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Social Worker (LCSW)
Total cost: Approximately $256-$286 (application + exam fee)
Governing Authority
Kentucky Board of Social Work (also styled as 'Commonwealth of Kentucky Board of Social Work')
Official website →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
LSW: 15 hours; CSW: 30 hours; LCSW: 30-40 hours per renewal cycle hrs
CE Hours
Approximately $256-$286 (application + exam fee)
Total Initial Fees
Member
Interstate Compact
BSW-Level (LSW/LBSW)
Title
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Abbreviation
LSW
Education
BSW from CSWE-accredited program (or baccalaureate degree with equivalent coursework as determined by the Board)
Exam Required
State-prepared exam (NOT ASWB) — unique to Kentucky (per KRS 335.090). Most states use ASWB exams exclusively.
Supervision
May engage in social work activities except the practice of clinical social work; no post-degree supervised experience required for initial LSW
Scope
Generalist social work practice including case management, intake assessments, referrals, and community outreach; clinical social work practice is excluded
MSW-Level (LMSW)
Title
Certified Social Worker (CSW)
Abbreviation
CSW
Education
MSW or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program approved by the Board
Exam Required
ASWB Master's Examination
Supervision
CSWs can practice independently on a limited scope; engaged in clinical work must have written supervision contracts approved by Kentucky Board
Scope
Advanced generalist social work including clinical assessment, treatment planning, and program development; independent practice on limited scope; clinical work requires written supervision contracts approved by Kentucky Board
LCSW/LISW/LICSW
Title
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Abbreviation
LCSW
Education
MSW or doctoral degree in social work from CSWE-accredited program plus post-master's supervised clinical experience
Exam Required
ASWB Clinical Examination
Supervision
2 years full-time post-graduate (at least 30 hours/week minimum); average 1 hour/week direct contact with LCSW supervisor; group supervision: max 4 in group, cannot exceed half of total supervision; 3-month wait between failing and retaking exam
Scope
Independent clinical practice including psychotherapy, diagnosis, treatment planning, private practice, and clinical supervision of CSWs
Education & Training
VerifiedBachelor's Degree
BSW from CSWE-accredited program
Master's Degree
MSW from CSWE-accredited program approved by the Board
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.
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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/Master's; $260 for Clinical
Retake Policy
Candidates may retake the exam after a 90-day waiting period.
Overall licensing difficulty: 45/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
Practice with realistic exam questions
ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam
Browse study guides
Social Work Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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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/Master's; $260 for ClinicalInvest 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
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Study guides for the ASWB licensing exams.
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Post-Master's Supervision Requirements
VerifiedSupervised experience required for clinical license
3,000
Total Hours
Not separately specified
Direct Client Hours
2 years full-time (30 hours/week) or 3 years part-time (20 hours/week)
Duration
Supervisor Qualifications
Board-approved LCSW supervisor; at least 200 hours of supervision required including at least 100 hours of individual supervision
Supervision Ratio
150 hours of supervision over 2 years by an approved LCSW (licensed minimum 2 years)
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 | $200 |
ASWB Exam Fee | $260 for Clinical |
License Fee | Included in renewal fee structure |
Supervision Registration Fee | Included in application |
Renewal Fee | $200 (triennial) |
Total Initial Fees | Approximately $256-$286 (application + exam fee) |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years (triennial)
Renewal Period
LSW: 15 hours; CSW: 30 hours; LCSW: 30-40 hours per renewal cycle hrs
CE Hours Required
Mandatory CE Topics
Renewal Fee
LSW $75 / CSW $125 / LCSW $200
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
Interstate Compact Member
Reciprocity Type
Interstate compact and endorsement
Transfer Details
Must have 5+ years active practice in clinical social work, OR meet all KY requirements; must supply transcript, ASWB scores, license verification
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 Kentucky with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Title Protection
VerifiedKentucky protects the titles LSW, CSW, and LCSW under KRS Chapter 335. Using these titles without proper licensure or certification is a violation of state law.
Telehealth Rules
VerifiedInterstate Telehealth Allowed
Telehealth permitted. Compact member.
Mandatory Reporting
VerifiedSocial Workers Are Mandatory Reporters
Licensed social workers in Kentucky 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.
Kentucky uses triennial (3-year) renewal with differentiated CE hours (LSW: 15; CSW: 30; LCSW: 30-40). LSW uses a state-prepared exam (NOT ASWB) — unique in the country per KRS 335.090. CSW can practice independently on limited scope with written supervision contracts. LCSW requires 30 hrs/week minimum (full-time) for supervision period. 3-month wait between failing and retaking ASWB exam. Requires 150 hours of supervision (higher than typical 100). Mandates domestic violence/elder abuse CE in first 3 years and 6 hours suicide prevention every 6 years. Compact member.
Kentucky uses triennial (3-year) renewal.
CE hours vary by level: LSW: 15 hours; CSW: 30 hours; LCSW: 30-40 hours per renewal cycle.
Domestic violence/elder abuse CE required in first 3 years.
Suicide prevention (6 hours) every 6 years.
Compact member.
Social Work Compact enacted and commission activated (April 2024) but NOT yet issuing multistate licenses as of March 2026.
UNIQUE: LSW uses state-prepared exam, NOT ASWB — only state in the country
CSW can practice independently on limited scope with supervision contracts
LCSW requires 30 hrs/week minimum (full-time) for supervision period
3-month wait between failing and retaking ASWB exam
Social Worker requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (you) | Approximately $256-$286 (application + exam fee) | 420–450 wks | |
| Illinois | LSW: approximately $50 (application only, no exam); LCSW: approximately $310 (application $50 + Clinical exam $260) | 420–450 wks | → |
| Indiana | LBSW: approximately $280 (application $50 + Bachelor's exam $230); LSW: approximately $280 (application $50 + Master's exam $230); LCSW: approximately $310 (application $50 + Clinical exam $260) | 420–450 wks | → |
| Ohio | Approximately $363.50 (LISW application + Clinical exam) | 420–450 wks | → |
| Tennessee | $380 | 420–450 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Kentucky
See how Kentucky compares: Social Worker License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ SW Compact Compact State — Kentucky is a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact. Licensed social workers from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
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Social Worker Schools in Kentucky
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Kentucky? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Social Worker license to Kentucky →
Transfer your Social Worker license from Kentucky to: Illinois → | Indiana → | Missouri → | Ohio → | Tennessee → | Virginia → | West Virginia →
Kentucky 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 Kentucky Board of Social Work (also styled as 'Commonwealth of Kentucky Board of Social Work').
Requirements vary by state and license level. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board.