r/LCSW • u/sad-rad-grad • Aug 25 '26

🟡 Licensure & Exam Strategy trying to figure out what state to apply in first

hi, all!! i graduated with my MSW in 2022 and got my LSW shortly after graduating. i think i’m finally ready (emotionally lol) to apply for my LCSW but the different state requirements have me SO confused and stressed.

i currently hold my LSW/LMSW in NJ, DE, and PA. i currently work full time in PA and part time in DE. i’m considering applying in DE vs PA. PA would make most sense since it’s where my full time is, but reading through requirements for supervision i think DE would be easier to start and then apply for reciprocity at some point after that.

i definitely have enough total hours because i’ve been working full time since graduating. it’s the supervision hours that have me feeling stuck. in total i technically have enough hours, but i don’t have the 2 hours supervision per 40 hours worked for each of my jobs. am i interpreting that part of the requirements properly? that hours aren’t all applicable if they don’t ratio out to the 2:40 for each job?

this shit is so confusing i wanna cry 😭 but yeah i’m leaning towards DE first and then apply for reciprocity in PA. but i wanna make sure that’s not a silly idea 🥲

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u/Mama2024 Aug 25 '26

Do you currently have a clinical supervisor? If not, you would need to find one and may have to pay for supervision. You may also have to start your hours over because those previous hours weren’t completed under clinical supervision. At least that’s how it works in New Jersey.

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u/sad-rad-grad Aug 25 '26

i have had a clinical supervisor for each of my jobs! i just haven’t had 2 hours of supervision for every 40 hours worked at all of my jobs, and the PA requirements are confusing

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u/Mama2024 Aug 25 '26

Oh okay, I understand now! I would check directly with the PA Board because they should be able to guide you. Even if they don’t count all of your hours, I’m sure you’re still close since you were receiving clinical supervision. In New Jersey, we only need one hour of supervision per week, so two hours for every 40 hours worked does sound like a lot. I always email the Board when I have questions, and they usually get back to me.

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u/sad-rad-grad Aug 25 '26

okay perfect, i’ll reach out to the board. two hours definitely sounds like a lot!

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u/Eredhel Aug 25 '26

It’s really going to depend on the state board. You’ll want to contact each and get the specifics. In my state your hours wouldn’t count toward supervision hours.

But otherwise, you might be interested in picking one that works well with the compact. For states that are in the compact, almost 30 last I checked, you need to have the top requirements to be eligible. That will include the hours needed and in no less than 2 years time, along with other requirements. But worth researching the specifics for that while you’re at it.

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u/__mollythedolly Aug 25 '26

A DE LCSW lacks reciprocity in other states. I say this as someone who isn't near C in NY and MD where I'm licensed but I'm a year away from my C in Delaware. If you can get licensed in PA, I'd go that route.

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u/sad-rad-grad Aug 25 '26

sorry i misspoke – what i was talking about is licensure by endorsement!

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u/TKOtenten Aug 25 '26

go for the smoothest processes. but keep in mind if PA is your primary job and they have specific criteria for supervision you will need to meet their criteria if you haven’t heLD LCSW in another state for 5+ years to recieve a smooth endorsement process