LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS License in Tennessee
Quick Answer
Tennessee licenses social workers at four tiers including the less common LAPSW designation, with the LCSW requiring two years of supervised clinical experience. Tennessee was an early adopter of the Social Work Licensure Compact. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $480.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $480 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS license in Tennessee
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $150
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $100
- Total Estimated Cost
- $480
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS license in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee licensing board.
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS Salary in Tennessee
Entry Level
$26,380
Median
$52,060
Experienced
$108,160
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 WORKERS in Tennessee.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Exam (level varies)
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$150.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS Licensing in Tennessee: What to Know
Tennessee licenses social workers through the Board of Social Worker Licensure under the Department of Health, offering Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) credentials. The LCSW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least two years of supervised clinical experience. Tennessee's LAPSW is a less common designation that provides additional practice authority. Continuing education is required for biennial renewal. Tennessee was among the first states to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, recognizing the need for interstate practice mobility. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville metro areas have the strongest demand for social workers, while rural East and West Tennessee face workforce shortages. The University of Tennessee has a well-regarded social work program. The opioid crisis has particularly affected rural Tennessee, increasing demand for clinical social workers in substance abuse treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS license cost in Tennessee?
- The estimated total cost is $480, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS license in Tennessee?
- 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 LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS license in Tennessee?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.