How to Get Your Kansas Social Work License
Kansas social work license requirements follow a well-laid-out path that can launch your career within four years after high school graduation. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) provides three social work license types that match different educational backgrounds and career goals.
Your social work license in Kansas requires a degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. You’ll need three professional references to qualify – one from your field education supervisor and two from licensed social workers at or above your target license level. The board expects applications within four months of getting your degree, along with a $50.00 non-refundable fee.
Social work professionals in Kansas earn competitive pay. The state’s post-secondary social work teachers receive the fourth-highest average salary across the country. In this piece, you’ll find specific requirements for each license type, exam details, supervised experience guidelines, and all the steps you need to get your Kansas social work license.
Education Requirements
Getting your Kansas social work license starts with the right educational background. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) sets strict educational standards that change based on your license level.
Your path to social work licensure in Kansas starts with meeting accreditation requirements. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) must accredit all social work programs. Programs can also meet specific alternative requirements laid out in Kansas Administrative Regulation 102-2-6. Kansas currently offers 13 CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs across the state.
To get the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) credential, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program. BSW programs usually need at least 120 semester credits and a mandatory field education component. This component needs a minimum of 400 hours of supervised practice. Nine CSWE-accredited BSW programs are available in Kansas.
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) level needs a master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited graduate program. CSWE accreditation means your MSW program will give you about 900 hours of field education experience. Kansas has four CSWE-accredited MSW programs. The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare stands out, as it managed to keep full CSWE accreditation since 1947.
The Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) designation builds on a master’s degree in social work. Your MSW must include clinical preparation. Programs without CSWE accreditation must have 15 graduate credit hours focused on diagnosing and treating mental disorders. These hours cover:
- Diagnostic assessment
- Interdisciplinary referral and collaboration
- Professional ethics
- Treatment approaches
- Psychopathology
The CSWE doesn’t accredit doctoral programs. You can still qualify for any license level with a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or PhD in the field if it meets specific requirements. LSCSW qualification needs doctoral programs to include the 15 credits of clinical coursework mentioned earlier.
Master’s programs let you focus on specialized areas. To name just one example, the University of Kansas offers two main specializations: clinical social work practice with individuals, families, and groups, or social work macro practice that focuses on administration, policy development, and advocacy. Students can access these programs in Lawrence, Overland Park, Salina, or online.
MSW programs usually want a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Most programs ask for:
- Transcripts
- Current resume or CV
- Multiple professional references
- Personal statement
Your Kansas social work license might work in other states, but requirements vary. All U.S. states offer master’s level licensure. All the same, not all states license at the bachelor’s level. A degree from a CSWE-accredited Kansas program meets educational requirements across all states.
Make sure to check your program’s CSWE accreditation status and review its curriculum. This will help ensure it lines up with your career goals in social work practice.
Exam Requirements
Getting your Kansas social work license requires passing a standardized exam after you complete your education. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) handles all the required tests based on the license level you want.
Kansas has specific ASWB exam requirements for each license type. You’ll need to pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam for the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) credential. The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) path requires the ASWB Master’s exam. Anyone seeking the Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) must pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
The exam process follows clear steps. Start by submitting your application to the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB). After they approve it, you’ll get an authorization letter with your ASWB identification number. This letter stays valid for six months – that’s your window to register and take the exam.
You can sign up for the exam through ASWB by calling 1-888-579-3926 or visiting their website. Here’s what each exam costs:
- Bachelor’s exam: $230
- Master’s exam: $230
- Clinical exam: $260
The computer-based tests include 170 multiple-choice questions, but only 150 count toward your score. You get four hours to finish at any Pearson VUE testing center in Kansas or nearby states. ASWB also helps test-takers with disabilities by offering ADA accommodations if you provide the right paperwork.
Each test checks your knowledge in different areas of social work. The Bachelor’s exam looks at generalist practice, while the Master’s exam tests advanced generalist knowledge. The Clinical exam focuses on clinical evaluation and treatment skills.
ASWB uses criterion-referenced standard setting to set passing scores. You’ll need to get 93-106 questions right out of the 150 scored questions, depending on your test version and difficulty.
If you don’t pass the first time, wait 90 days before trying again. The BSRB lets you retake the test as many times as you need, but you’ll pay the full fee each time.
The ASWB’s official study guides and practice exams are a great way to get ready. These materials, plus other prep courses, can boost your chances of passing by a lot.
After you pass, ASWB sends your scores straight to the Kansas BSRB. This completes a vital part of your license application. The exams can be challenging, so good preparation is key to reaching your social work career goals.
Supervised Experience
Clinical experience under supervision is the foundation of getting your Kansas social work license at the clinical level. You’ll need to complete extensive supervised practice after earning your master’s degree and passing the required examination. This practice is essential to qualify for the Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) credential.
The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) wants you to complete 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical work experience in an appropriate setting. You must spend at least 1,500 hours in direct client contact that focuses on psychotherapy and assessment. Your supervised practice should include at least 100 hours of clinical supervision, and half of these hours must be individual supervision.
The BSRB has set specific timeframes for supervised experience – no less than two years and no more than six years[103]. This timeline ensures your professional development happens at the right pace.
You must complete these steps before starting your supervised hours:
- Create and cosign a clinical supervision training plan with your supervisor
- Send this plan to the BSRB to review
- Wait for the board’s approval before counting any hours toward licensure
Your clinical supervision needs careful planning. You should have one hour of clinical supervision for every 15 hours of direct client contact. The schedule must include at least two separate clinical supervision sessions monthly, with individual supervision happening at least once.
Your supervisor’s qualifications matter just as much. They must:
- Hold a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) credential
- Have two years of practice after getting their clinical license
- Know your client population through direct experience
- Keep their relationship with you strictly professional
- Work as a staff member in your practice or meet specific outside supervision requirements
Most supervision happens face-to-face. The BSRB allows synchronous videoconferencing in certain cases if you can protect client confidentiality through technology. While some sources might mention different supervision hours, the BSRB’s official requirement stands at 3,000 hours.
A solid clinical supervision training plan outlines the supervision’s context, goals and objectives. The plan should detail the format, schedule, responsibilities of both parties, documentation methods, client notification strategies, and ways to resolve conflicts.
Your supervisor will need to provide the BSRB with documentation after you complete your supervised experience. This documentation should show your clinical experience, including details about client types, how well you met your goals, your practice setting, and an overall review of your supervised clinical social work experience.
Application Process
Your Kansas social work license application marks the last step in becoming licensed. You can apply after completing your education, passing the ASWB exam, and getting your supervised experience.
The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) website has all application forms ready to download. Each license type—LBSW, LMSW, or LSCSW—comes with its own application packet that includes forms and instructions.
Start by filling out the main application with your details, education, and work history. Make sure to provide complete information to avoid delays. You’ll need these supporting documents:
- Official transcripts sent directly from your academic institution to the BSRB
- Verification of your ASWB examination scores (if already taken)
- Professional references from qualified individuals
- Supervision documentation (for LSCSW applicants)
- Background check authorization forms
Send your complete application package with a non-refundable $50 application fee. The BSRB takes checks or money orders. You’ll also need to submit fingerprints and pay a separate fee for a criminal background check.
The BSRB usually processes applications within 2-4 weeks when all documents are complete. You can track your application’s status on the BSRB website or by calling their office.
A successful application leads to your official license certificate and number. This allows you to practice social work legally at your licensed level in Kansas.
Some issues might come up during review. Of course, you’ll need to explain any criminal history, disciplinary actions, or professional misconduct. These explanations may extend the review time, so be honest and detailed in your application.
The BSRB’s license by endorsement helps out-of-state practitioners. This option needs proof of your current license in good standing, evidence that you meet Kansas requirements, and documentation of your work history.
Recent graduates waiting for exam results or practitioners moving to Kansas can get temporary licenses. These let you practice while working on full licensure.
Note that you must apply within four months of getting your degree. Your exam authorization lasts only six months. A well-organized and accurate application will help you start your Kansas social work career smoothly.
Continuing Education
Kansas social workers must complete continuing education to keep their licenses active. Your learning and skill improvement continues after getting licensed. This helps you stay current with evolving best practices and new knowledge in the field.
Licensed social workers in Kansas must earn continuing education units (CEUs) to renew their licenses. These educational activities keep you updated on current theories, intervention strategies, and ethical considerations in social work practice.
Your license type determines your CEU requirements. You should track your completed CEUs with a system that suits you best – digital or paper-based. You’ll report these hours during your renewal period. Approved CEU activities include workshops, conferences, seminars, academic coursework, and online learning that covers relevant social work topics.
The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) approved providers or accredited institutions must offer qualifying courses. The board’s criteria states that content must relate directly to social work knowledge, ethics, or practice skills.
Ethics training is a required part of Kansas’s continuing education requirements. This requirement will give a solid foundation to maintain high professional standards while serving clients and handling complex social situations.
The BSRB may review requests for extensions or alternative arrangements if unusual circumstances prevent you from completing your CEUs. Submit these requests well ahead of your renewal deadline to avoid any licensing issues.
License renewal happens every two years, with deadlines based on your original licensing date. Put these key dates on your calendar. Your license will expire if you miss the deadline, and you cannot practice until it’s reinstated.
CEUs are more than just a requirement – they give you a chance to focus on areas that line up with your professional interests or career goals. This approach to professional development can create new career paths and help you serve Kansas’s clients and communities better.
Additional Information
Several factors can shape your path to becoming a licensed social worker in Kansas, beyond the basic licensing requirements.
License portability matters if you plan to work across state lines. Kansas makes interstate practice easier through licensure recognition programs, especially when you have clinical social work credentials. You can practice with temporary permits while completing Kansas requirements if you already hold a valid license from another state.
The state law gives special treatment to veterans and military spouses. They get faster application processing and might qualify for fee waivers. Military experience and training could count toward licensing requirements.
Your Kansas social work license stays valid for two years before needing renewal. The renewal process needs a completed application, proof of continuing education hours, and the required fee.
Reinstatement rules change based on how long your license has been inactive. A license expired for less than three years usually needs completion of missed continuing education. Longer lapses might require retaking the ASWB exam.
The BSRB follows clear steps to investigate ethical complaints or disciplinary actions. Results can range from dismissing baseless complaints to suspending or revoking licenses for serious violations.
Professional organizations like the National Association of Social Workers – Kansas Chapter are a great way to get support throughout your licensing journey. They offer networking chances, advocacy, and professional development resources specifically designed for Kansas social work professionals.