Michigan Social Work License to Become a LBSW or LMSW in MI
Michigan offers four levels of social work licensure: the LSST, RSST, LBSW, and LMSW. Each requires progressively more education and supervised experience. The LBSW requires a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree and 4,000 supervised hours completed under a limited license. The LMSW — Michigan’s highest level — requires a master’s degree, 4,000 supervised hours, and passing an ASWB exam.
If you want to practice social work in Michigan, your path forward depends on where you are right now. Already have a bachelor’s in social work? You’re on track for the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW). Working in the field but still building your education? Michigan’s entry-level technician licenses let you practice under supervision while you do. And if you’re aiming for clinical or macro-level work, the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) is where that path ends up. This guide walks through each license — what it requires, what it allows, and what comes next. Requirements can change, so always verify current rules directly with Michigan LARA.
Michigan Social Work License Overview
Michigan is one of the few states with a formal tiered licensure system that includes pre-bachelor technician licenses. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees all social work licenses in the state. There are four levels, each with different education and experience requirements.
| License | Education Required | Experience Required | Exam Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSST | 2 years of college (any subject) | Typically requires current employment in human/social services | No |
| RSST | Associate’s degree in social work or related field, or 2 years of college | 2,000 hours supervised OR current employment | No |
| LBSW | Bachelor’s in Social Work (CSWE-accredited) | 4,000 hours under LLBSW status | ASWB Bachelor’s Exam |
| LMSW | Master’s in Social Work (CSWE-accredited) | 4,000 hours post-degree | ASWB Advanced Generalist or Clinical Exam |
Limited Social Service Technician (LSST)
The LSST is Michigan’s entry-level social work credential. It lets you work under the supervision of a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker or higher, making it a practical starting point if you’re still building your education. To qualify, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
- Complete at least two years of college coursework in any subject.
- Typically requires current employment as a human or social services worker.
- Submit an application and transcript to Michigan LARA, along with the $40 fee.
- Pass a criminal background check from a board-approved agency.
- Provide proof of supervision by submitting a completed supervision form to the board.
Once those steps are complete, LARA will issue your LSST credential. Because this license requires active supervision, it’s designed for people who are working in the field while continuing their education.
Registered Social Service Technician (RSST)
The RSST is a step above the LSST and opens up more employment opportunities and typically higher pay. To qualify, you’ll need to meet one of three pathways, then complete the application and background check process.
Option 1: Complete at least 2,000 hours of supervised work experience, which typically requires current employment in the social work field.
Option 2: Earn an associate’s degree in social work or a related field (minimum 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours), including at least 350 hours of supervised field work. Note that CSWE does not accredit associate-level programs, so this requirement refers to regionally accredited social work associate degrees rather than CSWE-accredited ones.
Option 3: Complete at least two years of college in any field (minimum 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours, with a GPA of 2.0 or better), including four courses related to human or social services, plus current employment in a human services role.
After meeting one of the above, you’ll submit an application to LARA with your transcript, pay the $40 fee, pass a criminal background check including fingerprints, and provide proof of current employment via a supervision form.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
The LBSW is the first full social work license in Michigan and significantly expands your career options. Michigan requires 4,000 hours of supervised experience to obtain the full LBSW, typically completed under a Limited Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker (LLBSW) status. The LLBSW is an interim credential you can apply for once you have your degree — it allows limited practice while you accumulate the required hours.
To earn the LBSW, you’ll need to work through the following steps:
- Earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Submit an application, transcript, and $40 fee to Michigan LARA.
- Pass a criminal background check, including fingerprints.
- Verify 4,000 hours of supervised social work experience over at least two years (typically accumulated under LLBSW status), submitted via a completed supervision form.
- Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s Level Exam ($230 fee).
To renew your LBSW, you’ll need to complete 45 contact hours of continuing education each renewal cycle.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
The LMSW is Michigan’s highest level of social work licensure. It comes in two designations: Macro and Clinical. The Macro designation is for professionals focused on program development, community assessments, and systems-level work. The Clinical designation allows independent practice in therapeutic settings, including private practice. You can hold both designations, but you’ll need to complete all requirements for each separately and apply for them in two distinct applications.
If you’re deciding between the two, the key question is straightforward: do you want to design programs and work at the systems level, or work directly with clients in a clinical environment? Both are legitimate paths, but they require different exams and potentially additional supervised experience if you’re pursuing both designations.
To earn the LMSW, complete the following:
- Earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Pass a criminal background check, including fingerprints.
- Verify 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised social work experience over at least two years, under the supervision of a currently licensed LMSW in Michigan.
- Choose your designation:
- Macro: Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam ($260 fee).
- Clinical: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam ($260 fee).
- To hold both designations, additional supervised experience (typically around 2,000 hours) may be required, depending on your prior experience and current board requirements. Confirm specifics with LARA before applying.
LMSW renewal requires 45 contact hours of continuing education. For current requirements and application forms, visit the Michigan LARA Social Work licensing page.
Michigan Social Worker Salary and Job Outlook
Michigan employs around 15,690 social workers across all specialties. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers in Michigan earn a median annual salary of approximately $59,000 as of May 2024. The top 25% of earners in the state earn $73,780 or more, while entry-level positions typically start at around $40,920.
Job growth is solid across all social work categories in Michigan. The BLS projects that child, family, and school social workers will grow by 4.1% from 2022 to 2032, with an average of approximately 1,080 job openings per year — including both new and replacement openings. Healthcare social workers are projected to grow at 8.2%, generating around 560 annual openings. Mental health and substance abuse social workers are expected to see 7.4% growth, with about 310 openings per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the LBSW and LMSW in Michigan?
The LBSW requires a bachelor’s degree in social work and qualifies you for generalist practice in many settings. The LMSW requires a master’s degree and qualifies you for advanced practice, including clinical work and independent program development. The LMSW also comes in two designations, Macro and Clinical, depending on the direction you want your career to take.
How long does it take to become a licensed social worker in Michigan?
It depends on the license level. The LSST and RSST can be obtained while you’re working and taking college courses. The LBSW typically takes four years of undergraduate education plus two or more years of supervised experience under LLBSW status. The LMSW adds two to three years of graduate school on top of that, plus another two years of post-degree supervised hours before you’re eligible to test.
Does Michigan have reciprocity for social work licenses from other states?
Michigan does not have formal reciprocity agreements, but it does offer licensure by endorsement for licensed social workers from other states. LARA reviews each application individually, comparing your existing license and credentials against Michigan’s requirements. You may still need to satisfy any gaps in education or supervised hours before a Michigan license is issued.
What is a CSWE-accredited program and why does it matter?
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national accrediting body for bachelor’s- and master’s-level social work programs. Michigan requires that your BSW or MSW come from a CSWE-accredited school before you can qualify for LBSW or LMSW licensure. If your degree isn’t from an accredited program, it won’t satisfy the education requirement, so it’s worth confirming accreditation status before enrolling.
Can I practice social work in Michigan while I’m completing my supervised hours?
Yes. Michigan offers the Limited Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker (LLBSW) credential for people who have their BSW degree but haven’t yet completed the required 4,000 supervised hours. This interim license lets you work in the field under supervision while you accumulate the experience needed to qualify for the full LBSW.
Key Takeaways
- Four license levels: Michigan’s formal tiered system lets you enter the field with two years of college and work your way up to the LMSW.
- LBSW requires CSWE degree + 4,000 hours + ASWB exam: Hours are typically completed under LLBSW status after earning your degree.
- LMSW offers two designations: Macro for systems-level work, Clinical for therapeutic and private practice settings. Both require separate applications.
- Salary grows with licensure: Michigan social workers earn a median of approximately $59,000, with the top quarter earning $73,780 or more.
- Job growth is strong: Healthcare social work is projected to grow 8.2% through 2032, including new positions and replacement openings.
Ready to take the next step? Explore degree programs that meet Michigan’s CSWE requirements and get you on the path to licensure.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers, Social and Human Services Assistants, Social and Community Service Managers, and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.
