Can my MSW field practicum hours count?

No. Montana requires all 3,000 hours to be post-graduate. Your MSW field internship does not count, even though it was supervised.

What is direct observation in supervision?

Your supervisor watches you conduct a session — in the room, via video, or by reviewing a recorded session. 10 of your 50 individual LCSW supervision hours must include this.

CredentialTraxLicensure Compliance

High ComplexityComing SoonSocial Worker Licensure Candidate (SWLC) → Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Montana SWLC → LCSW Supervision Requirements

From SWLC to LCSW: supervision requirements, hours tracking, and the 24-60 month timeline.

Total Hours

3,000

Calendar Minimum

24 months

Supervision

100

Direct Hours Floor

1,500

Why This State Is Complex

Montana's LCSW pathway has a deceptively lenient supervision ratio (1:80) but imposes a strict minimum of 100 total supervision hours with specific structure: 50 must be individual face-to-face with an LCSW (10 with direct observation). All 3,000 hours must be post-degree. Calendar minimum 24 months, maximum 5 years.

Key Requirements at a Glance

MSW from CSWE-accredited program

3,000 hours post-degree supervised clinical social work (no field practicum credit)

1,500 direct client contact hours minimum

100 supervision hours: 50 individual LCSW (10 with direct observation), 50 additional

Pass ASWB Clinical Level Exam

24-month minimum, 5-year maximum calendar

Fingerprint-based background check

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Assuming the 1:80 ratio means you only need ~37.5 supervision hours — Montana has a mandatory 100-hour floor

Only an LCSW can provide the mandatory 50-hour individual supervision component

MSW field practicum hours do NOT count — all 3,000 must be post-degree

Must complete within 5-year maximum calendar window

Frequently Asked Questions

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