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How to become a licensed clinical social worker in Kentucky. Clinical license: LCSW. ASWB Clinical exam required. Supervised hours: 3,000. Total initial fees: Approximately $256-$286 (application + exam fee). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Social Worker (LCSW)
Most information on this page has been verified.
86% of data points are verified against official sources. 8 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
LCSW
Clinical License
Required
ASWB Exam
3,000
Supervised Hours
30 hrs
CE Hours
Approximately $256-$286 (application + exam fee)
Total Initial Fees
Member
Interstate Compact
BSW-Level (LSW/LBSW)
Title
Licensed Social Worker
Abbreviation
LSW
Education
BSW from CSWE-accredited program (or baccalaureate degree with equivalent coursework as determined by the Board)
Exam Required
ASWB Bachelor's Examination
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
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
May practice non-clinical social work; clinical social work requires supervision under a board-approved LCSW until obtaining LCSW license
Scope
Advanced generalist social work including clinical assessment, treatment planning, and program development; limited clinical practice under LCSW supervision
LCSW/LISW/LICSW
Title
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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
Independent practice -- no supervision required after licensure
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.
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
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
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) |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years
Renewal Period
30 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
Kentucky 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
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 30 CE hours. 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.
30 CE per triennium.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#24 of 51
Cost
#2 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Social Workers, All Other (SOC 21-1029)
Entry Level
$48,500
25th percentile
Median
$73,200
+5% vs. national avg ($69,480)Experienced
$104,330
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
660 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Social Workers, All Other" covers social workers not classified under more specific categories. Clinical social workers (LCSW) may earn differently.
Source: BLS OEWS – Social Workers, All Other (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+8.5%
High DemandNew Jobs
+7,700
over 10 years
Annual Openings
10,100
per year (avg.)
91,300 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Social Work Career Ladder
You are here
Social Worker (BSW/MSW)
$73,200
BSW or MSW degree + ASWB exam
$45,450
MSW + 2-3 years supervised clinical experience + ASWB Clinical exam
You are here
Social Worker (BSW/MSW)
BSW or MSW degree + ASWB exam
$73,200
MSW + 2-3 years supervised clinical experience + ASWB Clinical exam
$45,450
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: Kentucky Board of Social Work — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Kentucky Board of Social Work — 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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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.
Requirements vary by state and license level. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board.