Exam Comparison
ASWB LCSW vs ASWB MSW
Comparing the ASWB Clinical Social Work Exam and the ASWB Master's Social Work Exam. Both fall under Behavioral Health. Both are covered by the Behavioral Health Exam Prep app.
The Bottom Line
The ASWB Masters exam licenses you to practice social work right after your MSW; the Clinical exam comes years later and unlocks independent clinical practice. This is a career sequence, not a choice, most clinical social workers take both.
ASWB LCSW vs ASWB MSW: At a Glance
| Detail | ASWB LCSW | ASWB MSW |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | ASWB Clinical Social Work Exam | ASWB Master's Social Work Exam |
| Governing Body | ASWB | ASWB |
| Number of Questions | 170 | 170 |
| Time Limit | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | Scaled (approx. 98, varies by state) | Scaled (approx. 101, varies by state) |
| Exam Fee | $260 USD | $260 USD |
| Category | Behavioral Health | Behavioral Health |
| C3RT App | Behavioral Health Exam Prep | Behavioral Health Exam Prep |
Content Areas Compared
ASWB LCSW Domains
- Human Development, Diversity and Behavior in the Environment(22%)
- Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning(26%)
- Psychotherapy, Clinical Interventions, and Case Management(36%)
- Professional Values, Ethics, and Supervision(16%)
ASWB MSW Domains
- Human Development, Diversity and Behavior in the Environment(24%)
- Assessment and Intervention Planning(26%)
- Interventions with Clients/Client Systems(36%)
- Professional Relationships, Values, and Ethics(14%)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ASWB LCSW and ASWB MSW?
The Masters exam is taken right after finishing an MSW and leads to master’s-level licensure (LMSW or your state’s equivalent) for supervised, generalist practice. The Clinical exam is taken after roughly two to three years of supervised clinical experience (about 3,000 hours in most states) and leads to the LCSW, which permits independent diagnosis and psychotherapy. The Clinical exam leans much harder on DSM diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning; the Masters exam is broader and more generalist.
Can I take both the ASWB LCSW and the ASWB MSW?
Yes, if you want a clinical career, you will take both. The LMSW (Masters) gets you hired and starts your supervision clock; the LCSW (Clinical) is the credential that lets you practice psychotherapy independently, bill insurance directly, and eventually supervise others. Social workers staying in macro, policy, or administrative roles may stop at the Masters level.
Which should I take first, ASWB LCSW or ASWB MSW?
Masters first, it is the entry ticket. You cannot sit for the Clinical exam until you have accumulated post-MSW supervised clinical hours, so the sequence is fixed: MSW degree → Masters exam → supervised practice → Clinical exam. If your state offers licensure paths that skip the Masters exam, check your board, but in most states this order is mandatory.
Does C3RT cover both the ASWB LCSW and the ASWB MSW?
Yes. Both the ASWB LCSW and ASWB MSW are covered in the Behavioral Health Exam Prep app for iOS and Mac.
The ASWB Clinical Social Work Exam (ASWB LCSW) is administered by ASWB. The ASWB Master's Social Work Exam (ASWB MSW) is administered by ASWB. C3RT is not affiliated with either organisation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.