Licensed Clinical Social Worker License in Alabama
Quick Answer
To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alabama, you need an MSW degree, two years of supervised clinical experience, passage of the ASWB Clinical exam, and no felony convictions. Continuing education is required for renewal. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $530.
- Exam
- ASWB Clinical Exam
- Total Cost
- $530 (est.)
- Timeline
- 6-8 years (MSW + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Licensed Clinical Social Worker license in Alabama
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $150
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $150
- Total Estimated Cost
- $530
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Clinical Social Worker license in Alabama. 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 Alabama licensing board.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Salary in Alabama
Entry Level
$47,620
Median
$89,170
Experienced
$110,090
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 in Alabama.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Felony convictions prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Clinical Exam
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$150.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 6-8 years (MSW + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Licensing in Alabama: What to Know
Alabama's primary social work license identified through regulatory data is the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), which requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, passage of the ASWB Clinical exam, and completion of supervised clinical experience. Alabama also licenses at the LBSW and LMSW tiers. To obtain the LCSW, candidates must complete at least two years of post-master's supervised clinical experience under an approved supervisor. Continuing education is required for biennial renewal, typically 30 hours. Felony convictions are a prohibiting factor for licensure. Alabama has not suspended the ASWB exam requirement despite national discussions about racial disparities in exam pass rates. The state has strong demand for clinical social workers in both rural and urban areas, with the Alabama Department of Mental Health and community mental health centers being major employers. Alabama has been exploring participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact to facilitate interstate mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker license cost in Alabama?
- The estimated total cost is $530, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Licensed Clinical Social Worker license in Alabama?
- The process typically takes 6-8 years (MSW + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker license in Alabama?
- You need to pass the ASWB Clinical Exam. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Licensed Clinical Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.