Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License in California
Quick Answer
To become an LCSW in California, you must first register as an Associate Social Worker ($250 application), complete 3,200 supervised clinical hours, pass both the ASWB Clinical exam and California's Clinical Vignette exam, and pay approximately $849 in total initial fees. California is not part of the Social Work Licensure Compact and requires a state-specific license.
- Exam
- ASWB Clinical Exam + California Clinical Vignette Exam
- Total Cost
- $849 (est.)
- Timeline
- 6-8 years (MSW + supervised experience) + 3-6 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license in California
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $200
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $250
- Total Estimated Cost
- $849
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license in California. 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 California licensing board.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Salary in California
Entry Level
$45,150
Median
$70,440
Experienced
$133,970
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 Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California.
- 1
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$200.
- 2
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 6-8 years (MSW + supervised experience) + 3-6 months (licensing).
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Licensing in California: What to Know
California's social work licensing is among the most detailed in the nation. The state issues the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential through the Board of Behavioral Sciences. The pathway begins with registering as an Associate Social Worker (ASW) at $250 application plus $250 renewal, then completing 3,200 hours of supervised clinical experience over a minimum of two years. The initial LCSW application is $200, with DOJ fingerprinting at $32 and FBI fingerprinting at $17. The initial license fee is capped at $100. California requires two exams: the ASWB Clinical exam and the California-specific Clinical Vignette written exam. Continuing education of 36 hours is required biennially. California has not joined the Social Work Licensure Compact and requires a state-specific license. The state has enormous demand for clinical social workers in community mental health, schools, hospitals, and private practice. California's diverse population creates need for multilingual, culturally responsive social workers across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license cost in California?
- The estimated total cost is $849, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license in California?
- The process typically takes 6-8 years (MSW + supervised experience) + 3-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license in California?
- You need to pass the ASWB Clinical Exam + California Clinical Vignette Exam. N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.