Michigan's LMSW: Clinical vs. Macro Designation

If you search Michigan's license lookup for an LCSW, you will not find one. Michigan licenses master's-level social workers under a single title, the Licensed Master's Social Worker, and marks what kind of practice the license covers with a designation: clinical, macro, or both. A Michigan LMSW with the clinical designation is the state's independent clinical social worker. In most other states, an LMSW is the license you hold before you get there.

How do you earn the LMSW in Michigan?

The Michigan Administrative Code (R 338.2947 through R 338.2953) sets it up in two stages:

1. A limited license first. After the MSW you hold a Limited Licensed Master's Social Worker (LLMSW). Supervised hours count only while you hold it.
2. Then 4,000 hours over at least two years. Post-degree, supervised by a Michigan LMSW holding the designation you are pursuing. You may not accumulate more than 2,080 hours in any 12-month period, and you must average between 16 and 40 hours a week.

Supervision is set as a monthly minimum rather than a total: at least four hours of supervisory review a month, at least two of them individual, either in person or by live, simultaneous telecommunication.

What separates the two designations?

Clinical (R 338.2953). The ASWB Clinical exam, and 4,000 hours of experience that includes activities such as assessment, treatment and intervention, psychotherapy, case management for complex and high-risk cases, and clinical supervision.

Macro (R 338.2951). The ASWB Advanced Generalist exam, and 4,000 hours in administration, management and supervision of human service organizations, community organizing, research and evaluation, policy, advocacy and social work education. Michigan does not use the ASWB Masters exam at all.

To add the second designation later, Michigan requires another 2,000 hours over at least one year in that area, with at least 50 hours of supervisory review, plus the second designation's exam (R 338.2949).

How does a Michigan LMSW move to another state?

Read by title, it looks like a master's-level license. Read by substance, a clinically designated LMSW has a post-MSW clinical exam and 4,000 supervised hours, more than the 3,000 many states ask for their clinical license. When you apply elsewhere:

• Say "LMSW, clinical designation" on every form and ask Michigan to show the designation on your verification. A board that sees only "LMSW" may route you to its non-clinical license.
• Transfer the Clinical exam score from ASWB. A macro-only LMSW has the Advanced Generalist instead, which will not satisfy a board that requires the Clinical exam for its clinical license. Texas, for one, says outright that it does not accept the Advanced Generalist in place of the Clinical.
• Keep your supervision records. Destination boards may want hour and supervision detail.

And moving into Michigan?

Under R 338.2957, if you hold an active master's-level license elsewhere and have practiced at the master's level for at least 10 years, Michigan presumes you qualify and you apply for the clinical or macro designation with an attestation. With less than 10 years, you must pass the Advanced Generalist or Clinical exam, as applicable, and document 4,000 hours of supervised or work experience at that level. See the Michigan guide for out-of-state social workers.

Does the Social Work Compact recognize the macro designation?

Michigan has not enacted the compact, so the question is theoretical for now. The Commission's rule on qualifying exams accepts the Advanced Generalist for the master's category when the home state certifies the license authorizes independent, non-clinical practice. See the Advanced Generalist exam and where it counts.

More on Michigan's requirements is in the Michigan license guide.