social worker education requirements kentucky

Kentucky Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in KY

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Kentucky’s social work license requirements cover three different licensing categories. Qualifications vary by category, creating a common point of confusion for emerging professionals.

This licensing guide explains the requirements associated with each licensure type. You can also find information about interstate reciprocity, renewal requirements, and degree programs recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Use this guide to plan your licensing journey toward becoming a social worker in Kentucky.

Popular Online BSW Programs

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Kentucky Social Work Licensing Requirements

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Board of Social Work oversees Kentucky’s social work licensing process. Under the board’s guidelines, Kentucky recognizes three licensure categories:

• Licensed social worker (LSW)
• Certified social worker (CSW)
• Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)

You need at least a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) to become an LSW in Kentucky. However, the CSW and LCSW categories each require a minimum of a master of social work (MSW).

Additional requirements also apply, which vary by licensure category. The subsections below offer further details on the Kentucky social work license requirements for each of the three levels.

Licensed Social Worker

The LSW designation is a basic social work license primarily held by entry-level professionals. LSW license-holders can provide essential non-clinical human services under the supervision of a social worker licensed at a higher level. They also perform administrative support duties and may participate in policy analysis and advocacy.

Kentucky licensure requirements for an LSW include:

• CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work or social welfare, or a bachelor’s degree in any field, plus completion of equivalent social work courses as determined by the board
• Passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelors exam

Certified Social Worker

The CSW designation represents a higher professional practice level. You must have an advanced degree to earn this license.

As a CSW, you can practice clinical social work duties by forming a contractual partnership with a board-recognized LCSW. Clinical social work duties include assessing, diagnosing, and recommending treatments for behavioral, emotional, and mental health disorders.

Kentucky licensure requirements for a CSW include:

• Master’s or doctoral degree in social work
• Passing score on the ASWB masters exam

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

The LCSW designation is the highest level of social work licensure available in Kentucky. LCSWs can practice both non-clinical and clinical social work duties with no additional supervision.

After two or more years of clinical social work experience and additional training, you can also become an LCSW supervisor. As a supervisor, you can oversee and help train lower-level licensees as they perform clinical duties.

Kentucky licensure requirements for an LCSW include:

• Minimum of two years of full-time, post-master’s experience OR three years of part-time, post-master’s experience
• Documentation of 150 hours of supervision by an LCSW
• Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam

Social Work License Reciprocity in Kentucky

Kentucky social work license requirements do not recognize any form of interstate reciprocity. If you hold a social work license from another state, you must apply to the Kentucky Board of Social Work to obtain a Kentucky license.

The board evaluates your educational credentials, work experience, and ASWB exam scores. Kentucky does not accept the ASWB advanced generalist exam. Instead, you must have a passing score on the bachelors, masters, or clinical examination category or categories, as required by the level of Kentucky license you’re seeking.

Additional requirements apply to out-of-state professionals applying for an LCSW license in Kentucky. You must have at least two years of clinical social work experience, including 150 hours of documented supervised experience by a social worker who has been licensed in a clinical capacity for at least two years.

Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Kentucky

Kentucky social work licenses operate on three-year renewal cycles, beginning from the date the board issued your initial license. The board processes renewal requests online through a dedicated service portal .

Continuing education (CE) requirements apply to all three licensing levels. LSWs must complete at least 15 hours of CE hours per renewal period to remain licensed at the same level. CSWs and LCSWs both require at least 30 CE hours.

To document your CE hours, you must obtain a certificate of completion from the continuing education provider. For precise technical details, refer to the legal guidelines explained by the Kentucky General Assembly .

BSW Programs Available in Kentucky

• Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
• 2024 Tuition: $33,072 per year
• 2024 Tuition: $450 per credit hour (online); $700 per credit hour (on campus)
• 2024 Tuition: $424 per credit hour (online); $1,104 per credit hour (on campus)
• 2024 Tuition: $443 per credit hour (online); $418 per credit hour (on campus, in state), $872 per credit hour (on campus, out of state)
• 2024 Tuition: $344 per credit hour (in state); $522 per credit hour (out of state)
• 2024 Tuition: $4,852 per semester (in state); $7,333 per semester (out of state)
• 2024 Tuition: $405 per credit hour (in state); $428 per credit hour (reciprocity states), $614 (out of state)
• 2024 Tuition: $446 per credit hour (in state, Indiana and Ohio reciprocity); $897 per credit hour (out of state)
• 2024 Tuition: $960 per credit hour
• 2024 Tuition: $624 per credit hour (online); $553 per credit hour (in state); $1,412 per credit hour (out of state)
• 2024 Tuition: $540 per credit hour (online); $540 per credit hour (in state); $1,221 per credit hour (out of state)
• 2024 Tuition: $24,700 per year
• 2024 Tuition: $551 per credit hour (online); $486 per credit hour (on campus, in state); $1,125 per credit hour (on campus, out of state)

MSW Programs Available in Kentucky

• Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
• 2024 Tuition: $665 per credit hour
• Available Concentrations: Addiction, Clinical, Faith-Based
• 2024 Tuition: $603 per credit hour
• Available Concentrations: Addictions Intervention, Child and Family Services, Leadership and Management, Mental Health, Social Advocacy and Justice
• 2024 Tuition: $611 per credit hour
• 2024 Tuition: $631 per credit hour (online); $870 per credit hour (on campus)
• 2024 Tuition: $760 per credit hour
• 2024 Tuition: $737 per credit hour (online); $1,592 per credit hour (in state); $3,940 per credit hour (out of state)
• 2024 Tuition: $830 per credit hour (online); $775 per credit hour (on campus, in state); $1,575 per credit hour (on campus, out of state)
• Available Concentrations: Addictions, Clinical Mental Health
• 2024 Tuition: $540 per credit hour
• 2024 Tuition: $607 per credit hour (in state); $917 per credit hour (domestic student, out of state); $953 per credit hour (international student, out of state)

Kentucky Social Worker Career and Salary Information

In Kentucky, healthcare social workers command the highest average wages of any specific professional class tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Notably, the BLS’s “social workers, all other” category has the top annual average salary. This profile includes social workers who specialize in adult protective services, criminal justice, and forensics, among other areas.

O*NET Online lists the following growth projections for various social work specializations. The data is specific to Kentucky and covers the 2020-30 period.

• Child, family, and school social workers : +4%
• Healthcare social workers : +10%
• Mental health and substance use social workers : +15%
• Social workers, all other : +6%

The following table summarizes average hourly wage and annual salary data for social workers in Kentucky:

Social Work Associations in Kentucky

• The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Kentucky Chapter : The NASW offers information about regional chapters within the state, upcoming conferences, and continuing education opportunities.
• The Kentucky Society for Clinical Social Work (KSCSW) : This organization provides professional development opportunities, advocates for the field, connects members, and offers continuing education opportunities.
• Kentucky Association for School Social Workers (KASSW) : The KASSW advocates for the practice of school social work, offers professional development opportunities, and provides information for social workers who work in school settings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Social Work

What are the different types of social workers in kentucky.

Kentucky recognizes three types of social workers: licensed social worker (LSW), certified social worker (CSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). You need at least a bachelor’s degree to qualify for LSW licensure, while CSWs and LCSWs both need a master’s degree.

How do I get licensed as a social worker in Kentucky?

You must meet the educational requirements for the type of social work license you’re seeking. You also need to pass the ASWB exam associated with your license class: bachelors (LSW), masters (CSW), or clinical (LCSW).

How much do social workers in Kentucky make?

BLS data from 2023 lists annual mean salary ranges of $46,390-$62,670 for various social work specializations. On an hourly basis, this works out to an average wage of $22.30-$30.13.

How long does it take to become a social worker in Kentucky?

It depends what level of license you need for your career. For LSW licensure, you need a bachelor’s degree and a passing score on your ASWB exam. This typically takes 4-5 years. Similar requirements apply to the CSW designation, except that you need a master’s degree, which adds another 1-2 years. LCSWs need a master’s or doctorate, plus 2-3 years of post-master’s work experience.

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Home / Social Work Licensure / Become a Social Worker in Kentucky

Become a Social Worker in Kentucky

Begin your career in social work alongside the canyons of the Red River Gorge, the distilleries of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and a state-wide network of over 10,800 social workers , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area also has one of the highest concentrations of child, family and school social workers in the United States. 

This guide for how to become a social worker in Kentucky explains educational requirements, how to get licensed, social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker in Kentucky, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Bluegrass State. 

Information below was retrieved May 2022 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

Howard University

Master of social work (msw).

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

University of Denver

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

Fordham University

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

Simmons University

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months . GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

Case Western Reserve University

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

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Common Steps to Become a Kentucky Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in Kentucky, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work and a social work license depending on what career path you choose. Kentucky offers three types of social work licenses. Based on your goals, there may also be additional requirements such as a background check and clinical supervision. Below are the steps on how to obtain social work licenses in Kentucky, which were retrieved from the Kentucky State Board of Social Work .

1. Earn a CSWE-accredited social work degree

To become a licensed social worker in Kentucky, you will have to complete a BSW or Master of Social Work (MSW) program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) . You can pursue these degrees in Kentucky through various formats, including full time, part time and online.

2. Fulfill your social work supervised experience requirement and pass your national/state exams

Kentucky has three levels of social workers, according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing requirements:

Licensed social worker (LSW) : A person with an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work or related field that has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s exam.

Certified social worker (CSW) : A person with an accredited master’s degree in social work that has passed the ASWB master’s exam.  Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) : A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work that has passed the ASWB clinical exam. Those looking to attain this license must have also earned 3,120 hours of supervised social work experience.

3. Get licensed

Once you’ve completed your hours and experience, you may apply to become a licensed social worker in Kentucky.

Learn more on how to become a social worker .

Social Work Degree Programs in Kentucky

There are 20 accredited BSW and MSW degree programs in Kentucky. A bachelor’s degree in social work online or on campus can enable a student to enter an advanced standing program in an MSW program, where you may be able to complete an MSW in about one year. A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. There are 13 universities offering accredited BSW programs in Kentucky.

In order to obtain higher-level licenses in Kentucky, however, a minimum of an MSW is required. Some individuals further their education and experience in social work by pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Kentucky

MSW programs in Kentucky teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. MSW programs may include coursework on topics such as human development, social work policy and intervention. There are four fully accredited MSW programs in Kentucky.

Online MSW Programs in Kentucky

There are six online MSW programs in Kentucky that are fully accredited. The online MSW programs offer the same curriculum and coursework traditional on-campus Kentucky programs do. Students are taught by the same professors and also complete fieldwork as part of the program.

Social Work Licenses in Kentucky

Kentucky has three types of licenses for social workers: licensed social worker (LSW), certified social worker (CSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). While you may practice entry-level social work with a BSW, the Kentucky Board requires an MSW or DSW to practice more specialized social work. All information on LSW, CSW and LCSW below was retrieved from the Kentucky State Board of Social Work .

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Kentucky

Becoming an LSW means that you’ll be able to practice non-clinical social work and clinical social work under Board-licensed supervision.

• Education Requirement: Bachelor of Social Work Degree
• Field Requirements: None
• Exams: ASWB Bachelor’s Exam
• License Renewal: 40 hours of professional development in continuing education

Certified Social Worker (CSW) in Kentucky

Becoming a CSW allows you to practice non-clinical social work independently and clinical social work under supervision.

• Education Requirement: Master of Social Work Degree
• Exams: ASWB Master’s Exam

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Kentucky

Becoming an LCSW allows you to practice clinical and non-clinical social work independently. After three years of licensed experience, LCSWs may take a board supervisor training course to directly manage other social workers in training.

• Education Requirement: Master or Doctor of Social Work Degree
• Field Requirements: 3,120 hours of social work
• Exams: ASWB Clinical Exam

Social Work Salaries in Kentucky

Information on the above social work salaries in Kentucky was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Kentucky in May 2022.

Kentucky Social Work Scholarships

For those just starting on their path to social work, there are state-wide scholarships and programs in place to assist you. While each state has different offerings, below are some grants and loans to help you become an LSW, CSW or LCSW in the state of Kentucky.

• Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program
• Loren Richards Elder Care Scholarship
• Northern Kentucky University Scholarships

Kentucky Social Work Organizations

There are countless local and national associations and organizations with goals to promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions for issues such as welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, health care reform and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in Kentucky and beyond.

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Kentucky Chapter : This chapter supports social workers by providing career development opportunities, specialized education, access to 25+ international social work databases, service workshops and a nationwide job bank.
• Kentucky Society for Clinical Social Work (KSCSW) : KSCSW is committed to promoting a strong professional image for Kentucky clinical social workers, educating its members about legislation that affects their practices and upholding ethical excellence.
• Kentucky Association for School Social Workers (KASSW) : KASSW is committed to improving the quality of life and education for Kentucky’s children by enhancing the professional development of school social workers.

Does Kentucky offer social work license reciprocity?

Kentucky doesn’t have formal license reciprocity with other states—out-of-state applicants must apply to become licensed social workers via the same process as first-time licensees and pay the associated fees. To apply for licensure , supply your official transcript, your official ASWB exam scores and verification from the state you previously held a license from and submit.

What are the social work continuing education (CE) requirements in Kentucky?

Social workers must renew their license every three years. Additionally, LSWs must complete 15 hours of continuing education during the renewal period, and CSWs and LCSWs must complete 40 hours. To renew, complete the online renewal form and pay the associated fee.

What is the best way to look up my social work license in Kentucky?

Search for your social work license at the Kentucky Board of Social Work search . The site’s options will allow you to search your name and find your license number, license status and details surrounding your professional information.

Last updated in May 2022.

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Kentucky Licensure

Kentucky Board of Social Work - 

Https://bsw.ky.gov/pages/index.aspx.

The  Kentucky Board of Social Work  (KBSW) is the Kentucky’s regulatory board for licensure and certification. 

Kentucky offers three licenses for social workers.

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• Certified Social Worker (CSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

**Please contact KBSW for license application, license renewal, and all questions about how to pursue your license.

KY Board of Social Work 125 Holmes Street, Suite 310 Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 564-2350 – Office (502) 696-8030 – Fax

Kentucky Board of Social Work on Facebook

Association of Social Work Boards - https://www.aswb.org

The  Association of Social Work Boards  (ASWB) is the nonprofit organization composed of and owned by the social work regulatory boards and colleges of 49 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and all 10 Canadian provinces.

ASWB owns and maintains the social work licensing examinations.

Council on Social Work Education - https://www.cswe.org

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national association representing social work education in the United States.  Its members include over 750 accredited baccalaureate and master's degree social work programs, as well as individual social work educators, practitioners, and agencies dedicated to advancing quality social work education.  

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