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Rhode Island LCSW & MFT Licensure

Your Step-by-Step Path to Licensure and Beyond

Outline of the state of Rhode Island

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

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 

How to become a Social Worker in Rhode Island
Step 1: Complete a CSWE-accredited Social Work program
Step 2: Apply for your Rhode Island LCSW License
  • A non-refundable $70 fee
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship
  • Official school transcripts sent directly from your college/university to the Board’s offices
  • 2 professional references
  • Once accepted, contact the ASWB to register for the exam, $230 registration fee
  • Next, contact Pearson VUE to schedule your exam appointment 
Step 3:  Pass the Masters Exam on Your First Try with TDC!
Step 4: Gain Clinical Work Experience
  • Once you’ve passed your Masters exam, you will receive your LCSW license and can begin to accrue work experience. 
  • Gain 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience within 24 to 72 months
  • 1,500 hours of the 3,000 hours must be direct clinical work with clients
  • 75% of this direct practice must be done individually with the client, while the remainder can be conducted in groups up to 10 people
  • At least 2 hours every two 2 weeks, you must be directly supervised by an LICSW
  • When your hours are complete, again you will complete the state application but for the LICSW license.
Step 5: Register for the ASWB Clinical Exam and Pass with TDC!
LCSW Continuing Education Requirements
Pre-licensure - Social workers in RI have the same CE requirements as Licensed Social workers.
License Renewal
  • Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years by April 30 of the ODD year
  • Total Hours Required: 30 hours
  • Must include:
  • 3 hours Ethics 
  • 3 hours Cross-Cultural Practice, including Alleviation of Oppression
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE

Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

How to become a MFT in Rhode Island

Step 1: Earn Your Degree
  • Master’s in MFT or related field from COAMFTE- or Board-approved school
  • (Must include a supervised clinical practicum or internship, with a minimum of 700 hours, including 280 direct client contact hours)
Step 2: Accrue Supervised Clinical Experience
  • Completion of 2 years of post-degree work experience as an MFT
  • A minimum of 2,000 hours of direct client contact
  • A minimum of 100 hours of direct supervision spread over the 2 years 
Step 3: Pass Required Exam
  • Apply to take the AMFTRB National MFT Exam
  • Exam fee $365
  • Sign up for TDC’s NMFT exam prep course and study with confidence!
Step 4: Apply for LMFT Licensure
  • Submit supervised hours
  • Submit AMFTRB exam results
  • Submit official transcripts
  • Pay licensure application fee $130

LMFT Continuing Education Requirements

 CE Requirements for Rhode Island MFTS
License Renewal
  • Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
  • Total Hours Required: 40 hours
  • Must include:
  • At least 20 hours must be Category 1
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE  

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

RI Licensing Board

State of Rhode Island Department of Health
 Phone: (401) 222-5960
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