Certified Social Worker License in Kentucky
Quick Answer
Kentucky licenses social workers at multiple tiers, with the clinical LCSW requiring two years of supervised experience. The appropriate ASWB exam is required at each level. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $455. Kentucky's Appalachian communities have particularly high demand for social workers.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $455 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Certified Social Worker certification in Kentucky
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $125
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $100
- Total Estimated Cost
- $455
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Certified Social Worker license in Kentucky. 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 Kentucky licensing board.
Certified Social Worker Salary in Kentucky
Entry Level
$42,010
Median
$73,200
Experienced
$116,080
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Certified Social Worker in Kentucky.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 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: ~$125.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Certified Social Worker Licensing in Kentucky: What to Know
Kentucky licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. Each level requires the appropriate ASWB exam and a degree from a CSWE-accredited program. The clinical-level LCSW requires an MSW plus two years of supervised clinical experience. Continuing education of 30 hours is required biennially, including ethics training. Kentucky has faced discussions about the ASWB exam's racial disparities but has not suspended the exam requirement. The state has significant social work workforce needs in eastern Kentucky's Appalachian communities, where poverty, substance abuse, and limited healthcare access create high demand for social services. The opioid crisis has particularly affected Kentucky, increasing demand for clinical social workers in substance abuse treatment. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is a major employer. Kentucky has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact and offers some military spouse licensing provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Certified Social Worker license cost in Kentucky?
- The estimated total cost is $455, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Certified Social Worker license in Kentucky?
- The process typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Certified Social Worker license in Kentucky?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Certified Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.