Looking to become a social worker in Kansas? You’ve come to the right spot! While there are similarities in licensing requirements from state to state, each state is unique. In addition to providing the essentials below, you can click the link we have provided for Kansas’s official licensing body. There you can find additional information on potential requirements like background checks, state-to-state license transfers, and continuing education requirements. We hope this handy guide assists in your efforts to become a certified social worker in your state!
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In Kansas, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designation Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker (LBSW) is granted to social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. The designations Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) require education at at least the master’s level.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) is the basic licensing level. The LBSW must: have a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university whose social work program is approved or accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; have references completed on Board provided forms from at least 2 social workers licensed at or above the Bachelors level, and a third reference from an on-site practicum supervisor; pass an exam as prescribed by the Board.
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. The candidate for licensure at the LMSW level must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board and provide references completed on Board provided forms from at least 2 social workers licensed at or above the Masters level, and a third reference from an on-site practicum supervisor.
The Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) must have a master of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. References must be provided from at least 2 social workers licensed at or above the Clinical level, and a third reference from a work supervisor. The LSCSW must have received 4000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical work experience prior to application for the clinical-level exam. The LSCSW candidate must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board.
Kansas does not have reciprocity with any specific state. Kansas does have licensure through reciprocity if: The state in which you are currently licensed has substantially equivalent requirements to those for licensure in Kansas; You have passed the ASWB exam, or a similar examination, at the appropriate level for your license type. At this time Kansas does not require applicants to pass a Jurisprudence examination.
LBSW Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s
- ASWB Exam: Bachelor’s-Level
- Supervision: N/A
LMSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: N/A
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LSCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical