Steps For Licensure

All Licensure Types

• For application examples, fingerprint information, and general licensure information.

ASWB Examination General Information:

• LBSW & LMSW exam can be taken 60 days prior to graduation, but the candidate must request a letter from an official at the CSWE at an accredited university showing the candidate will graduate on time; accompanied by the application fee and required documentation.

Becoming an LMSW/LBSW:

• Earn the corresponding degree (BSW or MSW) from a program with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.
• Mail completed Application for Licensure form along with the fee.
• Send fingerprint results to the appropriate party (instructions included with application)
• Mail your official transcript to the Missouri Division of Professional Registration
• If you are taking the exam prior to graduation, have your college send a letter stating you are on track to graduate. After graduation, you must send your official transcript.
• The Committee will notify you via email to contact ASWB and schedule the exam.

Becoming an LCSW/LAMSW: 

Application

• Must hold a current license as an LMSW or DSW in Missouri from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Register for supervision by submitting the Registration of Supervision form (with the fee) and the Employment Verification Letter.
• After approval, complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervision within 24-48 months. Within 3,000 hours, there must be a minimum of 4 hours of direct care every 4 weeks.
• Ability to practice will end after the 48-month period; if the clinical exam is not passed within that period, approval may still be granted to take the exam if the supervision still qualifies per 20 CSR 2263-2.032(10).
• After obtaining supervision, you can submit the rest of the required forms: Application for Licensure form and fee, Fingerprint results (instructions included with application), and Attestation form (must come directly from supervisor).
• The Committee will notify you via email to contact ASWB and schedule the exam.
• You must still be under supervision until the exam is passed and the license is issued.
• Must have completed a minimum of 75% of total supervision hours (2,250 hours and 18 months of supervision) to take the licensure exam early. The supervisor must send an email verifying the completion of hours and required supervision.
• · If there is a change in supervision, you must submit a $25 fee and must stop practice until approved.