Social Worker (Licensed Clinical) License in Louisiana
Quick Answer
Louisiana licenses social workers at multiple tiers, with the LCSW requiring 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. The appropriate ASWB exam is required. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $505. Louisiana has strong demand for social workers in disaster response and behavioral health.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $505 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Social Worker (Licensed Clinical) license in Louisiana
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $150
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $125
- Total Estimated Cost
- $505
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Social Worker (Licensed Clinical) license in Louisiana. 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 Louisiana licensing board.
Social Worker (Licensed Clinical) Salary in Louisiana
Entry Level
$37,030
Median
$64,720
Experienced
$107,680
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 (Licensed Clinical) in Louisiana.
- 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: ~$150.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Social Worker (Licensed Clinical) Licensing in Louisiana: What to Know
Louisiana licenses social workers through the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners, offering Licensed Bachelor of Social Work (LBSW), Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW), Graduate Social Worker (GSW), Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. Each level requires the appropriate ASWB exam and CSWE-accredited degree. The LCSW requires an MSW plus at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over a minimum of two years. Continuing education of 40 hours is required biennially for clinical licensees. Louisiana was impacted by the national ASWB exam controversy, with stakeholders advocating for alternatives. The state has ongoing demand for social workers in disaster response, given its vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and rural parishes all have workforce needs. Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services and the Office of Behavioral Health are major employers. The state has been involved in Social Work Licensure Compact discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Social Worker (Licensed Clinical) license cost in Louisiana?
- The estimated total cost is $505, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Social Worker (Licensed Clinical) license in Louisiana?
- 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 (Licensed Clinical) license in Louisiana?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Social Worker (Licensed Clinical) requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.