LicenseCompass

Master's Level Social Worker License in Connecticut

Quick Answer

Connecticut licenses Master's Level Social Workers and notably suspended the ASWB master's exam requirement through January 1, 2026, due to racial disparity concerns. An MSW degree and state application are required. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $555.

Exam
ASWB Masters Exam (suspended through Jan 1, 2026)
Total Cost
$555 (est.)
Timeline
6 years (MSW education) + 2-6 months (licensing)
Renewal
Every 1 year

Requirements

Master's Level Social Worker license in Connecticut

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
State exam required
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$175
Exam Fee
$230
Renewal Fee
$150
Total Estimated Cost
$555

Licensing Agency

Department of Public Health~Health Care Systems Branch~Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Master's Level Social Worker license in Connecticut. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$175
Exam FeeEst.$230
Total Estimated Cost$405

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Connecticut licensing board.

Master's Level Social Worker Salary in Connecticut

Entry Level

$46,170

Median

$68,510

Experienced

$107,760

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Master's Level Social Worker in Connecticut.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Pass the Required Exam

    State exam required — ASWB Masters Exam (suspended through Jan 1, 2026)

  3. 3

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$175.

  4. 4

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 6 years (MSW education) + 2-6 months (licensing).

Master's Level Social Worker Licensing in Connecticut: What to Know

Connecticut licenses Master's Level Social Workers through a state exam process. Notably, Connecticut suspended the ASWB master's level exam requirement through January 1, 2026, joining several states that paused the exam due to documented racial disparities in pass rates. During this suspension period, applicants could obtain licensure without passing the ASWB exam, though they still needed to meet all other requirements including an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Connecticut offers multiple social work license tiers and requires a degree for licensure. The state has strong demand for social workers in behavioral health, child protective services, and school settings, particularly in urban areas such as Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport. Connecticut's Department of Public Health oversees social work licensing. The state has been monitoring the ASWB's efforts to address exam equity concerns before reinstating the requirement. Connecticut has not yet joined the Social Work Licensure Compact but has participated in national discussions about interstate practice mobility for social workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Master's Level Social Worker license cost in Connecticut?
The estimated total cost is $555, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Master's Level Social Worker license in Connecticut?
The process typically takes 6 years (MSW education) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Master's Level Social Worker license in Connecticut?
You need to pass the ASWB Masters Exam (suspended through Jan 1, 2026). State exam required

Considering another state?

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.