Licensed Master’s Social Worker, clinical designation (clinical social worker) · Michigan · regulated by Michigan Board of Social Work (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing) · high confidence
| Pre-license credential | Limited Licensed Master's Social Worker (LLMSW) |
|---|---|
| Supervised experience | at least 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised work experience accrued over not less than 2 years |
| Supervision | supervisory review at least 4 hours per month, at least 2 of them individual |
| Minimum time | 2 years |
| Time limit | Limited license valid 1 year, renewable no more than 6 times (statute: not more than 6 years) |
| Weekly cap | average ≥16 and ≤40 hours/week; max 2,080 hours in any 12-month period |
| Exams | ASWB Clinical examination |
Supervision
- How much: supervisory review at least 4 hours per month, at least 2 of them individual
- How often: ≥4 hours/month supervisory review; ≥2 hours/month individual (in person or live simultaneous telecommunication)
- Group supervision: group modality allowed if 50% of supervision includes individual contact reviewing the applicant's work functions and records
- Who may supervise: Michigan-licensed master's social worker holding a clinical designation, license in good standing throughout
When hours count and what to keep
- Before your degree: not counted; experience earned after completing all graduation requirements, while holding a Michigan limited license
- Paperwork: Supervisor's Verification of Social Work Experience for Master's Social Worker License (LARA/BPL-SOCIALWORKMASTERSVERIF), one per supervisor
Can you be supervised remotely in Michigan?
Yes. Required supervision can be done entirely by live video, with no in-person minimum.
- Video supervision: Supervisee meets supervisor individually in person, individually by a telecommunications method providing 'live and simultaneous contact', or in a group modality (50% must include individual contact); ≥4 h/month supervisory review, ≥2 h individual (in person or live telecommunication)
- In-person minimum: None set by the state
- Supervisor licensed in Michigan? required (Michigan-licensed master's social worker with clinical designation, in good standing throughout)
- Supervisor credential: None set by the state: no supervisor training/registration beyond the Michigan LMSW clinical designation
- Supervisee cap: None set by the state
- Board approval first: Hours count only while holding a Michigan limited master's social worker license; no supervision-plan approval found
The client’s location decides which state’s rules apply. This is not legal advice; confirm with the board before building a program. Compare every state on the remote-supervision map.
Recent and pending changes
HB 4280 (2025) would extend limited-license renewal period from 6 to 10 years; referred to House Health Policy committee 3/20/2025, no further action found. LARA plans a Social Work rule review.
Where the rules are unclear
Michigan’s own documents disagree or are silent on these points. Ask the board if they affect you:
- Does a telephone call count as a 'telecommunications method that provides for live and simultaneous contact' for the 2 individual hours/month (R 338.2949(3)(c)(ii))?
In the board’s own words
“at least 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised work experience accrued over not less than 2 years” — Mich Admin Code R 338.2949(1)(b)✓ matched in the source
“Supervisory review must be conducted for at least 4 hours per month with at least 2 hours being conducted between the applicant and the supervisor” — Mich Admin Code R 338.2949(3)(c)✓ matched in the source
“an average of at least 16 hours, but not more than 40 hours, of supervised work experience per week” — Mich Admin Code R 338.2949(3)(e)✓ matched in the source
“This license may be renewed no more than 6 times.” — Mich Admin Code R 338.2947(4)✓ matched in the source
“Individually using a telecommunications method that provides for live and simultaneous contact.” — Mich Admin Code R 338.2949(3)(b)(ii)✓ matched in the source
“In a group modality that provides for 50% of the supervision to include individual contact” — Mich Admin Code R 338.2949(3)(b)(iii)✓ matched in the source
“under the supervision of a Michigan-licensed master's social worker holding a clinical designation” — Mich Admin Code R 338.2953(b)(ii)✓ matched in the source
“Supervised work experience may only be earned while holding a Michigan limited master's of social work license” — Mich Admin Code R 338.2949(3)(a)✓ matched in the source
“accumulate supervised work experience in an agency, health facility, institution, or other entity approved by the board” — Mich Admin Code R 338.2947(3)✓ matched in the source
“The continuous availability of direct communication in person or by radio, telephone, or telecommunication between the supervised individual and a licensed health professional.” — MCL 333.16109(2)(a)✓ matched in the source
Other licenses in Michigan
- LPC (professional counselor)
- LMFT (marriage and family therapist)
- Psychologist
- All Michigan licenses · every state
Sources
- Mich Admin Code R 338.2949(1)-(3) (Social Work General Rules, PDF p.12-13)
- MCL 333.18509(1)(b),(2)
- LARA Supervisor's Verification of Social Work Experience for Master's SW License (Rev. 10/24)
- Michigan House Bill 4280 of 2025 (bill history)
- MCL 333.16109(2) (Public Health Code definition of 'supervision', applies to all Article 15 professions)
Checked against Michigan Board of Social Work (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing)’s rules, statutes and publications on September 25, 2026. The board decides; if your situation is unusual, confirm with them.