Loading...
Loading...
Social Worker (LCSW)
Total cost: Approximately $590-$620 (application + exam + license fee)
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
LCSW
Clinical License
Required
ASWB Exam
3,000
Supervised Hours
45 hours per 5-YEAR cycle (not per 2-year renewal cycle) for LMSW and LCSW hrs
CE Hours
Approximately $590-$620 (application + exam + license fee)
Total Initial Fees
No
Interstate Compact
BSW-Level (LSW/LBSW)
Title
Baccalaureate Social Work (as a regulated profession title)
Abbreviation
LBSW
Education
BSW from CSWE-accredited program
Exam Required
ASWB Bachelor's Examination
Supervision
Must work under supervision of a licensed social worker
Scope
Generalist social work practice including case management, intake assessments, referrals, and community outreach under supervision
MSW-Level (LMSW)
Title
Master Social Worker (as a regulated profession title)
Abbreviation
LMSW
Education
MSW from CSWE-accredited program
Exam Required
ASWB Master's Examination
Supervision
No supervised experience required for LMSW itself; must accumulate supervised hours if pursuing LCSW
Scope
Advanced generalist social work including clinical assessment, treatment planning, and program development
LCSW/LISW/LICSW
Title
Clinical Social Worker (as a regulated profession title)
Abbreviation
LCSW
Education
MSW from CSWE-accredited program with coursework in clinical practice, plus supervised clinical experience
Exam Required
ASWB Clinical Examination
Supervision
Independent practice -- no supervision required after licensure
Scope
Independent clinical practice including psychotherapy, diagnosis, treatment planning, and private practice
Education & Training
VerifiedBachelor's Degree
BSW from CSWE-accredited program
Master's Degree
MSW from CSWE-accredited program
Required
CSWE Accredited
900
Field Placement Hours
60 graduate credit hours for MSW
Credit Hours
Social work education must come from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The MSW is required for clinical licensure (LCSW). Field placement provides supervised clinical experience integral to social work training.
Browse Social Worker study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
ASWB Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Bachelor's Exam
Required
Master's Exam
Required
Clinical Exam
Exam Provider
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Available ASWB Exam Levels
Exam Details
170
Questions
240 min
Time Limit
ASWB Exam Fee
$230 for Bachelor's and Master's exams; $260 for Clinical exam
Retake Policy
Candidates may retake the exam after a 90-day waiting period.
Overall licensing difficulty: 39/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam
Browse study guides
Social Work Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
ASWB Social Work Exam
Questions
170 questions
Time Limit
240 minutes
Administered By
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $230 for Bachelor's and Master's exams; $260 for Clinical examInvest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the ASWB Social Work Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam
Prepare for your ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Study guides for the ASWB licensing exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Post-Master's Supervision Requirements
VerifiedSupervised experience required for clinical license
3,000
Total Hours
Not separately specified; 2 years full-time or 3,000 hours part-time required
Direct Client Hours
2 continuous years full-time, or 3,000 hours part-time (must be completed within 10 years of application)
Duration
Supervisor Qualifications
Unrestricted LCSW, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist; after June 30, 2026: stricter qualifications (3+ years experience, unrestricted license, 6 hours CE in supervision)
Supervision Ratio
100 hours of direct face-to-face supervision; no more than 50 hours may be group supervision
Clinical social work licensure (LCSW) requires post-master's supervised experience under a qualified clinical supervisor. Supervision must include both direct client contact hours and face-to-face supervision meetings.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $100 (LBSW and LMSW); $360 total (LCSW, includes application and license fee) |
ASWB Exam Fee | $230 for Bachelor's/Master's; $260 for Clinical |
License Fee | $300 (LMSW) |
Supervision Registration Fee | Included in application |
Renewal Fee | $300 biennial renewal |
Total Initial Fees | Approximately $590-$620 (application + exam + license fee) |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
45 hours per 5-YEAR cycle (not per 2-year renewal cycle) for LMSW and LCSW hrs
CE Hours Required
Mandatory CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$300
Regulatory Board
Social worker licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering topics such as ethics, cultural competency, suicide prevention, and clinical practice updates. Some states have specific mandatory CE topics that must be completed each renewal cycle.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Not a Member of Interstate Compact
Reciprocity Type
License by credentials (endorsement)
Transfer Details
Alaska offers licensure by credentials for out-of-state social workers who meet equivalent requirements. Separate application forms exist for licensure by credentials (LBSW, LMSW, LCSW). ASWB exam scores are accepted from other states. Must not be subject of unresolved complaint or disciplinary action. Must provide 3 professional references.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
The Social Work Licensure Compact allows eligible social workers to practice across member states. States not in the compact may offer license by endorsement for out-of-state applicants with equivalent credentials and experience.
See all Social Work Licensure Compact member states & eligibility details →
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Alaska with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Title Protection
VerifiedAlaska protects the titles LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW. Using these titles without proper licensure is a violation of state law.
Telehealth Rules
Mostly verifiedInterstate Telehealth Not Allowed
Telehealth permitted within state. Alaska is NOT a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact; out-of-state telehealth requires licensure in Alaska.
Mandatory Reporting
VerifiedSocial Workers Are Mandatory Reporters
Licensed social workers in Alaska are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse, neglect, and elder abuse. Failure to report can result in disciplinary action and criminal penalties.
Social work scope of practice includes title protection, telehealth regulations, and mandatory reporting obligations. Clinical social workers (LCSWs) can independently diagnose and treat mental health conditions in most states.
Alaska uniquely requires 6 hours of cross-cultural education related to Alaska Natives as part of its 45-hour CE requirement, reflecting the state's significant Indigenous population. Alaska also mandates that supervised experience for LCSW must be completed within 10 years of application. New clinical supervisor regulations are being implemented with an effective date after June 30, 2026.
CE is 45 hours per 5-YEAR cycle (NOT per 2-year cycle — unusual).
Alaska requires 6 hours of cross-cultural education related to Alaska Natives as part of the 45 CE hours.
Temporary 1-year licenses available for LBSW and LMSW ($75 fee).
LCSW supervised experience must be completed within 10 years before applying.
Alaska is NOT a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact.
After June 30, 2026: stricter supervisor qualifications take effect (3+ years experience, unrestricted license, 6 hours CE in supervision).
No more than 50 of the required 100 supervision hours can be group supervision.
Alaska offers licensure by credentials (endorsement) as an alternative to licensure by examination for out-of-state applicants.
Social Worker requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (you) | Approximately $590-$620 (application + exam + license fee) | 420–450 wks | |
| Washington | Approximately $526 (application $216 + exam $260 + supervision $50) | 420–450 wks | → |
| Hawaii | LBSW: approximately $290 (application $60 + exam $230); LCSW: approximately $678 (application $418 + exam $260) | 420–450 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Alaska
See how Alaska compares: Social Worker License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Alaska is not currently a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact. Social Worker licensees must apply through standard reciprocity or endorsement. See which states are in the SW Compact →
Related Guides
Compare social worker requirements across all states →
Social Worker licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure social worker is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Alaska compare to other states for social worker? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your social worker license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alaska.
Social Worker Schools in Alaska
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Alaska? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Social Worker license to Alaska →
Alaska offers the LCSW as its clinical social work license. The ASWB Clinical exam is required. 3,000 hours of supervised experience are required. All licensing is managed through the Board of Social Work Examiners.
Requirements vary by state and license level. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board.