continuing education for social workers in new york

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New york social workers ce requirements, accreditations & approvals, external link, this link leads outside of the netce site to:.

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New York Social Workers

The New York State Board for Social Work requires that providers offering continuing education activities must be approved through the New York State Education Department.

NetCE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0033.

Continuing Education Requirement

× professional boundaries course options.

Attention New York Healthcare Professionals: Every person who has previously undergone mandated child abuse training must complete an updated curriculum that includes adverse childhood experiences and trauma, implicit bias, and the identification of child abuse in a virtual setting. Training must be completed by April 1, 2025 .

NetCE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work, #SW-0033.

LMSW and LCSW are required 36 hours of approved continuing education courses every three years, 12 of which may be completed by self-study. Two (2) hours are required, one-time only, on the topic of identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment. (Child abuse identification and reporting hours may not be used for continuing education credit.)

Beginning with registration periods starting April 1, 2023 , licensees are required three (3) hours on the topic of appropriate professional boundaries every renewal. Licensees with registration periods beginning prior to 4/1/2023 do not need to complete the coursework until their next registration period.

* NetCE courses are considered self-study, as defined by the New York State Board for Social Work.

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All Accreditations and Approvals License Renewal Instructions

For More Information

Please contact the New York State Board for Social Work at (518) 474-3817, or refer to https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions-index/social-work  and https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-master-social-worker/continuing-education for additional information regarding your continuing education. Mandatory child abuse training: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-master-social-worker/mandated-training-related-child-abuse .

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Learn at one of our engaging in-person events from professionals with an array of clinical field experience. Your time is valuable. Send us a request and we would be happy to bring the training to you and your team.

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Earn your LIVE Continuing Education credits from anywhere with our live instruction video webcasts. All you need is the internet and a computer with working video and microphone to attend.

Self Learning

Conveniently learn at your own pace with our Self-Learning Trainings and take the stress out of making time for CE.

Training Topic Requests

Looking for personalized training for your practice, agency, or business? Do you need a presentation on a specific behavioral health topic? We can create just what you need.

716 CEU is proud to be a New York State Education Department Approved Continuing Education Provider you can count on to assist with reaching your professional goals.

All trainings developed reflect the latest research available to enhance professional knowledge, achieve individual goals , & encourage those working with you to thrive .

716 CEU, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0241.

716 CEU, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0707

A Silver Education

Providing a lifeline for survivors of gender-based violence.

As the CEO of Womankind, a nonprofit with deep community roots that provides multilingual and culturally-responsive services and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking, Yasmeen Hamza is fulfilling her passion for working with marginalized survivors of gender-based violence.

What’s Next in Your Journey?

Master of social work.

Our MSW program provides outstanding training in clinical social work practice. Our curriculum, which is infused with a global perspective, focuses on social and economic justice and emphasizes links between theory and practice, research and policy.

Exploring Social Work

Both our in-person Non-Matriculated and our fully-online ONRAMP options enable students to explore social work and experience NYU Silver’s rigorous coursework without being admitted to our MSW program.

Bachelor of Science

Our BS in social work program teaches a set of skills that are centered around making human connections, problem-solving, leadership, advocacy, human rights, interprofessional collaboration, and social and economic justice.

Doctorate in Clinical Social Work

Our DSW program prepares licensed social workers for leadership roles in academic and agency settings. This executive-style program is designed to enhance students’ clinical knowledge as it pertains to advances in theoretical and practice models, clinical research, and policies that directly impact practice.

Doctor of Philosophy

Our PhD program provides the rigorous methodological, conceptual, and statistical research training critical for careers as independent researchers, scholars, and educators. Graduates are competitively positioned to address contemporary global social welfare challenges at top-tier research-intensive institutions.

Continuing Education

Our post-master's programs, including certificate programs, workshops, seminars, and online modules, provide advanced learning opportunities encompassing theoretical and evidence-based practice models for social work and related health professionals.

By being part of the Silver Affinity Collective, I learned how to look out for my peers, hold space for each other’s experiences, and to come together and learn from each other.

The NYU Silver Classroom Experience

What is it like to earn your MSW at NYU Silver? Recent graduates describe the classroom experience in their own words.

Sharing Global Experiences and Opportunities

NYU Silver's Office of Inclusive Engagement and Student Life and Office of Global and Lifelong Learning recently collaborated on “Where in the World?” a pop-up event in our Washington Square lobby to raise awareness of our global learning opportunities and celebrate the diverse geographic backgrounds of our student body. Students used colorful flags on a world map to indicate where they are from as well as where they have traveled to while learning about our study away courses.

Some Journeys Take Surprising Turns

A conversation with a homeless neighbor changed the course of Adina Lichtman’s career

Humanizing Homelessness One Sock at a Time

My Work I lead a nonprofit that encourages companies, campuses, and communities to host sock drives for their homeless neighbors, and then offers them the opportunity to host a dinner as well with the aim of breaking stigmas while breaking bread.

My Journey During my Sophomore year as the Community Service Chair for Hillel, I was giving out sandwiches to people experiencing homelessness. One of the men said what he and other homeless people could really use are socks. I got a pair from my dorm room and then knocked on every door on my floor to get 40 more pairs. From there, Knock Knock Give a Sock was born.

At Silver, I’ve been pushed to reconsider the world I’ve always lived in but have only just begun to learn about through the lens of social justice and service. My social work education continues to be a challenging and invigorating process that I’m grateful for daily.

From Victim of Mass Incarceration to Criminal Justice Reformer

My Work After three years as Community Affairs Liaison for The Doe Fund, I am continuing to advocate for criminal justice reform full-time through my leadership of Social Justice Network, as well as my teaching, speaking, writing, and producing.

My Journey I started my academic career earning my GED at Marion Correctional Institution. With the support of a social worker at The Doe Fund, I graduated from Bronx Community College. I went on to earn my BS and MSW from NYU Silver, where I received the Excellence in Leadership Award and NASW-NYC’s Student of the Year Award.

A Close, Supportive Community

The classes and the career skills I gained helped to fuel my passion, while the people I interacted with helped enrich my academic experience. At NYU, I did not feel like a number but a significant person that can actively contribute to society.

Vibrant campuses in NYC, Rockland, Westchester, and Shanghai

At all of our locations, you'll find supportive academic communities grounded in the values of service, compassion, inclusion, and social justice

How We Support You

Earning your social work degree is an intensive endeavor. NYU Silver provides you with a wide range of supports while you are in school and throughout your journey.

• Self and Community Care
• Student Ombuds Support & Advocacy
• Career and Professional Development
• Student Wellness Services
• Student Organizations
• Inclusive Leadership Development
• Social Justice Programming
• Connection to a Vibrant Alumni Network
• Continuing Education Seminars & Events

Featured Courses

Read more about film, literature, and mental health.

This course draws on classic examples from literature and film to highlight and understand aspects of mental health in ways that are more vivid and visceral than any text book can illustrate. Materials are chosen from novels, poems, and films to illustrate various mental health issues, including post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia.

Read More about Social Deviance and Taboos

This course explores how deviance and social taboos are defined, determined, and socially constructed; how they function in society; the causes of such behavior; how those who are considered deviant manage their behavior and identities; how social, economic, and political power dictate who and what is deviant or taboo; and how some behaviors that were considered deviant and taboo historically have changed over time.

Read More about Integrated Social Work Practice I/Practicum Instruction I

The course examines the history, values, and ethics of the profession; the societal and organizational context of practice; and the impact of racism and oppression. Skills taught include systems assessment, engagement, interviewing, and the practice principles of both crisis and extended intervention. A social work laboratory component provides experiential learning.

Read More about Diversity, Racism, Oppression, and Privilege

This course centers on expanding the student's understanding of the meaning of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and culture, as well as the concepts of prejudice, discrimination, oppression, stigma, and stereotyping. 

Read More about Philosophies of Knowledge and Mind

Differences over epistemology are integral to debates over clinical theory and research methodology. This course consides selected topics and controversies in philosophy of science and their application to debates over the nature of clinical theory and research. 

Read More about Clinical Social Work and Social Policy

This course covers the history of social work in the U.S. and social policies that affect it. It also covers the emergence of the institutions, organizations, and systems of care that address mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use/abuse.

Read More about Teaching and Learning in Social Work

This seminar introduces students to selected literature on teaching and learning in higher education, including theories of adult learning, the social work education literature, the range of roles and responsibilities of faculty members, and current issues in social work education. 

Read More about Social and Behavioral Intervention Research

This course prepares students to assess intervention research studies that address psychosocial needs, problems, and conditions. It focuses on essential conceptual, methodological and practical issues involved in planning and carrying out such interevention research.

Read More about Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This course begins with the foundations of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches and quickly progresses to application of these techniques to issues commonly seen in clinical practice. "Third wave" CBT approaches are weaved into many of the sessions to enhance standard CBT practices.

• NYSED Homepage
• NYSED Employment
• Board Members Only

Continuing Education for Licensed Master Social Worker

Beginning January 1, 2015 , each Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must complete 36 hours of approved continuing education courses for each triennial registration period. No more than 12 hours of continuing education activities in any 36 month period, or one-third of the total hours in periods of other length, may consist of self-study educational activities from New York State Education Department approved providers.

This site offers information for licensees and entities seeking to be designated as an approved provider of continuing education course work for licensed master social workers and licensed clinical social workers.

Questions and Answers for Licensed Master Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Continuing Education Provider Approval under Section 74.10(i) of the Regulations of the Commissioner

A listing of Providers that have been approved by the Department to offer social work continuing education.

• NYSED Homepage
• NYSED Employment
• Board Members Only

License Requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker

General requirements.

The practice of licensed clinical social work and the use of the title "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" and the designation of "LCSW" or derivatives thereof in New York State requires licensure as a licensed clinical social worker, unless otherwise exempt under the law.

To be licensed as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York State you must:

• be of good moral character;
• be at least 21 years of age;
• have an education that includes a masters degree in social work (M.S.W.) with at least 12 semester hours of clinical coursework acceptable to the Department;
• have at least 3 years of post M.S.W. supervised experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning acceptable to the Department;
• meet clinical examination requirements; and
• complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider.

Note: In most cases you must be licensed and currently registered to practice as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in New York to complete the supervised experience for licensure as an LCSW. Effective September 1, 2004, the practice of licensed clinical social work is restricted to those licensed or authorized under New York law.

You must file an Application for Licensure ( Form 1 ) and the other forms indicated, along with the appropriate fee, to the Office of the Professions at the address specified on each form. It is your responsibility to follow up with anyone you have asked to send us material.

The specific requirements for licensure are contained in Title 8, Article 154 , Section 7704 of New York State Education Law and Part 74 and Section 52.30 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. The Law and Regulations are available in the Laws, Rules & Regulations section of the social work website .

You should also read the general licensing information applicable for all professions.

The fee for licensure and first registration is $294.

The fee for a limited permit is $70 (the limited permit fee is not refundable).

Fees are subject to change. The fee due is the one in law when your application is received (unless fees are increased retroactively). You will be billed for the difference if fees have been increased.

• Do not send cash.
• If you apply for licensure electronically using the online Application for Licensure, you will be required to pay by credit card.
• Other payments must be made by personal check or money order payable to the New York State Education Department. Your cancelled check is your receipt.
• Mail any required forms and fees to the indicated address on the form.

Please Note : Payment submitted from outside the United States should be made by check or draft on a United States bank and in United States currency; payments submitted in any other form will not be accepted and will be returned.

Partial Refunds

Individuals who withdraw their licensure application may be entitled to a partial refund.

• For the procedure to withdraw your application, contact the Social Work Unit by e-mailing [email protected] or by calling 518-474-3817 ext. 592 or by faxing 518-402-2323.
• The State Education Department is not responsible for any fees paid to an outside testing or credentials verification agency.

If you withdraw your application, obtain a refund, and then decide to seek New York State licensure at a later date, you will be considered a new applicant, and you will be required to pay the licensure fee and meet the licensure requirements in place at the time you reapply.

Education Requirements

To meet the professional education requirement for licensure as an LCSW, you must present satisfactory evidence of having received a masters degree in social work, or its equivalent, through completion of a satisfactory graduate program in social work which includes two years of full-time study (at least 60 semester hours, or the equivalent). No more than half of the total hours for the program may be advanced standing credit granted for social work study at the baccalaureate level. The graduate program must include curricular content in the following areas:

• social work values and ethics;
• diversity, social justice, and at-risk populations;
• human behavior in the social environment;
• social welfare policy and service delivery systems;
• foundation and advanced social work practice;
• social work practice evaluation and research;
• a field practicum of at least 900 clock hours in social work integrated with the prescribed curricular content; and
• diagnosis and assessment in clinical social work practice;
• clinical social work treatment; and
• clinical social work practice with general and special populations.

The clinical coursework must be offered by an acceptable two-year graduate social work program, such as one registered by the Department as licensure-qualifying for the LCSW. Coursework may be completed either as part of the M.S.W. degree program or after completion of the program to remedy deficiencies in clinical content. Continuing education is not acceptable for the graduate social work education.

In addition to the professional education requirement, every applicant for LCSW licensure or a limited permit must complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse in accordance with Section 6507(3)(a) of the Education Law. See additional information and a list of approved providers for this training.

Examination Requirements

Please note: New York candidates for the Social Work licensure examination must have received the M.S.W. degree and met the experience requirement, in the determination of the Department, as a condition for admission to the examination. An applicant for licensure may not register for an examination until approved by the Office of the Professions.

Licensure as an LCSW requires successful completion of the "Clinical" examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) or an examination determined by the Department to be comparable in content.

To qualify to take the ASWB examination:

• Submit an Application for Licensure ( Form 1 ) and fee ($294) to the New York State Education Department.
• Request your school to verify your education directly to the New York State Education Department on Form 2 .
• Request your supervisor to submit verification of your supervised experience in diagnosis and psychotherapy on Form 4B to the State Education Department. Applicants for licensure must have the supervised experience approved in order to be admitted to the licensing examination.
• The New York State Education Department must approve your education, experience and all application materials. [We will notify you and ASWB when you have satisfied the examination eligibility requirements.]
• You must register directly with the ASWB to take the Clinical examination. Information and the Candidate Handbook for the examination are available on the ASWB website  or through ASWB’s contact information .

Note: Applicants who have passed the ASWB examination for licensure in another jurisdiction must have ASWB submit the score directly to the Department. We will not accept examination scores from third-parties, including the candidate or other jurisdictions. 

ASWB has an Exam Candidates video that provides an overview of the licensing process in all jurisdictions. In order to be approved to take the Masters or Clinical examination for licensure, you must meet all requirements in law and regulation. Please review the requirements for licensure on this site under the “How to Apply” heading on the left navigation bar.

Reasonable Testing Accommodations

If you have a disability and may require reasonable testing accommodations for the examination, you must complete ASWB's Disability Accommodation Form and submit it with supporting documentation directly to ASWB (see contact information ). If your application for a reasonable accommodation is denied, or you have any complaints about your accommodations, please contact the New York State Board for Social Work (see contact information ).

Note: New York State will not accept an examination given under non-standard conditions such as the use of a dictionary or extra time for applicants whose primary language is other than English. A candidate will be required to retake the examination under standard conditions.

Experience Requirements

To meet the experience requirement for licensure as an LCSW, you must have completed at least 36 months (three years) of supervised experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning, as defined in Section 7704 of the Education Law after receipt of the Master of Social Work Degree.

While an applicant for licensure as an LCSW may provide a range of services that are defined in the Education Law, the only acceptable experience is in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning. The applicant may submit a Plan for Supervised Experience ( Form 6 ) to the State Board for approval prior to starting the supervised experience for licensure in New York.

Experience obtained in New York must be obtained as a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or limited permit holder, except the Department may, in limited circumstances, accept other experience where an applicant demonstrates that such experience was obtained in an authorized setting under the supervision of a qualified supervisor.

Experience obtained in another jurisdiction must be obtained after the applicant completes the master’s degree program in social work required for licensure in licensed clinical social work, as prescribed in Section 74.1 (c) of the Commissioner’s Regulations, and such experience must be obtained in a setting authorized in such jurisdiction to provide such services and be under the supervision of a qualified supervisor acceptable to the Department.

All experience that is completed in New York State must be in a setting that is legally authorized to provide psychotherapy and clinical social work services.

An acceptable setting is:

• A professional corporation, professional limited liability partnership or professional limited liability corporation that is authorized to provide services that include psychotherapy;
• A professional service corporation, registered limited liability partnership, or professional service limited liability company authorized to provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed clinical social work;
• A sole proprietorship owned by a licensee who provides services that are within the scope of his or her profession and services that are within the scope of licensed clinical social work;
• A professional partnership owned by licensees who provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed clinical social work;
• A  program or service operated, regulated, funded, or approved by the Department of Mental Hygiene, the Office of Children and Family Services, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the State Office for the Aging and the Department of Health or a local governmental unit as that term is defined in section 41.03 of the Mental Hygiene Law or a social services district as defined in section 61 of the Social Services Law to provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed clinical social work;
• An entity holding a waiver issued by the Department pursuant to section 6503-a or 6503-b of the Education Law to provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed clinical social work;
• A program or facility authorized under federal law to provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed clinical social work;
• A public elementary, middle or high school authorized by the Education Department to provide school social work services as defined in Part 80-2.3 of the Commissioner’s Regulations, including clinical social work;
• An entity authorized under New York Law or the laws of the jurisdiction in which the entity is located to provide services that are within the scope of practice of licensed clinical social work, including psychotherapy.

The supervisor who submits Form 4B to verify experience is responsible for including the certificate of incorporation for the professional entity, the operating certificate or other authorization for an authorized program or service, a waiver issued by the Department, or other documentation, acceptable to the Department, to demonstrate the setting’s authority to provide professional social work services in New York. For experience completed outside New York, the applicant and supervisor must provide appropriate documentation for the setting in that jurisdiction.

In New York State, a general business corporation or not-for-profit corporation may not provide professional services or employ licensed professionals unless authorized under law. The certificate of incorporation should clarify the purpose of the entity and whether licensed professionals may be employed to provide services that are restricted under Title VIII of the Education Law.

It is your responsibility to practice only under a qualified supervisor and in an authorized setting. You should review the supervisor qualifications and acceptable experience with an employer before you accept a position practicing clinical social work.

*Note: The exemption is defined in Section 8 of Part Y of Chapter 57 of the Laws of 2018 .

Supervision

A LMSW or other qualified individual seeking to meet the experience requirements for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker must be under the supervision of a qualified supervisor, as defined in the Education Law and regulations. Supervision of the clinical social work services provided by an LMSW or qualified individual seeking licensure must meet the following conditions: Supervision of the clinical social work services provided by the applicant shall consist of contact between the applicant and supervisor during which:

• the applicant apprises the supervisor of the diagnosis and treatment of each client;
• the applicant’s cases are discussed;
• the supervisor provides the applicant with oversight and guidance in diagnosing and treating clients;
• the supervisor regularly reviews and evaluates the professional work of the applicant; and
• the supervisor provides at least 100 hours of in-person individual or group clinical supervision, distributed appropriately over the period of the supervised experience.

The supervisor is responsible for maintaining records of the supervised experience, including client contact hours and supervision hours, and then submitting verification of the applicant’s experience to the Department on Form 4B .

The Education Law requires three years of full-time experience or the part-time equivalent over a continuous period not to exceed six years; this may not be reduced, even if the applicant provides more than 2,000 client contact hours in less time.

All client contact hours in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning may be counted toward licensure, if appropriately supervised. The supervisor in each setting should record the client contact hours and supervision hours and submit verification on Form 4B .

Informed Consent:

It is the responsibility of the supervisor/employer to ensure that patients are informed the licensed master social worker (LMSW) is only authorized to practice clinical social work under supervision. The client should understand that the supervisor is responsible for the diagnosis and practice of the LMSW. The LMSW shares with a qualified supervisor information about the diagnosis and treatment of each client and the supervisor is professionally responsible for the services provided by the LMSW. The client should be provided with the supervisor's contact information so the client can share any concerns or questions about the LMSW's practice with the supervisor.

Requirements for Supervisors:

Prior to supervising the applicant, the supervisor must meet the requirements in Education Law, or the equivalent as determined by the Department.

Supervision of applicants for the LCSW must be provided by a:

• LCSW licensed in New York State or, for supervision completed in another jurisdiction, the equivalent qualifications as determined by the Department; or
• Psychologist who, at the time of supervision of the applicant, was licensed as a psychologist in the state where supervision occurred, was qualified in psychotherapy as determined by the Department based upon the Department's review of the psychologist's education and training, including but not limited to education and training in psychotherapy obtained through completion of a program in psychotherapy registered pursuant to Part 52 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education or a program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association; or
• Physician who, at the time of supervision of the applicant, was a diplomate in psychiatry of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. or had the equivalent training and experience as determined by the Department.

A supervisor may not have a familial relationship with the applicant, as such dual relationships may constitute a charge of unprofessional conduct under the Education Law and Regents Rules.

Supervisor Qualifications:

An applicant who completed supervised experience in another jurisdiction must have the Supervisor's qualifications reviewed by the Department. You must have the supervisor submit an Approval of Qualifications to Supervise Psychotherapy ( Form 4Q ) with the verification of the applicant’s experience to allow the Department to determine whether the supervisor is qualified in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning.

Supervisor Responsibility:

The supervisor is legally and professionally responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of each client and must have access to all relevant information. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide appropriate supervision as an LMSW may only practice clinical social work under supervision. Any arrangements for third-party supervision must include a written agreement between the employer, third-party supervisor and the LMSW to specify the supervisor's access to clients and client records to ensure appropriate supervision of the LMSW. The supervisor must be employed by the employer, not the LMSW. The client must be informed of how confidential information is handled in the case of third-party supervision and how to raise questions with the employer and/or third-party supervisor.

Note: If, at the time of the application, a supervisor is deceased, the experience may be attested to by a licensed colleague who meets the definition of a qualified supervisor. The licensed colleague must provide the qualifications of the supervisor and attest to direct knowledge of the supervised experience. Filing a false statement may result in a charge of unprofessional conduct against the applicant and licensed colleague.

Supervision Plan:

The applicant for licensure as a licensed clinical social worker may submit to the State Board for Social Work a plan for supervised experience for review and approval. The plan shall be documented on Form 6 submitted with the $10 fee and include:

• a copy of documentation establishing that the agency or setting is an acceptable setting as defined in Part 74.6(a) of the Commissioner’s Regulations;
• a copy of the license of the qualified supervisor, who must be licensed and registered to practice in New York as an LCSW, a licensed psychologist, or a psychiatrist;
• a plan for supervision of the qualified individual accompanied by an attestation from the supervisor(s) that he/she is responsible for any services provided by the individual;
• if a third-party is supervising the qualified individual, an affirmation from a designated representative of the setting that the setting is authorized to provide clinical social work services and that the setting will ensure appropriate supervision of the qualified individual when the individual is performing such services.

While the plan may be approved, the applicant’s supervised experience must be documented by the supervisor named in the plan on Form 4B . An applicant who does not file a plan for practice under a qualified supervisor in an acceptable setting must be individually evaluated and clarification may be required, delaying the review of the supervised experience.

If you submit an additional Form 6, an additional fee is not required.

Definition of Terms

Licensed Clinical Social Worker : The practice of licensed clinical social work encompasses the scope of practice of licensed master social work and, in addition, includes the diagnosis of mental, emotional, behavioral, addictive and developmental disorders and disabilities and of the psychosocial aspects of illness, injury, disability and impairment undertaken within a psychosocial framework; administration and interpretation of tests and measures of psychosocial functioning; development and implementation of appropriate assessment-based treatment plans; and the provision of crisis oriented psychotherapy and brief, short-term and long-term psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic treatment to individuals, couples, families and groups, habilitation, psychoanalysis and behavior therapy; all undertaken for the purpose of preventing, assessing, treating, ameliorating and resolving psychosocial dysfunction with the goal of maintaining and enhancing the mental, emotional, behavioral and social functioning and well-being of individuals, couples, families, small groups, organizations, communities and society.

Diagnosis : Diagnosis in the context of licensed clinical social work practice is the process of distinguishing, beyond general social work assessment, between similar mental, emotional, behavioral, developmental and addictive disorders, impairments and disabilities within a psychosocial framework on the basis of their similar and unique characteristics consistent with accepted classification systems.

Psychotherapy : Psychotherapy in the context of licensed clinical social work practice is the use of verbal methods in interpersonal relationships with the intent of assisting a person or persons to modify attitudes and behavior which are intellectually, socially, or emotionally maladaptive.

Assessment-based treatment plans : Development of assessment-based treatment plans in the context of licensed clinical social work practice refers to the development of an integrated plan of prioritized interventions, that is based on the diagnosis and psychosocial assessment of the client, to address mental, emotional, behavioral, developmental and addictive disorders, impairments and disabilities, reactions to illnesses, injuries, disabilities and impairments, and social problems.

Applicants Licensed in Another State

Endorsement, often referred to as reciprocity, is available to an applicant for LCSW who was licensed as a clinical social worker in another jurisdiction and has at least 10 years of practice in the 15 years prior to application. The initial license must have been issued on the basis of meeting requirements similar to those in New York State, including:

• MSW degree with clinical content;
• Post-MSW supervised experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning, and;
• ASWB clinical social work examination.

An application for endorsement of a clinical social work license must include:

• an Application for Licensure ( Form 1 ) and the $294 fee for licensure and first registration;
• verification of a Master of Social Work degree, acceptable to the Department ( Form 2 );
• verification for the initial basis of licensure and verification of good standing in each jurisdiction in which you are licensed to practice a profession ( Form 3 );
• a list of supervisors who will verify at least 10 years of practice in clinical social work in the 15 years prior to application for licensure by endorsement ( Form 4E );
• verification of clinical examination score from ASWB;
• verification of your licensed practice of at least 10 years by licensed colleague(s) ( Form 4F ); and
• be of good moral character, as determined by the Department.

An individual who does not meet the requirements for endorsement of a clinical social work license must apply for LCSW using the standard methods and meet all requirements for initial licensure in New York State.

Full documentation of compliance with all New York State licensure requirements, including professional education, moral character, and experience, must be submitted directly to the Department by the appropriate entity, not by the applicant.

An individual licensed in another jurisdiction may not practice in New York without being licensed. If the applicant does not meet the requirement for licensure as an LCSW, you must apply for licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in order to practice under supervision in New York while meeting the requirements for licensure as an LCSW.

Limited Permits

A limited permit allows an individual who has met all requirements for licensure as an LCSW except the licensing examination to practice as an LCSW provided that the individual is under the general supervision of an LCSW. To be eligible for a limited permit, you must:

• submit an Application for Licensure ( Form 1 ) and the $294 fee for licensure and first registration;
• have your school verify completion of the M.S.W. degree ( Form 2 );
• have your supervisor verify at least three years of full-time experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning ( Forms 4 and 4B );
• submit proof of completion of coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider; and
• be at least 21 years of age and be of good moral character as determined by the Department.

You may apply for a limited permit ( Form 5 ) at the same time as or any time after you submit your Application for Licensure ( Form 1 ). The fee for a limited permit is $70.

The limited permit is issued for a specific employment setting and the permit holder must be under the supervision of an LCSW. A private practice that is owned or operated by the applicant is not lawful and would not be an acceptable setting for a limited permit holder.

The limited permit supervisor is responsible for services provided by the permit holder. A licensee may not supervise more than 5 permit holders. Limited permits are valid for a period of one year and are not renewable. A limited permit cannot be issued until the Department has determined that you have satisfied all requirements for licensure except the licensing examination .

Limited permits are not issued to applicants for employment in public schools. Such applicants should apply for a provisional school social worker credential through the Office of Teaching Initiatives. See more information on the Office of Teaching Initiatives’ website .

Requirements at a Glance

You may print and keep this  checklist  as a reminder of what forms you need to file. This is for your reference and should not be submitted with your application forms. You should also keep a copy of all application forms submitted.

• QUICK LINKS

Master of Social Work

Program Overview

The MSW degree is offered as a traditional Two-Year Full-Time, Accelerated Full-Time, One-Year Residency, Accelerated One-Year Residency, and an Advanced Standing Program. MSW students are also provided the option to choose a specialization in a field of practice.

Students must obtain a total of 60 credits to complete the MSW degree.

Two-Year Full-Time Program

The Two-Year Full-Time Program is designed for students who can devote themselves to full-time academic and field-based study. Students are expected to attend classes two days a week with their pathway cohort, and to attend their field placement three days a week during standard business hours.

Students usually complete the 60 credit program in five semesters plus two intervening summers.

Accelerated Full-Time Program

The Accelerated Full-Time Program is designed for students ready to participate in an intensive, year-round learning experience. Students can complete the 60-credit program in five semesters. Because of its uninterrupted trajectory and intensive academic nature, the Accelerated Full-Time Program is among the most very rigorous programs offered at the Silberman School of Social Work.

The only method available in this program is Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups.

One-Year Residency (OYR) Program

Launched in the early 1970s to serve New York’s dedicated social service workers who could not pursue graduate education while working, the OYR Program ensures that students can obtain the MSW while continuing to work. It does this by integrating the student’s professional environment with their MSW degree path.

Accelerated One-Year Residency (OYR) Program

This accelerated version of Silberman’s One-Year Residency (OYR) Program (see previous) is an intensive program for OYR students prepared to participate in a highly rigorous curriculum. Students can complete the 60-credit program in five semesters.

Advanced Standing Program

This program is designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate in social work (BSW) degree from a Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work program. Applicants must have received the BSW degree within the five years prior to application. Applicants accepted into the program receive credit for the first year of the MSW program. Applicant must meet all other admissions criteria for acceptance into the graduate social work program at Silberman. Students can complete the 36 credit program in three semesters.

The available methods in this program are Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups and Community Organization, Planning, and Development.

All MSW students at the Silberman School of Social Work concentrate (major) in one of three Practice Methods. A student’s chosen Practice Method serves as the foundation of their academic and professional experience throughout their time in the program. MSW Applicants select one Method when applying to the program.

The three Practice Methods offered are:

Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups (CPIFG)

This Method introduces students to agency-based clinical practice in the urban environment. Clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions are taught from a biopsychosocial perspective. Clinical Practice prepares students through evidence-based theory and practice to provide psychosocial care to individuals, couples, families, and small groups. Clinical social workers help these clients to enact psychological and interpersonal change, increase their access to social and economic resources, and maintain and enhance their capacities and strengths. For a list of core CPIFG courses, please see MSW Program Curriculum.

Community Organizing, Planning and Development (COP&D)

This Method develops students’ competence for community-based social work practice. It stresses the skills, techniques, and strategies needed to mobilize both people and resources to solve basic social problems at either the neighborhood or citywide level. Focus is placed on social planning and social reform, as aspects of social work practice toward alleviating individual and family problems. Education, training, and field practicums are developed in collective action, advocacy, program evaluation, proposal writing, community outreach, legislative advocacy, and other vital, diverse organizing roles. For a list of core COP&D courses, please see MSW Program Curriculum.

Organizational Management & Leadership (OML)

Students in this Method are prepared to assume varied management positions in social agencies (including the traditional supervisory, middle management, and executive positions) as well as jobs as program planners and analysts, staff trainers, program directors, or budget analysts. They will develop conscious and strategic use of self in managing the complex tasks of program managers. Students seeking to concentrate in OML should have some prior management experience either in social work or at a human services agency. For a list of core OML courses, please see MSW Program Curriculum.

The School of Social Work offers students the option to choose a specialization in a field of practice (FOP). As a reflection of both our commitment to a social justice and human rights framework and the nature of the service systems where we do our work, the School has chosen the following practice specializations for your consideration.

Each of these areas is linked to a universal human right, including:

• Child Welfare: Children, Youth, and Families
• Criminal Justice
• Global Social Work and Practice with Immigrants and Refugees
• Mental Health
• School Social Work
• Sexuality and Gender
• World of Work

You must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for admission. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges
• Statement of Purpose (Recommended 3-4 pages)
• Two Letters of Recommendation (Professional or Academic)
• Non-refundable $75 application fee. If you are currently a Hunter student and plan to apply to the program the following semester, your application fee may be waived.

Additional criteria may be required depending on the specific MSW degree program for which you seek admission. Please review the Admission Requirements listed on the department's website.

Providing an exceptional academic value is what we do best. See how Hunter's annual tuition compares against other top MSW programs in the area.

Career Paths

The career paths for individuals with a MSW can vary widely, and salaries can be influenced by factors such as experience, expertise, location, and the specific field. Here are ten potential career paths and salary ranges for MSW graduates

Assisting families and children involved in child welfare concerns.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000+

Providing mental health therapy and counseling to individuals, families, and groups.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $100,000+

Advocating for and mobilizing communities to address social justice issues.

Salary range: $45,000 - $75,000

Supporting victims of domestic violence and helping them achieve safety and well-being.

Salary Range: $45,000 - $65,000

Assisting older adults with navigating issues related to aging, health, and social services.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $70,000

Providing psychosocial support and case management to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Salary Range: $55,000 - $80,000

Supporting students' social, emotional, and academic needs within the school environment.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $75,000

Providing therapy and support services to individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction.

Salary Range: $45,000 - $70,000

Assisting individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment.

Working with high-risk youth to provide support, guidance, and access to resources.

Salary Range: $40,000 - $55,000

Application Deadline

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Hunter College may consider late applications on a rolling basis pending space is still available in the program.

Two-Year Full-Time Program, One-Year Residency Program, Advanced Standing Program

Accelerated full-time program, accelerated one-year residency program.

Some programs may extend their application deadlines beyond those listed above. Please contact Graduate Admissions for specific information.

Students Educated Outside the US

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have taken all or part of their undergraduate education in a country where English is not the native language are required to submit scores on the  Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL ) or the  International English Language Testing System (IELTS ). The following minimum scores must be obtained:

• TOEFL iBT: 80/ Paper Based Test: 550/ Computer Based Test: 213
• IELTS: 6.5 Overall Band Score

Ready to Apply?

Get started on your application now or visit the academic department's website to learn more about this graduate program.

Contact the Program

• Find Your Division
• Find A Social Worker
• National NASW
• NASW-NYS Continuing Education

Continuing Education Partnership Program

Continuing Education Partnership Program (CEPP)

***Please note: The Continuing Education Partnership Program (CEPP) is currently suspended due to staff capacity. No new program proposals will be accepted as of December 14, 2023. We anticipate reopening CEPP in the summer of 2024. To learn how to become an approved provider through NYSED, click here. 

What is CEPP?

The Continuing Education Partnership Program (CEPP) gives organizations, agencies, and individuals offering educational programming the opportunity to partner with NASW-NYS, an approved provider through the New York State Education Department (NYSED), to provide CEs.

As part of the NASW-NYS mission to promote the development and enhancement of social work practice, CEPP exists to partner with organizations looking to provide quality, affordable, accessible, and diverse continuing education (CE) opportunities to social workers in New York State. The CEPP approval and partnership process has been developed to assure that approved programs meet the state of New York continuing education requirements, uphold NASW-NYS’s high level of educational quality, promote educational events that will advance professional development, and enhance social work services to clients and the community.

Your program must be at least 6 weeks away from your application date in order to be considered for approval. There are no exceptions. 

Who can apply to CEPP?

All program partners who offer continuing education programs that are relevant to social workers may submit an application. CEPP only accepts in person programming, including individual workshops and multi-day conferences,  and online live programs.

Examples of Provider Partners

• an agency/organization
• a hospital or clinic
• a department of social work
• a college/university
• a professional organization or another similar body
• individuals

Application Process

Application Checklist

• NASW-NYS Program Form
• A resume/vitae must be submitted for every program presenter
• Any program content to support your submission (PowerPoint presentations, lecture notes, CDs/DVDs, etc.)
• Application fee of $35.00 (due upon submission)

Submission Results

The CEPP will commence processing your application upon receipt of application fee and materials. NASW-NYS will contact you directly if further information is required for review. You will be notified of the submission results through your identified contact e-mail email within 15 business days. If rejected, you will receive a letter stating the reason and may be given the opportunity to edit your content in order to bring it into NYSED compliance. NASW-NYS reserves the right to deny any program.

If your program is accepted into CEPP, NASW-NYS will work with you to create a CEPP Agreement tailored to the needs of your program.

CEPP Package Fees

Not seeing the type of program support you require here? We are happy to work with you to develop a package that works best for you, your program, and your intended audience.

General CEPP Policies

The Provider Partner agrees to:

• Maintain responsibility for all contractual agreements with program-related vendors
• Identify NASW-NYS as the program sponsor, and include NASW-NYS logos on all promotional materials
• Include the required NYSED language supplied upon approval of program on all promotional materials
• Provide at least a 20% discounted rate for NASW members
• Oversee all day-of sign-in/sign-out, onsite registration, and evaluation responsibilities unless Day-of Coordination services are purchased
• Registrant spreadsheet must include first name, last name, e-mail address, mailing address, and phone number of all attendees
• Provide NASW-NYS with copy of all on-site registrations within 3 business days of the program if Registration Development services are not purchased
• Provide NASW-NYS with copy of all program evaluations within 3 business days of the program if Registration Development services are not purchased
• Provide NASW-NYS with copy of sign-in/sign-out sheet(s) with individual participant signatures within 3 business days of the program if Registration Development services are not purchased

Provider Partners who fail to provide the post-event documentation will not receive continuing education credits for their program(s) participants, and their CEPP Package fee will not be reimbursed.

NASW-NYS Agrees to:

• Review presenter credentials and program content to ensure that program meets the NYSED regulations for social work continuing education credit and provide confirmation of approval or feedback on necessary changes to receive approval within 2 months
• Maintain all post-program records including sign-in sheets, program evaluations, on-site registrations, and certificates of completion, as required by NYSED, after completion of each program(s)
• Provide the Provider Partner with an invoice within 5 business days after the signing of the CEPP Agreement
• Disseminate CE certificates to all attendees within 10 business days after receiving the day-of sign-in sheet(s) from Provider Partner

NASW-NYS Provider ID#

NASW – New York State Chapter is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers: Provider ID #0014.

NASW – New York State Chapter is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists. #MFT-0037.

NASW – New York State Chapter is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0053.

NASW – New York State Chapter is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists. #PSY-0088.

CEPP Application Checklist

Submit to: [email protected]

Questions about CEPP? Email us at [email protected]