North Dakota LCSW & MFT Licensure

Your Step-by-Step Path to Licensure and Beyond

Outline of the state of North Dakota

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

Statue of a woman, with white flower and books on a blue background

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 

How to become a Social Worker in North Dakota

Step 1: Attain MSW from a CSWE-accredited Social Work program
Step 2: Apply to become a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Special Note: Unlike other states, the LCSW license is not the Clinical level license, but rather the one you need to apply for after receiving your MSW and before your work hours.
  • First, fill out the ND LCSW state application. This includes:
  • $100 fee ($25 application fee, $75 license fee
  • Official copy of your school transcripts
  • Completed reference forms from your references used on application
  • Criminal history background check
Step 3: Professional Work Experience
  • Work 3,000 supervised clinical hours in a 2 to 4 years in order to apply for the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) license
  • 150 hours must be direct contact supervision
  • No more than 50 hours of the direct contact supervision can be in a group setting
  • Prior to your supervision, submit a Supervision Plan for Board approval
  • Your clinical supervisor must complete a Verification of MSW Supervision form
  • Your employer must complete a Verification of MSW Employment form (both found on Supervision Plan link)
Step 4: Apply for your LICSW License and Pass the Clinical Exam
  • Register for your exam with the ASWB, $260 registration fee
  • Schedule exam appointment with Pearson VUE 
  • Finally, come back to TDC and take our LCSW Exam Prep: ASWB Clinical Level to pass the LICSW exam with confidence!

LCSW Continuing Education Requirements

Pre-licensure - Social workers in ND have the same CE requirements as Licensed Social workers.
License Renewal
  • Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years by December 31 of every ODD year
  • Total Hours Required: 30 hours
  • Must include:
  • 2 hours Ethics
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
Statue of an angel blowing a horn with fern leaf and journal

Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

How to become a MFT in North Dakota

Step 1: Earn Your Degree
  • Master’s in MFT or related field from COAMFTE- or Board-approved school
Step 2: Accrue Supervised Clinical Experience
  • Must complete 2 years (at least 3,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience
  • 1,500 hours must be direct clinical contact
  • At least 200 hours must be direct supervision by a LMFT
Step 3: Pass Required Exam
Step 4: Apply for LMFT Licensure
  • Submit supervised hours
  • Submit AMFTRB exam results
  • Submit official transcripts
  • Pay licensure application fee $190

LMFT Continuing Education Requirements

 CE Requirements for North Dakota MFTS
License Renewal
  • Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
  • Total Hours Required: 30 hours
  • Must include:
  • 6 hours ethics for LMFT
  • One-fourth of hours can be home study
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE 

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

ND Licensing Board

ND Board of Social Work Examiners
Website: https://www.ndbswe.com/

ND Marriage and Family Licensure Board
Stay in the loop! 
Sign up for occasional TDC emails for updates, new course announcements, and opportunities to participate in surveys that help shape future courses.