Maryland
LCSW & MFT Licensure

Your Step-by-Step Path to Licensure and Beyond

Outline of state of Maryland

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 Maryland

Step 1: Complete a CSWE-accredited Social Work program
Step 2:  Apply for the LMSW exam and Pass with Confidence!
  • Contact the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners to get approval to register for the Masters Level Exam (LMSW) exam
  • Fill out the state application 
  • Provide 3 professional recommendations
Step 3: Accrue Hours to become a Maryland LCSW-C!
  • Before you accrue hours, complete and submit a Contractual Agreement with the state of Maryland
  • Prospective clinical social workers (LCSW-C) must have an LCSW-C as a supervisor.
  • Then, provide proof to the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners of 2 years of experience consisting of at least 104 weeks of not less than 3,000 hours of supervised social work in a professional setting.
  • Of these hours, 1,500 hours shall consist of face-to-face clinical practice, including tasks such as forming diagnostic impressions and applying psychotherapy
  • Must obtain 144 hours of periodic face-to-face supervision
Step 4: Apply for the Clinical Licensing Exam, Schedule, Study and Pass!
  • Apply for eligibility for the exam with the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, by filling out the application here. This includes:
  • 3 professional references
  • Supervision verification
  • $100 application fee

LCSW Continuing Education Requirements

Pre-licensure - Social workers in MD have the same CE requirements as Licensed Social workers.
License Renewal
  • Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
  • Total Hours Required: LCSW 40 hours, LBSW 30 hours
  • Must include:
  • 3 hours Ethics (Category I or II format allowed)
  • 3 hours Category I in either:
  • Cultural Humility
  • Social Justice
  • Racial Equity
  • Implicit bias or Anti-racism
  • 3 hours Supervision (Category I or II format allowed)
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
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Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

How to become a MFT in Maryland

Step 1: Complete a CSWE-accredited Social Work program
  • Master’s in MFT or related field from COAMFTE- or Board-approved school
Step 2: Accrue Supervised Clinical Experience
  • A minimum of 2,000 hours of experience
  • 1,000 hours of which must be face-to-face client contact. 
  • 100 hours must be face-to-face supervision hours
  •  A maximum of 50 hours may be group supervision.
Step 3: Pass Required Exam
Step 4: Apply for LMFT Licensure
  • Submit supervised hours
  • AMFTRB exam results
  • Completion of Jurisprudence exam
  • Submit official transcripts
  • Pay licensure application fee $250

LMFT Continuing Education Requirements

CE Requirements For Maryland MFTs
License Renewal
  • Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
  • Total Hours Required: 40 hours
  • Must include:
  • 30 hours Category A required
  • 10 hours online (Category B) learning allowed
  • (Supervision Requirements: minimum of 18 continuing education units)
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE

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

MD Licensing Board

Maryland Department of Health
Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists Website
Phone: 410-764-4788
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