How to Become a Social Worker in Missouri

Looking to become a social worker in Missouri? You’ve come to the right spot!  While there are similarities in licensing requirements from state to state, each state is unique. In addition to providing the essentials below, you can click the link we have provided for Missouri’s official licensing body. There you can find additional information on potential requirements like background checks, state-to-state license transfers, and continuing education requirements. We hope this handy guide assists in your efforts to become a certified social worker in your state!

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In Missouri, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designation Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) is granted to social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. The designations Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Advanced Macro (LAMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) require education at at least the master’s level.

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) is the basic licensing level. The LBSW must have a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university whose social work program is approved or accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The candidate for the LBSW licensure must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board as well as have two years of supervised experience when seeking the Independent Practice designation.

The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) must have a master of social work from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. The candidate for licensure at the LMSW level must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. There is no experience required for LMSW licensure, unless the candidate is pursuing the Licensed Advanced Macro designation (LAMSW). The LAMSW needs  two years (3,000 hours) of supervsed “macro” experience in addition to passing the masters-level examination.

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE and hold a current LMSW license. The LCSW must have received two years (3,000 hours) or more of postgraduate continuing supervision provided by an LCSW prior to application for the LCSW exam. The LCSW candidate must then pass the clinical-level exam as prescribed by the Board.