Licensed Social Worker License in Minnesota
Quick Answer
Minnesota licenses social workers at four tiers, with the LICSW (clinical) requiring two years of supervised experience. Minnesota was a leader in addressing ASWB exam equity concerns through legislation. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $500, with 40 hours of CE required biennially.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $500 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Licensed Social Worker license in Minnesota
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $150
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $120
- Total Estimated Cost
- $500
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Social Worker license in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota licensing board.
Licensed Social Worker Salary in Minnesota
Entry Level
$54,860
Median
$79,220
Experienced
$100,570
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 Social Worker in Minnesota.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 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: ~$150.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Licensed Social Worker Licensing in Minnesota: What to Know
Minnesota licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) credentials. The LICSW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least two years of supervised clinical experience. Minnesota requires 40 hours of continuing education biennially. Minnesota made significant headlines in the ASWB exam controversy, with the state legislature passing laws to address exam equity concerns and considering alternatives to the ASWB exam. The University of Minnesota, Augsburg University, and St. Catherine University are prominent social work programs. The Twin Cities metro area has a high concentration of social work positions, while Greater Minnesota faces significant workforce shortages. Minnesota's diverse immigrant and refugee populations, particularly Somali, Hmong, and Latino communities, create demand for culturally competent social workers. The state has been involved in Social Work Licensure Compact discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Licensed Social Worker license cost in Minnesota?
- The estimated total cost is $500, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Licensed Social Worker license in Minnesota?
- 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 Social Worker license in Minnesota?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Licensed Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.