Licensed Bachelor Social Worker License in Michigan
Quick Answer
Michigan licenses social workers at multiple tiers, with the LCSW requiring 4,000 supervised clinical hours over two years. The appropriate ASWB exam is required. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $498. Michigan requires 45 hours of CE biennially, more than most states.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $498 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker license in Michigan
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $148
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $120
- Total Estimated Cost
- $498
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Bachelor Social Worker license in Michigan. 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 Michigan licensing board.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker Salary in Michigan
Entry Level
$43,560
Median
$58,920
Experienced
$104,980
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 Bachelor Social Worker in Michigan.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 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: ~$148.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker Licensing in Michigan: What to Know
Michigan licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work under LARA (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs), offering Licensed Bachelor's Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW), Limited Licensed Master's Social Worker, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. The LCSW requires an MSW plus two years of post-master's supervised clinical experience totaling at least 4,000 hours. Michigan requires the appropriate ASWB exam for each level. Michigan was among the states that actively discussed suspending the ASWB exam due to racial disparity concerns, and the state legislature considered bills to address this issue. Continuing education of 45 hours is required biennially, including specific topics such as ethics, pain management, and human trafficking. Michigan's social work workforce needs are particularly acute in Detroit, Flint, and rural areas of the Upper Peninsula. Wayne State University, University of Michigan, and Michigan State University are major social work programs. Michigan has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker license cost in Michigan?
- The estimated total cost is $498, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker license in Michigan?
- 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 Bachelor Social Worker license in Michigan?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Licensed Bachelor Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.