New Hampshire Social Work License: LICSW Requirements
New Hampshire’s primary clinical social work license is the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). To qualify, you need an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, 3,000 post-degree supervised clinical hours, and a passing score on the ASWB Clinical Exam. License renewal requires 40 continuing education hours every two years.
New Hampshire keeps its social work licensing structure focused on clinical practice. The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) is the state’s primary credential for licensed practice, issued by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice. It’s what you’ll need if you want to work independently in clinical social work, provide psychotherapy, or diagnose and treat mental health conditions. If that’s the direction you’re heading, here’s what the path looks like.
LICSW Requirements in New Hampshire
The LICSW is a clinical credential, which means the requirements are designed to demonstrate clinical competence, not just to complete coursework. Every step in the process is designed to verify that you can practice independently with clients who may be in crisis, navigating trauma, or dealing with serious mental health conditions.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Doctoral degrees (DSW) may qualify if based on an accredited MSW |
| Supervised hours | 3,000 post-degree hours of supervised clinical social work practice |
| Supervision hours | A minimum of 100 hours of supervision, including regular individual supervision as defined by Board requirements |
| Exam | ASWB Clinical Level Exam (Association of Social Work Boards) |
| CE for renewal | 40 hours every 2 years, including 6 hours in ethics and 3 hours in suicide prevention, as required by the Board |
Education
You’ll need a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Doctoral degrees (DSW) may qualify only if based on an accredited MSW. The CSWE accreditation requirement is non-negotiable. A degree from an unaccredited program won’t make you eligible, so confirm your program’s status before enrolling if licensure is your goal.
Supervised Clinical Experience
Before you can sit for the licensing exam, you need to complete 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical social work practice. This has to happen after you earn your MSW, not during your graduate field placement. The supervised experience must include at least 100 hours of supervision, including regular individual supervision as defined by Board requirements.
Your supervisor must be an actively licensed LICSW who has held that license for at least two years, has completed a clinical supervision course or certification program, and must meet Board qualifications for clinical supervisors. Before you start, you’ll submit a Supervision Agreement to the Board of Mental Health Practice. Don’t skip this step. Beginning your supervised hours without a filed agreement can put your eligibility at risk.
Licensing Exam
Once your supervised hours are approved, you’ll apply to the Board to sit for the ASWB Clinical Level Exam. This is a nationally standardized exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards. A passing score is required to complete your application for licensure.
Continuing Education Requirements
New Hampshire LICSWs must complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every two years to renew their license. Of those 40 hours, at least 30 must come from Category A sources, per Board guidelines, which includes workshops, seminars, and courses from ASWB-approved providers. No more than 10 hours can come from Category B activities.
Within those 40 hours, two topics are mandatory regardless of your specialty: at least 6 hours must cover ethics, and at least 3 hours must cover suicide prevention, as required by the Board. Both the ethics and suicide prevention hours must come from Category A sources. Keep documentation of all completed CE in case the Board requests proof of attendance during an audit.
Reciprocity and Endorsement
If you’re already licensed as a clinical social worker in another state, New Hampshire offers a reciprocity pathway. You can apply for licensure by endorsement if your out-of-state requirements were substantially equivalent to New Hampshire’s. Applicants licensed in good standing for five or more years may be considered for waiver of supervised experience requirements, subject to Board review. Contact the Board of Mental Health Practice directly to confirm your eligibility before submitting an application.
Social Worker Salaries in New Hampshire
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data), social workers in New Hampshire earn a median annual salary of $64,630, with a mean of $65,880. Earning potential varies by specialty, setting, and years of experience. Clinical roles and supervisory positions generally sit at the higher end of the range.
Job growth for social workers in New Hampshire is steady, based on BLS projections. The BLS projects 8.7% growth for child, family, and school social workers in the state between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 80 job openings per year in that category. Mental health and substance abuse social workers are projected to grow at 13.5% over the same period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LICSW the only social work license in New Hampshire?
The LICSW is New Hampshire’s primary clinical social work credential, issued by the Board of Mental Health Practice. It authorizes independent clinical practice, including psychotherapy and mental health diagnosis. If clinical practice is your goal, this is the license you’re working toward.
Can I start my supervised hours before I graduate?
No. The 3,000 supervised clinical hours must be completed after you earn your MSW. Hours logged during your graduate field practicum do not count toward the post-degree requirement. You’ll also need to file a Supervision Agreement with the Board before your supervised experience begins.
What qualifications does my supervisor need in New Hampshire?
Your supervisor must be an actively licensed LICSW who has held that license for at least two years and has completed a clinical supervision course or certification program. They must also meet the Board’s qualifications for clinical supervisors. Check the Board’s current rules for the full list of requirements before selecting a supervisor.
Does New Hampshire accept licenses from other states?
Yes. New Hampshire offers a reciprocity and endorsement pathway for licensed clinical social workers from other states whose requirements were substantially equivalent to New Hampshire’s. Applicants who have been licensed in good standing for five or more years may be considered for a waiver of the supervised experience requirement, subject to Board review. Verify your specific situation with the Board of Mental Health Practice before applying.
Where do I apply for an LICSW in New Hampshire?
Applications are processed through the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). Current applications, fee schedules, and supervision agreement forms are available on the OPLC website at oplc.nh.gov.
Key Takeaways
- Primary clinical credential — New Hampshire’s main social work license is the LICSW, issued by the Board of Mental Health Practice.
- MSW required — Your degree must come from a CSWE-accredited program. Doctoral degrees may qualify only if based on an accredited MSW.
- 3,000 post-degree hours — Supervised clinical hours must be completed after graduation, with a field Supervision Agreement before you start.
- ASWB Clinical Exam — The national licensing exam is required. Apply through the Board once your supervised hours are approved.
- 40 CE hours every two years — Renewal requires 40 hours, including mandatory ethics and suicide prevention credits, as required by the Board.
- Reciprocity available — Out-of-state licensees with five or more years in good standing may be considered for a supervised experience waiver, subject to Board review.
Ready to explore MSW programs in New Hampshire? Browse degree options that meet CSWE accreditation standards and put you on the path to LICSW 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.
