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How to become a licensed clinical social worker in Kansas. Clinical license: LSCSW. ASWB Clinical exam required. Supervised hours: 3,000. Total initial fees: Approximately $460-$510 (application + exam + license fee depending on level). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Social Worker (LCSW)
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88% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
LSCSW
Clinical License
Required
ASWB Exam
3,000
Supervised Hours
40 hrs
CE Hours
Approximately $460-$510 (application + exam + license fee depending on level)
Total Initial Fees
Member
Interstate Compact
BSW-Level (LSW/LBSW)
Title
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker
Abbreviation
LBSW
Education
BSW from CSWE-accredited program
Exam Required
ASWB Bachelor's Examination
Supervision
No post-degree supervised experience required for initial licensure
Scope
Generalist social work practice including case management, intake assessments, referrals, and community outreach
MSW-Level (LMSW)
Title
Licensed Master Social Worker
Abbreviation
LMSW
Education
MSW from CSWE-accredited program
Exam Required
ASWB Master's Examination
Supervision
Must accumulate supervised hours to advance to LSCSW; must practice under supervision for clinical services
Scope
Advanced generalist social work including clinical assessment, treatment planning, and program development under appropriate supervision
LCSW/LISW/LICSW
Title
Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker
Abbreviation
LSCSW
Education
MSW or doctoral degree in social work from CSWE-accredited program plus 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical work experience
Exam Required
ASWB Clinical Examination
Supervision
Independent practice -- no supervision required after licensure
Scope
Independent clinical practice including psychotherapy, diagnosis, treatment planning, private practice, and clinical supervision of LMSWs
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.
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.
Post-Master's Supervision Requirements
VerifiedSupervised experience required for clinical license
3,000
Total Hours
Not separately specified
Direct Client Hours
Minimum 24 months
Duration
Supervisor Qualifications
LSCSW with board-approved clinical supervisor status; at least 100 hours of clinical supervision required, with at least 50 hours of individual supervision
Supervision Ratio
Regular supervision with attestation
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 | $150 (LSCSW) |
ASWB Exam Fee | $260 for Clinical |
License Fee | LBSW: $100; LMSW: $150; LSCSW: $150 |
Supervision Registration Fee | Included in application |
Renewal Fee | $100+ (biennial) |
Total Initial Fees | Approximately $460-$510 (application + exam + license fee depending on level) |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
CE Hours Required
Mandatory CE Topics
Renewal Fee
LBSW: $100; LMSW: $125; LSCSW: $150
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
Kansas has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact, facilitating interstate practice. License by endorsement is also available for practitioners from non-compact states who meet equivalent requirements.
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.
Title Protection
VerifiedKansas protects the titles LBSW, LMSW, and LSCSW. Using these titles without proper licensure is a violation of state law under the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board statutes.
Telehealth Rules
VerifiedInterstate Telehealth Allowed
Telehealth permitted. Compact member.
Mandatory Reporting
VerifiedSocial Workers Are Mandatory Reporters
Licensed social workers in Kansas 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.
Kansas uses LSCSW (Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker), a unique title. Was the seventh state to enact the compact, activating it. Requires 15 graduate credits in diagnosis/treatment of mental disorders. Compact member.
Kansas uses LSCSW (Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker) as clinical title.
Kansas was the seventh state to enact the compact, triggering activation.
40 CE per biennium.
15 credits of diagnosis/treatment coursework required in MSW.
Compact member.
Social Work Compact enacted and commission activated (April 2024) but NOT yet issuing multistate licenses as of March 2026.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kansas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Cost
#37 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Social Work Career Ladder
You are here
Social Worker (BSW/MSW)
BSW or MSW degree + ASWB exam
$56,110
MSW + 2-3 years supervised clinical experience + ASWB Clinical exam
You are here
Social Worker (BSW/MSW)
BSW or MSW degree + ASWB exam
MSW + 2-3 years supervised clinical experience + ASWB Clinical exam
$56,110
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 420–450 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the ASWB licensing exams.
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ASWB exam prep, supervised experience requirements, state-by-state LCSW paths, interstate compact details, and career resources for social workers.
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Kansas offers the LSCSW 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 Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB).
Requirements vary by state and license level. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board.