How to Become a Licensed Social Worker in Delaware: 2026 Guide

Delaware's 2024 mandatory social work licensure law means that all practitioners, from bachelor's-level case managers to clinical psychotherapists, must hold a license issued by the Board of Social Work Examiners. The state recognizes three credentials: the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Each license level demands a CSWE-accredited degree, a passing score on the corresponding ASWB exam, and, for the LCSW, a substantial supervised clinical experience requirement. For a fuller picture of how to become a licensed clinical social worker, including what independent practice looks like beyond Delaware, the LCSW career guide is a useful starting point. With licensure now mandatory statewide, the timeline from first enrollment to independent practice can extend well beyond six years.

Delaware Social Work License Types: LBSW, LMSW & LCSW

Three distinct license levels govern social work practice in Delaware: the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Each credential maps to a specific education threshold, exam, and scope of practice, and all three are issued by the Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners, which operates under the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.¹

What Each License Allows

The LBSW and LMSW are non-clinical credentials. Holders may provide case management, community outreach, advocacy, and generalist social work services appropriate to their training, but they may not independently diagnose mental health conditions or deliver clinical psychotherapy.

• LBSW: Requires a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program and passage of the ASWB Bachelor's Exam.² This is the entry point for professional social work practice in Delaware.
• LMSW: Requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and passage of the ASWB Master's Exam.² The LMSW opens doors to supervisory roles, school social work, and advanced generalist positions.
• LCSW: Requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, passage of the ASWB Clinical Exam, and completion of 3,200 hours of supervised clinical experience.² The LCSW is the only Delaware credential that authorizes independent clinical practice, including psychotherapy and diagnosis of mental health and substance use disorders.

For a broader look at how these tiers compare across all 50 states, see the levels of social work licensure overview on mastersinsocialworkonline.org.

The 2024 Mandatory Licensure Law: HB 262

Delaware historically allowed certain social work roles to be filled without a license. That changed with House Bill 262, which amended Title 24, Chapter 39 and took effect on September 26, 2024.¹ The law made licensure mandatory for social work practice in the state, affecting both new hires and existing practitioners.

Under HB 262, individuals who were practicing social work between June 11, 2019, and June 11, 2021, could qualify for a grandfathering provision, allowing them a defined pathway to meet the new requirements without immediately holding a license.³ Outside that window, anyone performing social work duties in Delaware must now hold the appropriate LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW credential.

This is the single largest regulatory shift Delaware social workers have faced in years. If you are currently employed in a social work role without a license, check the Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners website for details on how the grandfathering period and any remaining exemptions may apply to your situation.

Why the Distinction Matters

Choosing the right license level determines not only which services you can legally provide but also your earning potential, supervision obligations, and eligibility for insurance reimbursement. The LCSW, in particular, is required by most insurers before they will credential a social worker as an independent provider. If your goal is private clinical social work practice, the progression from LMSW to LCSW, including the supervised clinical hours, is a step you cannot skip.

Upcoming sections of this guide walk through the specific education, exam, supervised experience, and application requirements for each license level so you can map out your path from start to finish.

Side-By-Side: LBSW Vs. LMSW Vs. LCSW Requirements

Choosing among Delaware's three social work credentials usually comes down to how soon you want to practice versus how independently you want to practice long term. The LBSW gets you working fastest, the LMSW opens clinical settings under supervision, and the LCSW is the only level that lets you diagnose and treat independently or open a private practice. The table below summarizes how the requirements stack up.

Quick Comparison

• Education: LBSW requires a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Both the LMSW and LCSW require a CSWE-accredited MSW.¹
• ASWB exam: LBSW candidates sit for the ASWB Bachelors exam, LMSW candidates take the Masters exam, and LCSW candidates take the Clinical exam.¹
• Supervised post-degree experience: Neither the LBSW nor the LMSW requires post-degree supervised hours in Delaware.² The LCSW requires 3,200 total hours of supervised clinical practice, including at least 1,600 clinical hours and 100 hours of direct supervision (see the next section for the full breakdown under 24 Del. Admin. Code §3900).²
• Scope of practice: LBSWs perform generalist social work (case management, advocacy, community practice). LMSWs may provide clinical services only under qualified supervision. LCSWs practice independently, including diagnosis, psychotherapy, and private practice.¹
• Continuing education per renewal: The LBSW requires 20 CE hours per renewal cycle, the LMSW requires 30, and the LCSW requires 40.² Confirm current content requirements (ethics, suicide prevention, etc.) directly with the Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners before each renewal.

How to Read the Tradeoffs

If your career goal is school social work, child welfare, or community-based case management, the LBSW or LMSW may be sufficient. If you want to deliver therapy, bill insurance as an independent provider, or supervise others clinically, plan from day one for the LCSW pathway: a CSWE-accredited MSW, a qualified supervisor lined up before graduation, and a job that will generate the required clinical and face-to-face hours. For a broader look at ASWB exam social work requirements across the country, the state-by-state licensure hub is a useful reference.

Education Requirements by License Level

What degree do you need to become a licensed social worker in Delaware? The answer depends on the license level you pursue. Delaware's licensing structure recognizes both bachelor's and master's pathways, each tied to specific academic credentials that must carry the gold standard of the profession: accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

LBSW: The CSWE-Accredited BSW Foundation

To qualify for the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) credential, you must hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. CSWE accreditation signals that a program meets rigorous educational standards in social work theory, ethics, field practicum, and competency development. The Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners requires this accreditation to ensure that entry-level licensees possess foundational knowledge in human behavior, policy analysis, diversity, and social work field placement. A general bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or a related field does not satisfy this requirement.

LMSW and LCSW: The CSWE-Accredited MSW Track

Both the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) require a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. The MSW builds on the generalist foundation with advanced coursework in clinical practice, research, specialized populations, and a minimum of 900 supervised field hours. Importantly, a BSW is not a prerequisite for admission to most online MSW programs; candidates with bachelor's degrees in other fields can enter many programs through a full-length cohort that covers the generalist year before advancing to specialization.

For Delaware-specific MSW options, including campus and online programs, visit the Delaware MSW guide at /states/delaware/.

Non-CSWE and International Degrees

Candidates who earned degrees from non-CSWE programs or from institutions outside the United States may face additional evaluation steps. The Board typically requires a foreign credential evaluation from an approved agency and may request supplemental coursework or documentation to demonstrate equivalence to CSWE standards. Contact the Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners directly to clarify evaluation procedures before beginning the application process.

ASWB Exam Requirements for Each License

Passing the ASWB exam before applying to the Delaware Board versus waiting until after approval represents two distinct timelines, and understanding which path Delaware permits can save weeks of delay. Delaware allows candidates to register directly with ASWB and sit for the appropriate examination once they have completed their degree requirements, streamlining the path toward licensure.

Which Exam Matches Each License Level

Delaware requires a specific ASWB examination for each credential tier:

• LBSW applicants: Must pass the ASWB Bachelors examination, designed to assess entry-level competencies for BSW graduates.
• LMSW applicants: Must pass the ASWB Masters examination, which evaluates generalist and specialized knowledge expected of MSW graduates.
• LCSW applicants: Must pass the ASWB Clinical examination after completing required supervised experience, testing advanced clinical assessment and intervention skills.

All three examinations are administered by the Association of Social Work Boards and are standardized across the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada.

Registration and Scheduling Through ASWB

Candidates register for their exam directly through aswb.org. The current examination fee is set by ASWB and applies uniformly regardless of which state you plan to practice in. After registering and receiving authorization, candidates schedule their testing appointment through Pearson VUE, which operates testing centers in Delaware and neighboring states. Testing windows typically extend 90 days from authorization, giving candidates flexibility to choose a date that fits their preparation timeline.

Delaware candidates may register with ASWB and take the exam before submitting their full licensure application to the Board of Social Work Examiners, provided they can verify degree completion. This allows recent graduates to use the waiting period productively rather than delaying their career start. If you want to compare social work exam prep courses before you register, reviewing your options early can sharpen your readiness.

Passing Scores and Retake Policies

ASWB establishes a scaled passing score for each examination level. Candidates who do not pass on their first attempt must observe a waiting period before retaking the exam. ASWB policy currently requires a 90-day wait between attempts, and candidates may retake the exam multiple times. Check with ASWB for the most current retake limits, as policies can change.

Portability Advantage of the ASWB Exam

Because ASWB examinations are identical across all 50 states, passing scores transfer if you relocate. A candidate who passes the Masters exam while applying for Delaware licensure can use that same score when seeking licensure in another state, eliminating the need to retest. This portability makes the ASWB exam a foundational credential that supports long-term career mobility, whether you remain in Delaware or eventually practice elsewhere. For a broader look at how exam requirements vary by credential tier, the levels of social work licensure guide breaks down what each designation requires nationwide.

Supervised Clinical Experience for the LCSW

After earning your MSW, the path to full clinical licensure in Delaware requires a structured period of supervised practice. This is the stage where graduate-level knowledge meets real-world clinical work under the guidance of a qualified supervisor, and it is the final major requirement before you can apply for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential.

How Many Hours Are Required

Delaware requires post-MSW supervised clinical experience before you can sit for the ASWB Clinical exam and apply for the LCSW. The exact hour requirements, including any breakdown between direct client contact hours and total supervision hours, are set by the Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners and can change when the Board updates its regulations. Because these figures carry significant weight for your career timeline, go directly to the Board's official website to confirm the current requirements before you begin accumulating hours. Do not rely on secondhand sources, including older versions of licensing guides.

Supervisor Qualifications

In Delaware, your supervisor must hold an active LCSW. The Board's rules specify that supervision must come from a licensed clinical social worker, which means practitioners holding only a master's-level license cannot serve as your qualifying supervisor. Non-social-work clinicians, such as licensed psychologists or licensed professional counselors, generally do not qualify as supervisors for Delaware LCSW supervision purposes, though you should confirm this directly with the Board if your workplace situation is unusual.

If your supervisor holds an LCSW in another state but not in Delaware, contact the Board before counting those hours. Out-of-state supervisors may or may not satisfy Delaware's requirements, and getting clarity upfront protects the hours you work hard to accumulate.

Documentation and Submission

Keep a supervision log from your very first supervised session. Typical documentation includes dates and duration of supervision meetings, the types of cases discussed, and your supervisor's signature verifying the sessions. Delaware's Board requires verification forms as part of your LCSW application, and disorganized records can create costly delays. Ask the Board for its official supervision verification forms before you begin, and store copies of everything.

Finding a Supervisor in a Rural or Underserved Area

Finding a qualified LCSW supervisor can be genuinely difficult in Delaware's more rural counties. A few practical options to explore:

• Telehealth supervision: Some states, and some boards, allow supervision conducted via videoconference. Confirm with the Delaware Board whether remote supervision sessions count toward your hours.
• Professional associations: The National Association of Social Workers Delaware Chapter and Delaware's social work community are good starting points for supervisor referrals.
• Employer-facilitated supervision: Some hospitals, community mental health centers, and agencies arrange supervision as part of employment. Ask prospective employers specifically whether they provide Board-qualifying supervision.

If you are already employed in a clinical setting, ask yourself now: does your current or prospective supervisor hold an active Delaware LCSW? Have you confirmed this with the Board's licensee lookup? Are you prepared to track your hours from the first day of supervised practice? These questions are worth answering before you accept a position, not after months of work.

For a fuller picture of what the state supervised hours for LCSW means for your career planning, explore practice settings, earning potential, and scope of practice across different states.

Application Steps, Fees & Background Checks

How do you actually submit your application and what will it cost? Delaware processes all social work license applications through DELPROS, the state's online professional licensing portal, and requires both state and federal background checks alongside tiered application fees that vary by credential level.¹

Creating Your DELPROS Account and Submitting Your Application

Begin by navigating to the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation's DELPROS portal and creating an account. Once logged in, select the social work license type you are applying for (LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW) from the list of available credentials. The online application will prompt you to enter personal information, education details, and employment history. You will also answer background questions regarding criminal history, disciplinary actions, and professional conduct. After completing the form, you will upload all required supporting documents directly into the portal.

Required Documents for Each License Level

Every applicant must submit official transcripts sent directly from their CSWE-accredited social work program to the Board. You will also need to provide your ASWB exam score report, which ASWB can send electronically to the Delaware Board upon your request. LCSW candidates must additionally submit a completed supervision verification form signed by their clinical supervisor, documenting the required post-graduate clinical hours and supervision structure. Ensure all documents are submitted in the formats specified by the Board, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed.¹

Fingerprinting and Criminal Background Check Process

Delaware requires both State Bureau of Identification (SBI) and FBI fingerprint-based background checks for all social work applicants.¹ You must schedule a fingerprinting appointment at an approved vendor location, which you can find listed on the Division of Professional Regulation website. The fingerprinting process typically takes fifteen to thirty minutes, and results are transmitted electronically to the Board. Processing times for background checks vary but generally range from two to six weeks. The background check fee is $65 and is paid separately from your application fee. Note that applicants with a prior criminal record should review information on social work license denial and criminal history before applying.

Fee Breakdown by License Level

Application and licensing fees differ by credential:

• LBSW: $65 application fee
• LMSW: $65 application fee
• LCSW: $183 application fee
• Background check fee (all levels): $65

All fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied or withdrawn.³ Payments are submitted through DELPROS at the time of application.

Processing Timelines and Board Review

The Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners reviews complete applications at regularly scheduled board meetings, which typically occur monthly or quarterly.³ Incomplete applications will not be reviewed until all materials and fees are received. From the date you submit a complete application, expect four to eight weeks for initial review and license issuance, though timelines can extend if additional documentation or clarification is requested. Monitor your DELPROS account and email for status updates and any requests from the Board.

Delaware Social Work License Fees at a Glance

Delaware charges separate fees at each stage of the licensure lifecycle. Because the Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners may update fee schedules, always confirm current amounts on the board's official site before submitting your application.

License Renewal & Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Keeping your Delaware social work license active means completing a set number of continuing education hours every two years and submitting your renewal on time. The Board of Social Work Examiners operates on a biennial cycle, with all licenses due for renewal by January 31 of every odd-numbered year.¹ Missing that deadline can put your ability to practice at risk, so building CE completion into your regular schedule rather than treating it as a last-minute task is strongly advisable.

CE Hours by License Level

The number of hours required scales with the level of your credential:¹

• LBSW: 20 total continuing education hours per renewal period
• LMSW: 30 total continuing education hours per renewal period
• LCSW: 40 total continuing education hours per renewal period

Regardless of license level, every licensee must include at least 6 hours focused on social work ethics and at least 1 hour on mandatory reporting.¹ These are not optional electives; they are required components of your CE portfolio for each renewal cycle.

Approved CE Formats and Self-Directed Hours

Delaware does not restrict continuing education for social workers to a single format, so live workshops, webinars, online courses, and self-study materials can all count toward your total. However, there is a cap on self-directed learning: no more than 10 hours per renewal period may come from self-directed activities.¹ The remaining hours must come from more structured formats. Courses do not need to carry a specific board approval stamp as long as the content is relevant to social work practice,³ but you should verify acceptable providers and formats with the Board directly before enrolling.

Reporting CE Through DELPROS

Delaware uses an online licensing portal called DELPROS to manage renewals. CE is reported by attestation, meaning you confirm completion of your hours when you submit your renewal application rather than uploading certificates in advance.² That said, you are required to retain your CE records, because the Board conducts audits and can request documentation at any time.¹ Keep certificates, transcripts, or other proof of completion for several years as a standard practice.

Late Renewal and Reinstatement

Practicing with an expired license is not permitted in Delaware. If you miss the January 31 renewal deadline, contact the Board of Social Work Examiners promptly to understand your options. Late renewals typically involve additional fees, and a license that has lapsed for an extended period may require a formal reinstatement process rather than a simple late renewal. The Board's website and the DELPROS portal are the authoritative sources for current fee amounts and reinstatement procedures, as these details can change between renewal cycles.

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Reciprocity, Endorsement & the Social Work Licensure Compact

If you hold a social work license in another state, do you have to start the licensing process from scratch in Delaware? The short answer is no.

License by Endorsement for Out-of-State Social Workers

Delaware offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who are already licensed in another state at an equivalent level. You do not need to retake the ASWB exam if you passed the appropriate-level examination when you were originally licensed.¹ The Board evaluates whether your out-of-state credentials meet Delaware's standards, so the key is demonstrating equivalency rather than repeating steps you have already completed.

To apply by endorsement, expect to provide:

• Education verification: A transcript confirming a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW, depending on the license level you are seeking.¹
• License verification: Official verification from every state where you have held a social work license, submitted directly to the Delaware Board.¹
• Supervised practice documentation: If you are seeking the clinical license (LCSW), you must document the required post-graduate supervised hours (3,000 hours or two years of full-time supervised practice) even if that supervision occurred under another state's license.¹
• Background check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required regardless of endorsement status.¹

Applications are submitted through DELPROS, Delaware's online professional licensing portal. Check the Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners directly for the current application fee, as fees are subject to change.

Military Spouses and Veterans

Delaware has an expedited licensure process for military spouses and veterans.¹ If you are a military spouse who relocates to Delaware and holds a current, equivalent license from another state, you can apply for priority processing. Contact the Board for the specific documentation required under Delaware's military spouse provisions.

The ASWB Social Work Licensure Compact

Delaware enacted legislation to join the Social Work Licensure Compact in August 2025 through Senate Bill 109,² codified at Title 24, Chapter 39D of the Delaware Code. This makes Delaware one of the member states in a growing interstate compact designed to make it significantly easier for licensed social workers to practice across state lines.

As of mid-2026, the Compact is not yet fully operational and multistate licenses have not yet been issued.⁴ The Compact Commission's rulemaking is on track, with licenses expected to begin being issued in 2026.⁵ Once operational, eligible social workers in member states will be able to obtain a Compact privilege to practice in other member states without going through a separate endorsement process for each one. Eligibility under the Compact generally requires a CSWE-accredited degree, passage of a qualifying national exam, and for clinical-level practitioners, at least 3,000 hours (or two years of full-time) supervised practice.

Compact-related fees for Delaware have not yet been determined.⁴ Monitor the Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners and the official Social Work Licensure Compact Commission for updates as implementation progresses.

Verifying a Delaware License for Transfer to Another State

If you are moving out of Delaware and need to transfer your license to a new state, the Delaware Board provides official license verification. Most states require verification sent directly from the originating board. For a broader look at social work license requirements by state, the state-by-state licensure guide covers each jurisdiction's process. Submit your verification request to the Delaware Board well before your anticipated move date, as processing times can vary.

Path to Social Work Licensure in Delaware

Earning full clinical licensure in Delaware is a multi-stage process that can span roughly seven to nine years from the start of your bachelor's degree. The timeline below outlines each major milestone on the way to the LCSW.

Social Worker Salary in Delaware

Delaware social workers earn a range of salaries depending on their specialization and practice setting. The table below draws on 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Clinical social workers, particularly those holding the LCSW who can bill insurance independently, often command salaries at the higher end of these ranges. For a deeper breakdown by specialization, experience level, and practice setting, visit our salary guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Social Work Licensure

Below are answers to the most common questions prospective and current social workers ask about Delaware licensure. For a broader overview of the profession, visit the how to become a social worker guide on mastersinsocialworkonline.org.