Licensure & Application
FAQ: What licensure pathways are available in Georgia?
For a complete overview of the two licensing pathways, please visit our Available Licenses in Georgia page.
FAQ: How do I become an LCSW in Georgia?
Social workers pursuing clinical licensure must meet requirements established by the Georgia Composite Board. The process generally includes:
- Earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited institution by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Complete at least 3,000 hours of post-MSW supervised clinical social work experience over a minimum of three years. Supervision must include at least 120 hours of direct supervision by a licensed clinical social worker.
- Pass the Clinical-level ASWB exam.
- Apply through the Georgia Composite Board.
Social workers should review current Board rules and application requirements before beginning the licensure process.
FAQ: How do I become an LMSW in Georgia?
Social workers pursuing LMSW licensure must meet requirements established by the Georgia Composite Board. The process generally includes:
- Earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Practice social work under direction and supervision while preparing for the LMSW exam. This option is available for up to one year after graduation.
- Pass the Master' s-level ASWB exam.
- Apply through the Georgia Composite Board.
FAQ: What is the application process in Georgia?
The licensure application process in Georgia involves several steps:
- Submit Official Transcripts: Transcripts must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists.
- Provide Verification of Supervised Experience: For LCSW applicants, supervisors must document the required hours by completing the appropriate verification forms.
- Complete Application and Pay Fees: Submit the licensure application and pay the applicable fees.
- Pass the Required Examinations: Arrange for official ASWB exam scores to be sent to the Georgia Board.
FAQ: Does Georgia offer reciprocity or endorsement?
Georgia does not offer automatic reciprocity for social work licenses issued by other states. Social workers licensed in another state who wish to practice in Georgia must apply for Georgia licensure and meet the requirements established by the Georgia Composite Board.
If a social worker has already passed the required ASWB licensing examination, you may be eligible to apply through Georgia's licensure by examination waiver process, which means you may not have to retake the licensing exam.
MSW Students & Examination
FAQ: I am an MSW student. When can I apply to take the LMSW exam?
Effective July 1, 2026, students enrolled in their final semester of a Master of Social Work (MSW) program may sit for the Master's Social Work licensing examination before graduation, as authorized by Georgia Senate Bill 485 (2026). Passing the examination does not grant licensure. Applicants must still complete all education, application, and licensure requirements established by the Georgia Composite Board before receiving their LMSW. This change allows graduating MSW students to begin the examination process earlier and reduce delays in entering the licensed workforce.
FAQ: I am an MSW student. What happens if I do not pass the exam?
If an applicant does not pass the exam on the first attempt, they must retake the exam at the next available testing opportunity unless approved for postponement. Applicants may attempt the exam up to three times. After three unsuccessful attempts, they may not continue practicing social work in Georgia until they successfully pass the examination, unless a legal exemption applies.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
FAQ: How often do I need to renew my license?
Georgia social work licenses must be renewed every two years through the Georgia Composite Board. Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) must complete renewal requirements before the September 30 renewal deadline. To renew, social workers must complete 35 hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal period.
Renewals are completed through the Georgia Secretary of State licensing portal. Social workers should review the Georgia Composite Board website for current renewal requirements, deadlines, and fees.
FAQ: How many CE hours do I need to renew my LMSW or LCSW?
Georgia social workers must complete continuing education requirements during each renewal cycle to maintain an active license. Georgia social workers must complete 35 hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year licensure renewal cycle. The 35 hours must include:
- 5 Hours – Professional Ethics: specifically focuses on professional ethics related to social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Ethics hours must be completed through a synchronous (live) format, such as an in-person training or a live interactive webinar
- 15 Hours – Core Social Work Hours: must be directly related to the practice of social work. These hours should support professional knowledge and skills related to your area of licensure.
- 15 Hours – Related Hours: may include approved continuing education related to social work or other approved behavioral health topics. Additional core hours may also count toward this category.
The 35 hours can be conducted asynchronously or synchronously. A maximum of 10 continuing education hours may be completed through asynchronous (self-paced/on-demand) learning during each two-year renewal period.
Licensees are responsible for ensuring continuing education activities meet Georgia Composite Board requirements. Licensees should maintain documentation of completed continuing education activities for four years and may be required to provide proof of completion if audited.
FAQ: Do I need to report my continuing education hours to CE Broker?
Effective January 1, 2026, the Georgia Composite Board now requires all continuing education hours to be reported in CE Broker. This mandate includes the licensure renewal window that opened on July 1, 2026, and closes on September 30, 2026.
FAQ: Does reporting to CE Broker only apply if I am audited?
No. Reporting continuing education through CE Broker is not limited to licensees selected for an audit. All licensees must report their continuing education hours through CE Broker to maintain their licensure records,
FAQ: Do I need to purchase a paid CE Broker account?
No. The free Basic Account is sufficient for tracking and reporting continuing education. Nevertheless, the paid subscriptions do offer tracking across multiple state licensures, additional CE Broker support, and other features that may assist licensees. NASWGA members do receive a small discount for paid subscriptions. Please get in touch with the NASWGA office for the code.
FAQ: Do I upload my CE certificates now?
Some continuing education providers report completed CE hours directly to CE Broker, while others require licensees to self-report their hours and upload their certificates. NASWGA will begin reporting CE hours directly to CE Broker for all NASWGA continuing education events taking place on or after August 1, 2026. Attendees of the NASWGA CE event before August 1, 2026, will need to self-report those CE hours and upload their certificate, if required.
FAQ: How do I know if my provider reported my CE hours?
Licensees should log into their CE Broker account and review their course history. If a course does not appear in the provider's reporting period, the provider may need to self-report. Licensees should always contact the provider to verify.
FAQ: Should I send CE certificates directly to the Georgia Board?
According to the July 1, 2026, renewal notice, CE documentation should be submitted through CE Broker. Licensees should continue keeping copies of their certificates for their records.
Professional Practice & Resources
FAQ: I am interested in presenting a CE event. How do I partner with NASW-GA?
NASW-GA works with professionals interested in providing quality educational opportunities for Georgia social workers. Individuals interested in offering a continuing education event may submit an Event Planning Form for review and consideration.
FAQ: What ethical responsibilities should social workers keep in mind?
Social workers should remain aware of situations that could raise ethical concerns, including conflicts of interest, confidentiality issues, boundary issues, and professional relationships. The NASW Code of Ethics encourages social workers to:
- Avoid conflicts of interest that may interfere with professional judgment.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.s
- Protect client confidentiality and well-being.
- Address potential ethical concerns before services begin