Navigate Kansas's comprehensive three-tier system with Social Work Compact membership, safety awareness training requirements, and robust clinical pathways in the Sunflower State.
Kansas's system features Social Work Compact membership, mandatory safety awareness training, and comprehensive clinical pathways from bachelor's to specialist clinical practice with flexible reciprocity options.
Entry-level license for BSW graduates allowing basic generalist social work practice in organized settings under supervision. Foundation for advanced social work education and practice.
Application: $100 • ASWB Exam: $230 • Biennial renewal: ~$100 • 40 CE hours (6 safety awareness)
Advanced practice license for MSW graduates allowing specialized social work practice and clinical work under supervision. Gateway to independent clinical practice.
Application: $100 • ASWB Exam: $230 • Biennial renewal: ~$100 • 40 CE hours (6 safety awareness)
Highest clinical license allowing independent practice, diagnosis, and treatment. Enables private practice and requires extensive supervised clinical experience with specialized training.
• 4,000 hours supervised clinical social work experience
• At least 1,500 hours face-to-face client contact
• 500 hours other clinical services minimum
• 150 hours supervision required (100 meetings minimum)
• Up to half supervision hours may be group format
Application: $100 • ASWB Exam: $260 • Biennial renewal: ~$100 • 40 CE hours (6 safety awareness)
Social Work Compact member with comprehensive safety awareness and clinical training requirements
Graduate from CSWE-accredited BSW (for LBSW) or MSW program (for LMSW/LSCSW). Kansas has 13 accredited programs with comprehensive field education.
4-6 YearsSubmit application to Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board with transcripts, references, and background check. Board approves then notifies ASWB for exam clearance.
6 WeeksTake appropriate ASWB exam (Bachelor's, Master's, or Clinical) at authorized testing center. Exam results used indefinitely.
2-4 WeeksLMSW begins accruing 4,000 supervised clinical hours including minimum 1,500 direct client contact. Must include specialized coursework in mental disorders.
2-3 YearsSubmit LSCSW application with supervision verification, job descriptions, and coursework grid. Clinical Training Plan and supervisor attestations required.
6-8 WeeksKansas is a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact. When operational, qualified LSCSWs will have multistate practice privileges across member states.
All Kansas social workers must complete 6 hours of safety awareness training for continuing education, with special requirements for first-time renewals.
Kansas requires 4,000 supervised clinical hours for LSCSW including minimum 1,500 direct client contact and 500 other clinical services.
LSCSW applicants must complete 15 graduate credits in assessment and treatment of mental disorders, including diagnostic assessment and treatment approaches.
Up to half of the required 150 supervision hours may be completed in group supervision format, with minimum 100 supervisory meetings required.
Kansas offers licensure through reciprocity for social workers licensed in states with substantially equivalent requirements who have passed ASWB exams.
All Kansas social work licenses expire every two years with 40 hours continuing education required, including mandatory ethics and safety awareness training.
Clinical supervision must be provided by LSCSW licensed in Kansas with at least 2 years clinical practice experience. Group supervision limited to 6 supervisees maximum.
ksbsrb.ks.gov/social-workers
(785) 296-3240
Board Office Hours
Social Work Compact member
Safety awareness training required
Active member state
Multistate privileges pending