LCSW Licensing

[TheZep]

My goal is to become an LCSW and i had a question about licensing. I know you have to have two years post masters of supervised work by another LCSW and then you take an exam (right?), however if I get licensed in one state, do I have to go through the supervision to get licensed in another? I'm afraid that where I move to start my first job and get licensed may not be the place I want to settle down (I don't know this for sure, I just want to be prepared for whatever obstacle I may face), and I just didn't know if you would be eligible to just take the licensing exam for another state once you first become licensed in another.

Thanks!

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[Goobernut]

I really think this is going to depend on the states in question. For example, I found this on Florida's reciprocity laws:

"Florida does not offer reciprocity for those licensed in other states. However, social workers interested in obtaining Florida licensure may apply for Licensure by Endorsement or Examination. These applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine if the requirements for Florida license have been met. A social worker in the state temporarily or in the process of obtaining Licensure by Endorsement may practice in the state of Florida by applying for a provisional license."

My guess is that if you move to a state that requires MORE supervised hours than the state you got your license in, then you might have to practice provisionally until you get those supervised hours. Florida has pretty decent/average standards for the LCSW licensing hours, so you will probably be fine if you get your degree in FL. Every state has variable #s of direct client hours, so that's going to be what you will really have to look at.