Licensed Clinical Social Worker (clinical social worker) · North Dakota · regulated by North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (NDBSWE) · high confidence
| Pre-license credential | LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) |
|---|---|
| Supervised experience | within a four-year period, three thousand hours of supervised post-master's clinical social work experience |
| Supervision | minimum of 150 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision |
| Time limit | 4 years (post-master's) |
| Exams | ASWB Clinical exam, within one year of filing the application |
Supervision
- How much: minimum of 150 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision
- Group supervision: not more than 50 hours group; group ≤7 people including the supervisor
- Who may supervise: First 1,500 hours under an LCSW; remainder may be other qualified mental health professionals if hardship (board-approved)
When hours count and what to keep
- Before your degree: not counted: post-master's only
- Paperwork: Supervision plan filed before starting (new plan if supervisor changes); Verification of MSW Supervision; Verification of MSW Employment
Can you be supervised remotely in North Dakota?
Mostly, with some limits. What shapes this: prior board approval.
- Video supervision: 150 h face-to-face clinical supervision (≤50 group); 'face-to-face supervision' = direct, interactive, live exchange in person, by telephone, or by audio or audiovisual electronic device (75.5-02-01-03(8)).
- Phone only: allowed (telephone or audio device counts as face-to-face)
- In-person minimum: None set by the state
- Supervisor credential: LCSW supervisor approved by the Board via the supervision plan (supervisor's license uploaded); hardship substitution by other MHPs only after first 1,500 h
- Supervisee cap: group ≤7 including supervisor
- Board approval first: Supervision plan must be submitted to (and approved by) the Board before hours count; applicant must already hold an ND social work license; new plan on supervisor change.
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.
Where the rules are unclear
North Dakota’s own documents disagree or are silent on these points. Ask the board if they affect you:
- Must the LCSW supervisor hold an ND license?
In the board’s own words
“The successful completion, within a four-year period, of three thousand hours of supervised post-master's clinical social work experience.” — N.D. Cent. Code §43-41-04(3)(c)(2)✓ matched in the source
“a minimum of one hundred fifty hours of face-to-face clinical supervision ... Not more than fifty hours of supervision may be group supervision.” — N.D. Admin. Code 75.5-02-03-04.1(2)✓ matched in the source
“a direct, interactive, live exchange, either in person, by telephone, or by audio or audiovisual electronic device” — N.D. Admin. Code 75.5-02-01 (definition 8)✓ matched in the source
“"Face-to-face supervision" means a direct, interactive, live exchange, either in person, by telephone, or by audio or audiovisual electronic device” — N.D. Admin. Code 75.5-02-01-03 (definitions)✓ matched in the source
“The size of the group shall be limited to seven, including the supervisor.” — NDBSWE: Supervision of LCSW Applicants✓ matched in the source
“must submit a plan for supervision to the board's office prior to beginning the process of working toward licensed clinical social work status” — N.D. Admin. Code 75.5-02-03-04.1✓ matched in the source
“a minimum of one hundred fifty hours of face-to-face clinical supervision with a supervisor approved by the board.” — N.D. Admin. Code 75.5-02-03-04.1✓ matched in the source
“You must also have a current social work license in ND and have a MSW degree to submit the supervision plan form.” — NDBSWE: Supervision of LCSW Applicants✓ matched in the source
“The letter must be on letterhead paper from your employer and signed by your supervisor and employer.” — NDBSWE: Supervision of LCSW Applicants✓ matched in the source
Other licenses in North Dakota
- LPCC (professional counselor)
- LMFT (marriage and family therapist)
- Psychologist
- All North Dakota licenses · every state
Sources
- N.D. Cent. Code §43-41-04(3)(c)
- N.D. Admin. Code 75.5-02-03-04.1 Supervision of applicants for LCSW
- N.D. Admin. Code 75.5-02-01 Definitions (face-to-face, group supervision)
- NDBSWE, LCSW Requirements
- NDBSWE, Supervision of LCSW Applicants
Checked against North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (NDBSWE)’s rules, statutes and publications on September 25, 2026. The board decides; if your situation is unusual, confirm with them.