Looking to become a social worker in Oklahoma? 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 Oklahoma’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 Oklahoma, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with a Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designations Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) all require education at at least the master’s level.
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) is the basic licensing level. The LMSW 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. The candidate for licensure at the LMSW level must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. An LMSW provides a wide range of preventive as basic social work services.
The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) must have a master’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 LSW candidate must accrue two years of full-time supervised experience (a minimum of 4,000 post-degree hours). The candidate for the LSW licensure must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board, then the LSW is prepared to unsupervised practice in public and private social service agencies.
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 LSW license. The LCSW must have received two years (4000 hours) or more of postgraduate continuing supervision provided by an LCSW prior to application for the LCSW exam. The LCSW candidate must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. The LCSW should be able to demonstrate skill and interventions directly related to individuals, families, groups, communities, or organizations. The LCSW may supervise Licensed Social Workers and Licensed Master Social Workers.
Candidates for license renewal are required to have 16 hours of continuing education, eight of which must be in a face-to-face setting and three of which must be ethics. A provisional license is granted one time for one year with no renewals. In that year you must take and pass the proper level ASWB exam in order to activate the full license. All licenses, regardless of their issuance date, expire December 31 annually.
LMSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
- Supervision: N/A
LSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical