Arizona LCSW & MFT Licensure

Your Step-by-Step Path to Licensure and Beyond

Outline of state of Arizona

This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from education to exams to continuing education.

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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 

How to become a Social Worker in Arizona

Step 1: Graduate MSW program from a CSWE-accredited school
Step 2: Register and Pass the ASWB Masters Level Exam
Step 3: Complete Arizona Social Work License application and Accrue Hours
  • Review the state LCSW application. There is also a helpful Resource Guide on the ABBH’s website. The application includes:
  • Submission of official school transcripts in a sealed envelope sent directly from your CSWE-accredited college to the Board.
  • Background questionnaire, including criminal history, court orders, treatment documentation, reports from medical practitioners, etc.
  • Employment history for the previous (10) years. If there is a gap in employment for more than one (1) month, you will need to provide an explanation.
  • Payment of a $250 application fee.
  • Verification of supervised work experience and clinical supervision
  • Accrue 3,200 hours of supervised work experience over a two-year period, at least 1,600 of those hours must be direct client interaction.
  • 100 hours of supervised clinical work, with at least 50 of those hours supervised by a clinical social worker. The other 50 can be supervised by another qualified professional.
Step 4: Register for the ASWB Clinical Exam and Study with Confidence!
  • Register for the licensing exam with the ASWB and then Pearson VUE to select your date and location
  • Return to TDC to use our LCSW Exam Prep: ASWB Clinical Level program, to study and pass with confidence!

LCSW Continuing Education Requirements

Pre-licensure - Social workers in AZ have the same CE requirements as Licensed Social workers.
License Renewal
  • Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
  • Total Hours Required: 30 hours
  • Must include:
  • 3 hours Ethics 
  • 3 hours Cultural Competency & Diversity
  • 3 hours AZ Statutes/Regulations
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE.
Explore our Continuing Education courses and start growing with us today. 
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Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

How to become a MFT in Arizona

Step 1: Earn Your Degree
  • Master’s in MFT or related field from COAMFTE or Board equivalent program
Step 2: Accrue Supervised Experience
  • 3,200 hours of supervised experience and a minimum of 2 years
  • Minimum of 1,600 hours direct client contact
  • At least 1,000 of these hours with couples or families
  • 100 hours of direct clinical supervision, 75 of which must be done by a Board-approved LMFT
  • For one month of practice, there must be at least one hour of direct clinical supervision 
  • At least 25 hours must be individual supervision
  • Must be supervised under a board-approved supervisor
Step 3: Study and Pass Required Exam
Step 4: Apply for LMFT Licensure
  • Submit supervised hours and exam results
  • Submit fingerprint background check
  • Pay licensure fee $250

LMFT Continuing Education Requirements

 CE Requirements for Arizona MFTS
License Renewal
  • Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
  • Total Hours Required: 30 hours
  • Must include:
  • 3 hours ethics or mental health law
  • 3 hours cultural competency and diversity
  • 3 hours Arizona Statutes/Regulations Tutorial
  • 30 hours may be earned online
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE 

Disclaimer: Please confirm all information with your state licensing board, as requirements may change.

AZ Licensing Board

Website: Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
Phone: (602) 542-1882
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