Social Work Licensure in Rhode Island

Find Education Requirements in Rhode Island for one of the following:

• LCSW
• LICSW

The smallest state by area in the US Rhode Island is also the 2nd most densely populated state in the union. With breathtaking bays and Atlantic coastlines Rhode Island captures the essence of the beauty of New England. Rhode Island is also a fantastic place to live. Rhode Island is an excellent choice to start your new career as a licensed Social Worker. One must remember that there can always be updates or changes to a state’s rules and regulations. Information on rules and current regulations for Rhode Island can be found on the Rhode Island’s State website:

There are two different kinds of social work licenses in Rhode Island: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).

Do you know your education options? Begin or continue a degree – AS, BS, MSW, MS, PhD, Cert. Online and campus locations. Know your degree choices!

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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• If you wish to attain the title Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Rhode Island, you must first get a Master of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college. One may also apply for this license if they hold a Doctorate of Social Work from a duly accredited university.
• There are no field experience requirements for this level of licensure.
• Finally, you must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Exam.
• To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 30 contact hours of continuing education.
• Learn about Rhode Island Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW)

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

• If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Rhode Island, you must first get a Master of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college. One may also apply for this license if they hold a Doctorate of Social Work from a duly accredited university.
• You must also provide verification of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work. Of the 3,000 hours, 1,500 hours must be from client contact performing clinical services directly to the client.
• Once you have completed and sent in your application you may apply with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for their Clinical Level exam. Once you pass the test you will be eligible to receive your new title of Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Rhode Island.
• To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 30 contact hours of continuing education.
• Learn about The Bachelors Degree in Social Work (BSW)
• Learn about The Doctorate Degree is Social Work (DSW)