdictions. The Baltimore metro area has significant demand for social workers in behavioral health, child welfare, and community health. The University of Maryland School of Social Work is one of the nation's largest and most prominent programs. Maryland has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact to facilitate cross-border practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker license cost in Maryland?
- The estimated total cost is $580, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker license in Maryland?
- The process typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker license in Maryland?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Licensed Bachelor Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.