Licensed Master Social Worker License in North Dakota
Quick Answer
North Dakota licenses social workers at three tiers, with the LCSW requiring two years of supervised clinical experience. The appropriate ASWB exam is required. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $405. North Dakota faces severe rural and tribal community workforce shortages in behavioral health.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $405 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Licensed Master Social Worker license in North Dakota
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $75
- Total Estimated Cost
- $405
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Master Social Worker license in North Dakota. 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 North Dakota licensing board.
Licensed Master Social Worker Salary in North Dakota
Entry Level
$48,920
Median
$77,380
Experienced
$101,440
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 Master Social Worker in North Dakota.
- 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: ~$100.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Licensed Master Social Worker Licensing in North Dakota: What to Know
North Dakota licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work Examiners, offering Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. Each level requires the appropriate ASWB exam and degree from a CSWE-accredited program. The LCSW requires an MSW plus two years of supervised clinical experience. Continuing education of 30 hours is required biennially. North Dakota is one of the most underserved states for behavioral health services, with many rural counties lacking any licensed mental health professionals. The state's Native American reservations, including Standing Rock and Fort Berthold, have significant need for social workers. The University of North Dakota produces social work graduates, but workforce retention is challenging. North Dakota's oil industry in the Bakken region has created community disruption and increased demand for social services. The state has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact and offers some military licensing accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Licensed Master Social Worker license cost in North Dakota?
- The estimated total cost is $405, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Licensed Master Social Worker license in North Dakota?
- 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 Master Social Worker license in North Dakota?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Licensed Master Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.