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How to Serve as a Clinical Supervisor in Maryland (for LCSWs)

How to Serve as a Clinical Supervisor in Maryland (for LCSWs)

Serving as a Clinical Supervisor in Maryland allows you to mentor emerging professionals while advancing your own career. This guide explains how to meet the Maryland clinical supervisor requirements outlined in The Code of Maryland Title 10.42.08 Supervision, including training, application steps, and CE renewal rules for Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs).


✅ Supervisor Eligibility Requirements


🎓 License & Experience

To apply for supervisor status in Maryland, you must:

  • Hold an active LCSW or LCSW-C license issued by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners

  • Have a license that is unencumbered and free of disciplinary actions for the past 5 years

In addition, COMAR 10.42.08.04(C) states that a supervisor shall have completed one of the following experience pathways:

✅ Acceptable Experience Options

Experience PathwayDetails
1. Post-licensure experience 18 months of active social work experience after obtaining an LCSW or LCSW-C
2. Out-of-state licensure 18 months of active experience as a social worker licensed in another state, at a level comparable to Maryland’s LCSW or LCSW-C
3. Pre-licensure LMSW experience 24 months of social work experience as an independent licensed LMSW, or 60 months as a non-independent LMSW, before obtaining an LCSW or LCSW-C license
4. Pre-licensure LBSW experience 24 months of social work experience as an independent licensed LBSW, or 60 months as a non-independent LBSW, before obtaining an LCSW or LCSW-C license

📄 Source: COMAR 10.42.08.04(C)


✅ Who Qualifies Under State Board Rules

To serve as a Clinical Supervisor in Maryland, you must:

  • ✅ Hold an active LCSW or LCSW-C license in good standing

  • ✅ Have no disciplinary actions or restrictions for at least five years prior to applying

  • ✅ Meet one of the approved experience pathways (see "License & Experience")

  • ✅ Complete the required training in supervision (see below)

📄Source: COMAR 10.42.08: 03 Requirements for a Board-Approved Social Work Supervisor.


📥 Required by Law: Formal Application & Fee

According to COMAR 10.42.08.03(A), to serve as a supervisor you must:

  • 📝 Submit the Supervisory Registration Form

  • 💵 Pay the required application fee

  • 📄 Receive official Board approval before beginning supervision


🎓 Required Training in Supervision

Per COMAR 10.42.08.03(E)(2)(d) and COMAR 10.42.08.04(B)(1), all applicants must meet one of the following supervision training options:

  • A graduate-level course in social work supervision from a CSWE-accredited MSW program

  • 12 hours of agency-sponsored supervision training

  • 12 continuing education (CE) hours in supervision from a Board-authorized sponsor

🟢 The Telehealth Certification Institute (TCI) qualifies as a Board-authorized sponsor because our CE offerings meet CSWE accreditation standards.

🔗Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, Continuing Education Requirements


🔁 Ongoing / Renewal CE Requirements

To maintain your status as a Supervisor, every 2-year renewal cycle you must:

  • ✅ Complete 3 CE hours (Category I or II) focused on clinical supervision

  • ✅ Ensure the training is from a Board-authorized provider

🟢 TCI qualifies as a Board-authorized provider because our supervision CE courses meet CSWE standards.

🔗 COMAR 10.42.08 Supervision (see section .07C(8))


⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid these frequent issues that can jeopardize your status or your supervisee’s hours:

  • ❌ Starting supervision before receiving Board approval

  • ❌ Failing to complete the required 12-hour training

  • Missing or incomplete documentation (e.g., supervision logs, contracts, verification forms)

✅ Tip: Always verify eligibility, submit all required forms, and retain documentation for 5 years.


📘 How the Telehealth Certification Institute Helps You Meet Supervision CE Requirements

The Telehealth Certification Institute (TCI) provides continuing education (CE) courses to help you meet Maryland's clinical supervision requirements for both initial approval and ongoing renewal. Please note that TCI provides continuing education courses only, not university-level training.

✅ Recommended Courses

  • 15 CE Clinical Supervision Training Bundle
    This curated bundle provides 15 CE hours, exceeding Maryland’s 12-hour training requirement for initial supervisor approval. It’s an ideal all-in-one solution to meet the full training requirement.

  • Individual Clinical Supervision CE Courses
    Looking to fulfill the 3 CE hours required for supervisor renewal? Browse our catalog of supervision-focused courses and choose the topics that best meet your needs. You can also use these courses to accumulate the full 12 hours for initial approval if preferred.

  • Clinical Supervision Certificate Program
    For a comprehensive approach, our certificate program offers in-depth training designed for clinicians seeking to serve as strong, ethical, and confident supervisors.


🤝 Free Clinical Supervision Forum

Join our live, bi-monthly forum created specifically for clinical supervisors—open to all behavioral health professionals!

  • ✅ Earn free live CE hours
  • 💬 Engage in real-world supervision case discussions
  • 🌐 Connect with supervisors nationwide

🔗 Register now and be part of the conversation


🌟 Why Choose TCI for Your Training?

  • Trusted by thousands of behavioral health professionals across the nation

  • Fully online and self-paced — learn at your convenience, anytime and anywhere

  • Accredited CE courses led by industry experts

  • Modular and flexible — pay only for the training you need


⚠️ Disclaimer:

  • “The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, regulations, and interpretations vary by state and are subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying current laws, qualifications, and procedures with their respective state licensing boards or official authorities.”


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