Licensed Independent Social Worker (clinical social worker) · Ohio · regulated by Ohio CSWMFT Board, Social Worker Professional Standards Committee · high confidence
| Pre-license credential | LSW (Licensed Social Worker) |
|---|---|
| Supervised experience | at least two complete years supervised experience which includes three thousand hours of work for a fee, salary or other consideration |
| Supervision | no less than 150 hours total |
| Minimum time | two complete years (24 full months) |
| Weekly cap | no more than 1,500 hours credited in any twelve-month period |
| Exams | ASWB Clinical only from 2026-07-10 (Advanced Generalist discontinued; exceptions possible for those already in supervision) |
Supervision
- How much: no less than 150 hours total
- How often: one hour of individual and/or group supervision for each twenty hours of work
- Group supervision: counts; individual = ≤2 supervisees, group = ≤8 supervisees; no group cap
- Who may supervise: LISW with training supervision designation (≥1 yr post-LISW; 9 CE hours or a master's course in supervision)
When hours count and what to keep
- Before your degree: not counted: post-MSW and post-LSW only
- Paperwork: Supervisee logs signed quarterly by supervisor; last LISW-S submits hours via Board online form
Can you be supervised remotely in Ohio?
Only partly. Some supervision or presence must be in person or on site. What shapes this: in-person minimum, state-only supervisor credential, video limited.
- Video supervision: Training supervision (LSW→LISW) starts with an initial face-to-face meeting, then in person, videoconference, or phone. Unlike the counselor/MFT rules, the SW rule does not say the initial meeting may be by video.
- Phone only: allowed after the initial meeting (phone)
- In-person minimum: possibly the initial meeting: rule requires an 'initial face to face meeting' without the video clause found in the counselor/MFT rules
- Supervisor licensed in Ohio? required when training supervision occurs in Ohio: supervisee and supervisor must both be Ohio-licensed; supervisor = LISW with training supervision designation
- Supervisor credential: Ohio LISW training supervision designation (LISW-S)
- Supervisee cap: no overall cap found; individual ≤2 per meeting, group ≤8
- Board approval first: none found (hardship exceptions by written request)
- If you live outside Ohio: Out-of-state supervised experience completed under that state's rules can most often be accepted
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
Board voted 2025-07-10 to drop the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam for LISW effective 2026-07-10 (Summer 2025 newsletter). The Board's LISW FAQ page still says either exam is accepted.
Where the rules are unclear
Ohio’s own documents disagree or are silent on these points. Ask the board if they affect you:
- Must the initial face-to-face meeting for LSW training supervision be in person, or may it be by video as in the counselor/MFT rules?
In the board’s own words
“at least two complete years supervised experience which includes three thousand hours of work for a fee, salary or other consideration” — Ohio Adm. Code 4757-19-02(D)(2)(a)✓ matched in the source
“One hour of individual and/or group supervision for each twenty hours of work by the supervisee with no less than one hundred fifty hours total.” — Ohio Adm. Code 4757-23-01(F)(1)✓ matched in the source
“no applicant may be credited with more than fifteen hundred hours of experience during any twelve-month period” — Ohio Adm. Code 4757-19-02(D)(2)(a)✓ matched in the source
“Starting July 10, 2026, an LISW can only be obtained by passing the ASWB Clinical Exam.” — CSWMFT Summer 2025 Newsletter✓ matched in the source
“Supervision must start with an initial face to face meeting after which communication may be in person, via videoconferencing, or by phone.” — OAC 4757-23-01 (social work supervision)✓ matched in the source
“If the training supervision is occurring in Ohio, the supervisee and the supervisor shall be licensed in Ohio.” — OAC 4757-23-01 (social work supervision)✓ matched in the source
“A licensed social worker may not be in solo private practice.” — OAC 4757-23-01 (social work supervision)✓ matched in the source
“must be employed or contracted with an agency, practice, or independently licensed professional who can provide clinical/work supervision” — OAC 4757-23-01 (social work supervision)✓ matched in the source
“Supervised experience that is completed in another state according to that state's laws and rules can most often be accepted for Ohio licensure.” — CSWMFT Board LISW FAQs✓ matched in the source
Other licenses in Ohio
- LPCC (professional counselor)
- IMFT (marriage and family therapist)
- Psychologist
- All Ohio licenses · every state
Sources
- Ohio Rev. Code 4757.27(B)
- Ohio Adm. Code 4757-19-02(D) (LISW requirements)
- Ohio Adm. Code 4757-23-01(A)(2), (F), (H) (social work supervision)
- CSWMFT Board, LISW FAQs
- CSWMFT Board Summer 2025 Newsletter, 'ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam'
Checked against Ohio CSWMFT Board, Social Worker Professional Standards Committee’s rules, statutes and publications on September 25, 2026. The board decides; if your situation is unusual, confirm with them.