Is the TSC the same as an LCSW?

The TSC (Trabajador Social Clinico) is Puerto Rico's equivalent of the LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). It authorizes independent clinical social work practice in PR but does not transfer to mainland US states.

Can I practice in mainland US states with a PR TSC license?

No. Puerto Rico is a US territory with its own licensing boards. You would need to apply for LCSW licensure in each mainland state where you wish to practice.

Why do some sources say 5,000 hours instead of 3,000?

The 5,000-hour figure may represent total experience including non-clinical hours, or it may reflect an older regulatory requirement. The 3,000-hour clinical figure with 1,500 direct service hours is more consistently cited and aligns with ASWB standards.

Can my supervisor be a non-social-worker?

Yes, unusually. Puerto Rico accepts supervisors with master's or doctoral degrees in social work, psychology, psychiatry, or counseling, provided they have 5 years of post-master's clinical experience and Board-approved advanced training.

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High ComplexityComing SoonTrabajador Social (Social Worker) → Trabajador Social Clinico (TSC / Clinical Social Worker)

Puerto Rico TSC (Clinical Social Worker) Requirements

Everything you need to know about completing your 3,000 supervised clinical hours to earn your Trabajador Social Clinico (TSC) license in Puerto Rico.

Total Hours

3,000

Calendar Minimum

24 months (2 years)

Supervision

100 (face-to-face)

Direct Hours Floor

1,500

Why This State Is Complex

Puerto Rico is a US territory with its own social work licensing board under the Department of State. The TSC (Trabajador Social Clinico) is the PR equivalent of the LCSW and requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least 2 years, with 1,500 direct service hours and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. Complexity is elevated by bilingual regulatory processes (primarily Spanish), a legal residency requirement, unusually broad supervisor qualifications (non-social-work degrees accepted), and the fact that PR licenses do not transfer to mainland US states.

Key Requirements at a Glance

MSW or doctoral degree in social work from CSWE-accredited program (or CES-validated equivalent)

3,000 hours of post-master's supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting

1,500 hours minimum of direct client service provision

100 hours of face-to-face supervision with a qualified supervisor

Pass the ASWB Clinical Examination

Must be a legal resident of Puerto Rico

Supervisor must have 5+ years post-master's clinical experience and Board-approved advanced training

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Assuming a PR clinical social work license allows practice in mainland US states — separate licensure is required

Not realizing that supervisor qualifications in PR are broader than mainland states — psychology, psychiatry, or counseling degrees are accepted

Confusion between the 3,000 clinical hours and the 5,000 total experience hours cited in some sources

Not tracking direct service hours separately — 1,500 of the 3,000 must be direct client service

Not having your MSW validated by the Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico if earned outside PR

Frequently Asked Questions

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