Social Work Licensure

Social Work Licensing

Social Work licensure questions may be directed to practicum@ku.edu or to your state’s licensure board, linked under Licensing Information by State.  

The Practicum Office hosts licensure workshops for KUSSW students in the fall and spring semester. Licensure workshop dates are set by August 1 and posted on the school calendar. 

Social Work License Types and Education Requirements

KUSSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).  

KU School of Social Welfare’s BSW and MSW degrees meet the licensure educational requirements for all the U.S. states that license at the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).  

Licensure acronyms may vary by state and territory. Not all states and territories license at the LBSW and LMSW levels; Kansas and Missouri do.  

• States/Territories with an LBSW: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, New Mexico, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
• States/Territories with an LMSW: All states, but California and New Hampshire license at the generalist-masters level.
• Undetermined Licensure Levels in Four U.S. Territories: It is undetermined whether American Samoa, Republic of Marchall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or Republic of Palau license social workers. 

All states license at the “clinical” social work level (LCSW). Among other advanced social work tasks, a LCSW certifies that an individual may practice therapy. It is standard that two years of post-MSW degree supervised practice and passing a social work board exam is required before an LCSW is awarded.   

Social Work Licensure Regulations and Statutes 

While the KU School of Social Welfare degree meets licensure educational requirements, some states/territories require proof of specific content coverage and an examination, during or post degree attainment.  

Note: KU’s licensure programs strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information the educational requirements for licensure in U.S. states and territories. However, regulations are subject to change and varying interpretations. In addition to possible changes in educational requirements, licensure often includes additional requirements, such as specific examinations and additional training. It is highly recommended that students seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency before beginning an academic program to ensure they know what is needed to obtain the license/certification/registration in the state in which they intend to practice and/or seek licensure. 

For links to state licensure boards, see Licensure Information by State. 

Association of Social Work Boards Examination (ASWB) 

In addition to educational requirements, most states and territories, require students take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination, correlating to the licensure level. Some states allow students to sit for the ASWB exam before they graduate; others do not.   

• The Kansas Behavioral Health Regulatory Board allows students to sit for the LBSW or LMSW four months before graduating.
• The Missouri Division of Professional Registration allows students to sit for the LBSW or LMSW 90 days before graduating. 

KUSSW provides MSW students free access to a social work master’s exam preparation guide in the spring semester before they graduate. Exam study material access codes are administered by the Practicum Office (practicum@ku.edu).  

To register for the ASWB exam, first complete an application through your state’s licensure board. The board will notify you when you’re approved to sit for the exam. 

• The Kansas LBSW and LMSW application packet includes the Verification of Academic Requirements Form. KUSSW students should write “SEE KU LIST” on the form. KUSSW students do not need a dean’s signature.