If you are interested in having a positive impact on people’s lives, consider a career as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Social workers provide counseling, support, case management, and other human services to people in need.

A social service career offers an incredibly diverse range of work environments—from school social work and child welfare to hospitals, non-profit organizations, and even private practice as a therapist. You can be a healthcare social worker, a child welfare social worker, or an advocate for social justice.

To become a social worker in California, it is important to note that education and licensing requirements vary depending on the type of social service. Fortunately, this comprehensive guide will help you answer the question, how long does it take to become a social worker in California?

Key Takeaways

• To become a licensed clinical social worker in California, you must earn a CSWE-accredited MSW degree through either a Traditional or Advanced Standing program.
• The licensure journey involves registering as an Associate Social Worker, accruing 3,000 supervised hours, and passing both the Law and Ethics and ASWB Clinical exams.
• While non-clinical roles often do not require licensure, clinical practice demands it to legally diagnose mental health conditions and provide independent therapy services.

What Are Social Worker Requirements in California?

The requirements to become a social worker in California depend on the type of social work career you wish to pursue. Broadly speaking, social work falls into two categories:

• Clinical social work – Clinical social work involves diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in a variety of social and professional settings, thus requiring licensure through the California Board of Behavioral Science (BBS). To qualify for licensure, candidates must complete a CSWE-accredited MSW program, regardless of whether that program is Traditional or Advanced Standing. Wondering “What is an MSW degree?” It’s a master’s-level professional degree in advanced social work that combines classroom instruction with supervised field education to prepare graduates for clinical practice and licensure.
• Non-clinical social work – This type of social work is often called macro social work. It focuses on social and economic justice a reality by making broader changes within the systems, policies, and agencies that shape communities and environments. In California, non-clinical social workers are not required to obtain social work licensure because they do not provide clinical services directly to clients. Some related roles, for example, in school settings, may instead require an MAE in School Counseling or a similar education credential, depending on the employer.

8 Steps to Becoming a Social Worker in California

Becoming a social worker in California follows a structured path, but there is more than one academic route to get there. Many prospective students ask, “How long does it take to become a social worker,” and the answer depends largely on the degree pathway you choose. Today, prospective students typically choose between two master of social work (MSW) pathways: a Traditional MSW or an Advanced Standing MSW degree program, depending on their prior education and how long it takes to complete the required units.

• A Traditional MSW is designed for students whose undergraduate degree is in a field other than social work.
• An Advanced Standing MSW is reserved for students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW degree) from a CSWE-accredited program. This allows them to move through graduate education on an accelerated timeline.

Both pathways can lead to licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) when completed through a CSWE-accredited program. The difference lies in how long the academic portion takes, not in the professional standards required after graduation.

With that context in mind, the first step begins before graduate school.

#1 Earn A Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is required to enter an MSW program. This degree does not have to be in social work. However, students who earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program may qualify for Advanced Standing MSW programs, allowing them to complete graduate education in less time.

Students with bachelor’s degrees in psychology, sociology, human services, education, or related fields typically pursue a Traditional MSW.

#2 Obtain A Master’s Degree

To become a licensed clinical social worker in California, you must earn a Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program. California MSW programs include approximately 60 units of coursework covering human behavior, social systems, clinical practice, ethics, and policy, along with supervised field education. Many applicants ask, “How long does it take to get a MSW degree?” Traditional programs typically range from two to four years, depending on enrollment status, while Advanced Standing options are often shorter.

At this stage, students generally follow one of two academic tracks:

Traditional MSW Program

A Traditional MSW is designed for students without a prior social worker degree. It includes foundational coursework in generalist social work practice before moving into advanced clinical or macro training.

Depending on enrollment status, these programs typically take 2 to 4 years to complete.

Advanced Standing MSW Program

An Advanced Standing MSW is designed for students who already hold a CSWE-accredited BSW.

Because foundational coursework has already been completed at the undergraduate level, these programs allow students to waive introductory classes and move directly into advanced practice. Many Advanced Standing programs can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months.

Both pathways meet California’s educational requirements for licensure.

#3 Complete Additional Coursework Required In California

After completing your degree, you’ll need to take a few more short (3- to 15-hour) courses required by the state.^[1] Social workers must complete these to ensure they can handle specific roles safely. These additional courses are:

• Suicide risk assessment and intervention
• Child abuse assessment and reporting in California
• Human sexuality
• Alcoholism and other chemical substance abuse and dependency
• Provisions of mental health services via telehealth
• Aging, long-term care, and elder/dependent adult abuse
• Spousal/partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention

#4 Take California-Specific Courses (If Applicable)

Degrees earned outside California typically require additional coursework in California cultures, socioeconomic context, and state law and ethics to meet licensure requirements.

#5 Register As An Associate Social Worker (ASW)

In California, pre-licensure medical social workers are known as associates. Before you can begin your supervised training hours, you must register with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) as an ASW.^[2]

This requires filling out an application and submitting your transcripts, proof of additional coursework, fingerprints, and a $150 registration fee.

#6 Complete Your Post-Degree Supervised Hours

The BBS requires California LCSW candidates to complete 3,000 hours of supervised work after completing their degree.^[3] These hours of social work service must be completed over a minimum of 2 years.

#7 Pass the California Law and Ethics Exam and ASWB Clinical Exam

After completing your supervised hours, you are ready to take the two exams required to become a licensed social work clinician. This process involves passing the national examination provided by the Association of Social Work Boards. If you fail either exam, you must wait 90 days before trying again.

Once you pass this exam, you will need to submit your social work license application along with your $200 license fee within one year.

Becoming a Non-clinical Social Worker in California

Non-clinical social workers are not required to obtain social work licensure in California, but employers will typically require a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field.  Many professionals still pursue a master’s because the MSW benefits include eligibility for leadership roles in social services.

Some employers may also want additional certifications from organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers. Certifications may include Certified Social Worker in Health Care or Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager.

License Renewal and Continuing Education Opportunities

Once you have obtained your license, you will need to meet certain requirements to keep it valid. California requires licensees to:

• Renew their license every two years
• Pay the renewal fee of $220
• Complete 36 hours of continuing education (CE) courses during the two-year licensing period. (If you are in your first two years as an LCSW, the CE requirements are slightly lower: Only 18 hours of CE are needed during your first two years of licensure.)

It is also important to pay your license renewal fees on time to avoid legal problems and penalties.

Start Your Social Work Career at Alliant

A career in social work may be the right fit if you are looking for a profession that lets you help individuals overcome mental health struggles and other social welfare challenges. Family and school social workers focus on connecting those in need with resources that can help enhance their lives. They also work to improve cultural and societal systems at the root of problems, like homelessness, poverty, and substance abuse.

If you are ready to embark on your career as a social worker, Alliant University can help. Our MSW degree builds on CSPP’s 50+ year multicultural legacy, offering training that empowers students to advocate for equity and inclusion within California’s diverse communities.

Our online MSW degree meets California’s licensure requirements and adheres to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards. With Alliant, you can access world-class education no matter where you live and start on the path to becoming a social worker in California.

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Sources:

^[1] NASW. “Clinical Social Work Resources – National Association of Social Workers – California.”  National Association of Social Workers | California Chapter. January 1, 2026. https://www.naswca.org/page/ca-lcsw-license. Accessed January 30, 2026.

^[2] BBS. “Licensed Clinical Social Worker – Board of Behavioral Sciences.” California Board of Behavioral Sciences. January 1, 2026. https://www.bbs.ca.gov/applicants/lcsw.html. Accessed January 30, 2026.

^[3] State of California. “Licensed Clinical Social Worker – Application for Licensure”. Board of Behavioral Sciences. October 8, 2024. https://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/lcs/lcsapp.pdf. Accessed January 30, 2026.