Looking to become a social worker in Kentucky? 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 Kentucky’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 Kentucky, 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 Social Worker (LSW) is granted to social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. The designations Certified Social Worker (CSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) require education at at least the master’s level.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is the basic licensing level. The LSW 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. The candidate for the LSW licensure must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board, then the LSW is prepared to assume the beginning level professional role in public and private social service agencies.
The Certified Social Worker (CSW) must have a master of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. The candidate for licensure at the CSW level must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. A CSW provides a wide range of services. A CSW may provide preventive and treatment services pertaining to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. The CSW is able to supervise Licensed Social Workers and practice in social casework, clinical social work, community organization, social work research, and social work administration.
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must have a master of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. The LCSW candidate must provide either: documentation that establishes that you have been licensed in another state at the independent clinical level and have been engaged in the active practice of clinical social work in that jurisdiction for five (5) years OR; 200 hours of clinical supervised experience under the supervision of a Clinical Social Worker. The LCSW candidate must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board.
Continuing Education is required for license renewals. For the LCSW: thirty (30) hours, the CSW: thirty (30) hours, and the LSW: Fifteen (15) hours. Supervisors will need to complete the “Supervision Supervised Experience Documentation” Form. For out-of-state applicants, documents must show the applicant has been licensed in another state at the clinical level and have been engaged in the active practice of clinical social work for five (5) years.
LSW Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s
- ASWB Exam: Bachelor’s-Level
- Supervision: N/A
CSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: N/A
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical