LMSW vs. LCSW: What’s the Difference?
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The myriad of social work career paths may seem like alphabet soup, which is true with LMSW vs. LCSW credentials.
The differences between a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) are slight but clear. Both social work licensure levels allow you to work with patients who need help through a crisis or challenge in their lives. Where they vary is in the social worker’s scope of work and clinical experience requirements.
What is an LMSW?
An LMSW is someone with a master’s-level social work license.
Holding this license allows you to work with patients but limits the kind of care you can provide. Clinical care, including many forms of therapy, can be administered by an LMSW but only under the supervision of an LCSW, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist.
As an LMSW, you instead aid patients in more broad strokes. This includes working as a case manager, advocating for underserved groups, or helping clients access helpful resources.
To become an LMSW, you must earn a master’s in social work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and pass a licensing examination.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What is an LCSW?
An LCSW is a social worker who can provide clinical care to patients without supervision.
This clinical license allows LCSWs to administer psychiatric care to patients. An LCSW has all the same responsibilities as an LMSW, but they may also provide one-on-one or group counseling to clients needing help.
You must also earn a degree from a CSWE-accredited master’s program to become an LCSW and pass the relevant examination. You will also need to complete supervised clinical experiences.
Key Differences Between an LMSW and LCSW
The key difference between an LMSW and an LCSW is the license requirements and the kind of care each social worker can provide.
You’ll need to complete more supervised clinical work experience to become an LCSW. Because of this added requirement, you may enjoy more autonomy as an LCSW than an LMSW. You’ll also be able to provide clinical care without supervision as an LCSW.
Social work licensure requirements and titles vary by state, so check your state’s requirements when determining which path is best for you.
| LMSW | LCSW | |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Requirements | Master’s Degree | Master’s Degree |
| Supervision Hours | 900 – 1,200 hours | 3,000 – 4,000 hours |
| Exam Requirements | Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Exam | ASWB Clinical Exam |
| Earning Potential (Avg. Salary, July 2024) | $55,380 | $66,350 |
| Career Opportunities |
|
|
Should I Become an LMSW or LCSW?
Choosing between an LMSW or LCSW ultimately comes down to your career goals.
Do you want to provide individualized clinical care to patients? If so, then becoming an LCSW is likely the better option. If you see yourself providing more general care to patients or advocating on behalf of larger groups, then an LMSW will suffice.
3 Reasons to get an LMSW License
Requires less clinical experience to earn a license- Opens the door to most social work careers in less time than an LCSW
- Can be earned through an online program, besides limited practicum requirements
3 Reasons to get an LCSW License
- Allows you to provide clinical, individualized care to clients in need without supervision
- Can lead to higher salaries and better opportunities for leadership positions
- Employers may give an advantage to LCSW license-holders over those with an LMSW
Frequently Asked Questions About LCSW and LMSW Licenses
You can retake the LCSW exam if you fail, but you’ll need to wait at least 90 days in most instances.
After taking the exam, you will receive an unofficial score report from ASWB, which shows the areas you need to improve on for your next attempt. Some states limit the number of times you can retake the exam, and you’ll need to pay the fee with each attempt.
Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed July 11, 2024.
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