SOCIAL WORKER ASSISTANT License in Massachusetts
Quick Answer
Massachusetts offers three social work license tiers, with the LICSW (clinical independent practice) requiring 3,360 supervised clinical hours. The appropriate ASWB exam is required at each level. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $555. Massachusetts has been active in ASWB exam equity discussions.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $555 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
SOCIAL WORKER ASSISTANT license in Massachusetts
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $175
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $150
- Total Estimated Cost
- $555
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your SOCIAL WORKER ASSISTANT license in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts licensing board.
SOCIAL WORKER ASSISTANT Salary in Massachusetts
Entry Level
$60,270
Median
$94,000
Experienced
$122,910
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed SOCIAL WORKER ASSISTANT in Massachusetts.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 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: ~$175.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
SOCIAL WORKER ASSISTANT Licensing in Massachusetts: What to Know
Massachusetts licenses social workers through the Board of Registration of Social Workers, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) credentials. The LICSW is the clinical-level license required for independent practice and insurance panel participation. It requires an MSW, passage of the ASWB Clinical exam, and completion of at least 3,360 hours of supervised clinical experience. Massachusetts was one of the states that actively considered suspending the ASWB exam requirement due to racial disparities. Continuing education of 30 hours is required biennially. Massachusetts has some of the nation's top social work programs at Boston University, Boston College, Simmons University, and Smith College. The Boston metro area has a high concentration of social work positions in hospitals, community mental health centers, and academic medical centers. Massachusetts has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact and offers some provisions for military spouse licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a SOCIAL WORKER ASSISTANT license cost in Massachusetts?
- The estimated total cost is $555, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a SOCIAL WORKER ASSISTANT license in Massachusetts?
- 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 SOCIAL WORKER ASSISTANT license in Massachusetts?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare SOCIAL WORKER ASSISTANT requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.