How long does it take to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in New Hampshire?

The official minimum is 2 years of supervised social work practice after earning your MSW. The total timeline from bachelor's degree is typically 8–9 years: 4 years bachelor's (BSW), 2 years master's (MSW, possibly shortened if you have a BSW), 2 years supervision (LICSW candidate), plus 30–60 days for final application processing. Out-of-state MSW holders with 5+ years of continuous LICSW licensure in another state are exempt from the supervision requirement and can apply directly for New Hampshire licensure.

Can my LCMHC supervisor supervise me for LICSW candidacy?

No. For LICSW candidacy, your supervisor MUST be an LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker). LCMHC supervisors, even if they meet all other qualifications, cannot supervise LICSW candidates. This is a key difference from the LCMHC pathway, where supervisors can be either LCMHC or LICSW. If you are switching from LCMHC to LICSW or have both credentials, ensure you have LICSW-specific supervision for your LICSW hours.

I have 5 years of LICSW licensure from another state. Do I have to do 3,000 hours again in New Hampshire?

No. If you have been continuously licensed as a clinical-level social worker (LICSW, LISW, or equivalent) in another state for 5 or more years in good standing, you are EXEMPT from the 3,000-hour supervision requirement in New Hampshire. You must still pass the ASWB Clinical exam (unless you already have a recent passing score that New Hampshire will accept). With 5+ years of continuous licensure, you can apply directly for LICSW licensure without accruing New Hampshire hours—a major advantage for experienced out-of-state social workers.

Can I do my LICSW supervision part-time while working full-time?

Yes. The 3,000 hours can be accrued at any pace, as long as you complete at least 1,500 hours per calendar year and finish within 2–5 years from start date. Many candidates work full-time in clinical roles and accrue hours gradually. With a typical full-time mental health job (40 hours/week × 50 weeks/year = 2,000 hours), you would exceed the 1,500-hour-per-year minimum and complete the 3,000-hour requirement in approximately 18 months of paid clinical work.

What is the difference between New Hampshire and other states for social worker licensure?

New Hampshire's unique features: (1) It does NOT participate in the Social Work Licensure Compact, so you cannot use a multistate license to practice in other states—you must apply for and obtain a license in each state individually. (2) It requires an LICSW (not LMSW) supervisor specifically. (3) It has a special 5-year reciprocity exemption—if you have 5+ years of continuous clinical social work licensure in another state, you skip the 3,000-hour requirement. (4) Like LCMHC candidates, LICSW candidates must have strict in-person supervision (no telehealth) and Board pre-approval of supervision agreements.

Do I need a separate license for telehealth practice in New Hampshire?

No. Once you are licensed as LICSW in New Hampshire, you can provide telehealth services to New Hampshire clients under your existing license. However, if you want to provide telehealth to clients in other states, those states may require you to have a license in their state as well, since New Hampshire does not participate in the Social Work Licensure Compact (unlike the Counseling Compact for LCMHCs). Contact the social work licensing board in the state where your client is located to confirm requirements.

What is the ASWB Clinical exam, and how do I prepare?

The ASWB Clinical exam is a 170-question computer-based test administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). It covers clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, ethics, diversity, research, and professional standards. You can take the exam anytime after you have filed your Supervision Agreement with the New Hampshire Board (no waiting period required). Many candidates take it during their 2-year supervision period. ASWB offers study guides, practice exams, and approved CE providers (such as NASW and other social work organizations) to help you prepare. The exam costs approximately $260–$280 and is administered at Pearson Vue testing centers.

CredentialTraxLicensure Compliance

High ComplexityComing SoonLicensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Candidate (LICSW Candidate) → Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

New Hampshire LICSW Candidate to Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Requirements

Everything you need to know about completing your 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work practice in New Hampshire.

Total Hours

3,000

Calendar Minimum

24 months (2 years)

Supervision

100

Direct Hours Floor

Not specified (all hours count as clinical experience)

Why This State Is Complex

New Hampshire's LICSW pathway mirrors the LCMHC structure but with stricter supervisor requirements and no interstate compact flexibility. Like LCMHC, candidates must accrue 3,000 hours in 2–5 years with weekly in-person individual supervision, Board pre-approval of supervision agreements, and mandatory supervisor credentials (45-hour course, 12 CEUs in supervision). The added complexity: New Hampshire is NOT a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact, so LICSW licensees cannot practice across state lines via compact (unlike LCMHC licensees with Counseling Compact access). Additionally, LICSW supervisors MUST be LICSW—no other mental health license qualifies—making it slightly harder to find eligible supervisors. However, a special provision allows out-of-state LICSW holders with 5+ years of continuous licensure to apply for New Hampshire licensure without the 3,000-hour requirement.

Key Requirements at a Glance

Master's or doctoral degree from a CSWE-accredited institution in social work (minimum 2-year MSW with 30+ semester hours of clinical coursework)

3,000 hours of post-master's paid clinical social work experience (1,500 hours minimum per calendar year; completed within 2–5 years)

Minimum 1 hour per week of individual face-to-face supervision with an LICSW (100 hours total); no group supervision permitted; in-person only

Board-approved 'Candidate for Licensure: Supervision Agreement' filed and approved before hours accrue

Supervisor must be LICSW licensed in New Hampshire for 2+ years with clinical supervision training (45-hour graduate course or 25-hour board-approved program) and 12 CEUs in clinical supervision

Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam (Association of Social Work Boards) after Board approval of Supervision Agreement and beginning of supervised practice

Complete 'Supervisor Confirmation of Clinical Experience' form signed and sealed by supervisor upon completion of 3,000 hours

Submit final LICSW application with transcripts from MSW program, three professional references (one from supervisor), ASWB Clinical exam score, criminal background check from all states where you've lived in past 5 years, and $150 application fee

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Confusing LICSW with LMSW: New Hampshire does NOT offer an intermediate LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) requiring supervised practice. Some states have LMSW as a prerequisite to LICSW; in New Hampshire, there is only LICSW. You go directly from post-MSW candidacy to LICSW licensure—no LMSW intermediate step.

Selecting a non-LICSW supervisor: Unlike LCMHC candidates (whose supervisors can be LCMHC OR LICSW), LICSW candidates MUST have an LICSW supervisor. Selecting a supervisor who is LCMHC, LMFT, or psychologist will result in supervision agreement denial. Verify your supervisor is LICSW before submitting.

Not accounting for New Hampshire's lack of Social Work Compact participation: LICSW licenses from other states do not automatically grant practice privileges in New Hampshire via compact (unlike the Counseling Compact for LCMHC). If you plan to practice across multiple states, this is a significant limitation compared to LCMHC.

Attempting telehealth supervision: Same as LCMHC—in-person supervision only. No virtual meetings permitted by rule.

Delaying background check processing: New Hampshire requires a Criminal Offender Record Report (CORR) from ALL states where you've lived in the past 5 years as part of your final application. If you've lived in multiple states, request these early; some states take weeks to respond.

Forgetting the 12 CEUs in clinical supervision for your supervisor: Your supervisor must complete 12 CEUs in clinical supervision (not just any supervision training)—ensure your supervisor has formal Category A-approved training before the Supervision Agreement is filed, or the Board will request proof and delay approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

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