Social Work is a licensed profession with an entry level post-MSW license, the LGSW (Licensed Graduate Social Worker), as well as the LCSW (non-clinical advanced license earned after two years of supervised practice) and the LCSW-C (earned after two years of supervised clinical practice). We encourage all graduates to sit for the LGSW exam which can be taken within the semester that the student is expected to graduate. Students have the option to take the LGSW examination after they graduate. If you do plan to take the exam in your last semester, you must obtain a letter from Dean Jennie Bloom in the SSW Office of Records and Registration verifying your anticipated graduation date. The letter from the SSW must be submitted in a sealed envelope and be included in the LGSW application packet that is mailed to the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. Note: If you wish to receive such a letter, please notify Cindy Jacobs via email at cjacobs@ssw.umaryland.edu or in writing and bring your written request to Room 1W05 or place the message in faculty mailbox #127. The LGSW Application packets may be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs-Room 2W14. If you are planning to take the LGSW examination after you graduate then you do not need a letter from Dean Bloom’s office but you must include an official academic transcript in the LGSW application packet. Our most recent pass rate figures for the LGSW exam indicate that our graduates pass this exam at a rate slightly higher than the national rate. Some students take a licensing preparatory course; others acquire reading materials and study on their own; and still others take the exam without preparation. Frequently Asked Questions -Should I take the LGSW Exam in my last semester when I’m graduating or should I wait until graduation? Student’s Decision.
-If I’m graduating in the summer, should I wait until the summer term to submit my LGSW application-along with needed letter from the SSW Records and Registration Office?
Yes.
-Once the LGSW Examination Application is received by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, how long does it take for a student to be notified as to the date when s/he is scheduled to take the exam?
The applicant will be informed within 4 to 6 weeks if s/he has been approved to take the Master’s (LGSW) examination (via Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners).
-Who administers the LGSW Examination?
The Masters (LGSW) examination is administered through the Association of Social Work Boards, ASWB (www.aswb.org).
-Are MSW graduates only eligible for the LGSW exam (sometimes students get confused and think they should apply for the LCSW or LCSW-C)?
An MSW student is only eligible to apply for licensure at the LGSW level.
-Does the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners have a booklet that explains how the licensure process works?
No. The Board staff conduct presentations and information is posted on the Board’s web-site. All potential licenses should refer to the Social Work Practice Act-Title 19 and the Maryland Code of Regulations-COMAR Title 10 Subtitle 42.
-Are there free study guides/publications to help graduates prepare for the LGSW Exam?
No. ASWB publishes a study guide for $33.00. There are various other study materials for a fee.
-Which Licensing Exam Preparation Services does the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners recommend?
The Board can only recommend the ASBW Study Guide because the other study guides are available through various competing businesses.
-What web-sites do you recommend to obtain general information about the LGSW License?
For licensing requirements and approval review the Board of Social Work Examiners web-site at www.dhmh.state.md.us/bswe/ and for examination information and testing centers access ASWB at www.aswb.org. Note: For application information related to the Department of Health/Board of Social Work-Washington, D.C. LGSW license, access dchealth.dcgov/prof_license
-Which web-site should I access to obtain licensure information as it pertains to other states (other than the state of Maryland)?
Such information is available through the ASWB web-site at www.aswb.org.
Attention: If you have additional questions related to LGSW Licensing process, please feel free to forward your questions to Assistant Dean Lucia M. Rusty at stservices@ssw.umaryland.edu. top . | 
