Licensed Independent Social Worker License in Iowa
Quick Answer
Iowa licenses social workers at three tiers (LBSW, LMSW, LISW), each requiring the corresponding ASWB exam. The clinical-level LISW requires 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $450, with biennial renewal at $100.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $450 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-6 years (education) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Licensed Independent Social Worker license in Iowa
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $120
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $100
- Total Estimated Cost
- $450
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Independent Social Worker license in Iowa. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Iowa licensing board.
Licensed Independent Social Worker Salary in Iowa
Entry Level
$46,230
Median
$88,000
Experienced
$108,680
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Exam (level varies)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$120.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-6 years (education) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Licensed Independent Social Worker Licensing in Iowa: What to Know
Iowa licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work under the Iowa Department of Public Health. The state offers multiple tiers: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). Each tier requires the appropriate ASWB exam (Bachelors, Masters, or Clinical). The LISW, Iowa's clinical-level license, requires an MSW plus two years of supervised clinical experience totaling at least 3,000 hours. Continuing education of 30 hours is required biennially. Iowa has been active in discussions about the Social Work Licensure Compact. The state's rural communities face significant social work workforce shortages, particularly in behavioral health services. Iowa's aging population creates growing demand for social workers in geriatric care and long-term care settings. The University of Iowa and other state institutions produce social work graduates, but retention in rural areas remains challenging. Background checks are required for all applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Licensed Independent Social Worker license cost in Iowa?
- The estimated total cost is $450, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Licensed Independent Social Worker license in Iowa?
- The process typically takes 4-6 years (education) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Licensed Independent Social Worker license in Iowa?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Licensed Independent Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.