Enter your current totals. Leave fields at 0 if you haven't started yet.
hrs
hrs
hrs
0 hrs
Direct Client Hours + Non-Direct Hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for LCSW licensure in California?
California requires 3,000 total supervised experience hours for LCSW licensure over a minimum of 104 supervised weeks. Of those, at least 2,000 must be clinical psychosocial diagnosis, assessment, and treatment hours, including a minimum of 750 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy. Non-clinical hours are capped at 1,000. All hours must be earned post-degree. Source: BBS ASW FAQ, revised January 2026.
How long does it take to complete LCSW hours in California?
Most ASWs complete their hours in 2.5 to 4 years post-degree. With 2,000 direct clinical hours required and a 40-hour weekly cap, the timeline depends on your caseload. The 104-week supervision minimum means at least 2 years regardless of pace.
How does LCSW compare to LMFT and LPCC hours in California?
All three licenses require 3,000 total hours and 104 supervised weeks. LCSW requires more direct clinical hours (2,000 vs. 1,750 for LMFT/LPCC) and has a lower non-clinical cap (1,000 vs. 1,250). LCSW uniquely requires 750 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy and that at least 1,700 hours and 13 weeks be supervised by an LCSW specifically.
How are ASW hours different from AMFT hours?
ASW (Associate Social Worker) hours differ from AMFT hours in key ways: LCSW requires 2,000 direct clinical hours vs. 1,750 for LMFT; LCSW requires 750 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy (LMFT requires 500 CFC hours instead); LCSW does not allow pre-degree hours while LMFT allows up to 1,300; and LCSW requires at least 1,700 hours supervised by an LCSW.
What is the weekly hour cap for ASWs in California?
ASWs (Associate Social Workers) can count a maximum of 40 hours of supervised experience in any 7 consecutive days and up to 6 hours of supervision per week. This is the same weekly cap that applies to AMFTs and APCCs. Hours beyond these limits do not count toward the 3,000-hour requirement.
How much supervision is required for LCSW in California?
California requires a minimum of 104 supervised weeks for LCSW licensure, with at least 52 of those weeks including individual or triadic supervision. Of those 52 individual supervision weeks, at least 13 must be supervised by an LCSW specifically. Additionally, at least 1,700 of your 3,000 total hours must be gained under LCSW supervision.
Does LCSW require supervision by an LCSW specifically?
Yes. LCSW has a unique requirement that at least 1,700 hours and 13 weeks must be supervised by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The remaining hours can be supervised by other BBS-qualified supervisors (LMFT, LPCC, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist). Supervision by a Licensed Educational Psychologist is capped at 1,200 hours.
Can pre-degree fieldwork hours count toward LCSW in California?
No. Unlike LMFT, which allows up to 1,300 pre-degree trainee hours, California LCSW licensure requires all 3,000 hours to be earned after completing your qualifying MSW degree. Practicum and fieldwork hours earned during your degree program do not count toward LCSW licensure requirements.