Missouri Social Work Licensure FAQ 

How do I contact the Missouri State Licensure Board?

What licensures are available in Missouri?

How much does it cost to apply to become licensed?  

What is the difference between a LBSW and LCSW?

What are the educational requirements for an LCSW and LBSW?

What experience do I need?

Is there any way to be grand-parented into any level of licensure?   
                                         
What are the supervision requirements? 

Does Missouri have reciprocity with licensure from other states?

Can I count my practicum hours toward the supervision hours? 

Can I be reimbursed from third-party payers? 

Do Missouri's LCSW's and LBSW's have Privileged Communication?

Are provisional licenses granted for LBSW's and LCSW's?

What are the continuing education requirements for LBSW's and LCSW's?

Who is qualified to provide licensure supervision for LCSW's and LBSW's?

What is the renewal period?

How can I find a qualified supervisor if my place of employment does not have a qualified supervisor on staff?

Licensure Examination ?'s  

for the LBSW & LCSW

Is there an examination for licensure? and What is the passing score required for Missouri? 

How do I prepare for the exam?  What can I review?

Where are the ASWB licensure examination test sites in Missouri? 

When can I take the ASWB licensure exam?

How often are the examinations offered in Missouri at the testing sites?

How many questions are on the examinations?

How much time is allotted for taking the test?   

How do I contact the Missouri State Licensure Board?
Contact:
The Missouri Division of Professional Registration
State Committee for Social Workers
3605 Missouri Boulevard
PO Box 1335
Jefferson City  MO  65102
(573) 751-0885
(573)526-7670 Fax
(800)735-2966 TDD
Website:  http://pr.mo.gov/socialworkers.asp
Email:  lcsw@mail.state.mo.us

What licensures are available in Missouri?
Master's Degree
Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker (LAMSW)
(Refer to Statute Section )
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
(Refer to Statute Section )
Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW)
(Refer to Statute Section )
Bachelor's Degree
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker - Independent Practice (LBSW-IP)
(Refer to Statute Section )
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
(Refer to Statute Section )  

How much does it cost to apply to become licensed?

What is the difference between a LBSW and LCSW?  
The LCSW (Refer to Statute Section 337.600-642) is exclusive to the master's social worker that will be practicing as a clinical practitioner which includes the application of methods, principles, and techniques of case work, group work, client-centered advocacy, community organization, administration, planning, evaluation, consultation, research, psychotherapy and counseling methods and techniques to persons, families and groups in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and amelioration of mental and emotional conditions.  A licensed clinical social worker is any person who offers to render services to individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, corporations, government agencies or the general public for a fee, monetary or otherwise, implying that the person is trained, experienced, and licensed as a clinical social worker, and who holds a current, valid license to practice as a clinical social worker. The practice of clinical social work, rendering, offering to render, or supervising those who render to individuals, couples, groups, organizations, institutions, corporations, or the general public any service involving the application of methods, principles, and techniques of clinical social work. 

The LBSW (Refer to Statute Section 337.642-689) is exclusive to the baccalaureate social worker that will be practicing as a basic generalist practitioner which includes assessment excluding the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and emotional disorders, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, information and referral, counseling excluding psychotherapy, supervision, consultation, education, advocacy, community organization, development implementation, administration of policies, programs and activities.  A licensed baccalaureate social worker is any person who offers to render services to individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, corporations, government agencies or the general public for a fee, monetary or otherwise, implying that the person is trained, experienced and licensed as a baccalaureate social worker, and who holds a current valid license to practice as a baccalaureate social worker.  The practice of baccalaureate social work is rendering, offering to render or supervising those who render to individuals, families, groups, organizations, institutions, corporations or the general public any service involving the application of methods, principles, and techniques of baccalaureate social work.  A licensed baccalaureate social worker shall not engage in the private practice of clinical social work, but is able to practice independently within their scope of practice.  

What are the educational requirements?
LCSW: (Refer to Statute Section 337.615)
Applicants must have earned a DSW or MSW from an accredited social work degree program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

LBSW: (Refer to Statute Section 337.665)
Applicant must have earned a BSW or BSSW from an accredited social work degree program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

What experience do I need?
For the LCSW, (Refer to Rule Section 20CSR 2263-2.030(2)(B)) 3000 hours of clinical supervision, obtained in no fewer than 24 months and no more than 48 consecutive calendar months.

For the LBSW, (Refer to Statute Section 337.665) 3000 hours of generalist or baccalaureate supervision, obtained in no fewer than 24 months and no more than 48 consecutive calendar months.

Is there an examination?
For the LCSW, Yes. (Refer to Statute Section 337.615 and Rules Section 20CSR 2263-2.050(3)(D)) A passing score on the "Clinical" Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Exam is required.  To pre-register for the exam, contact the State Committee for Social Workers at 573.751.0885 and then the professional exam registration center at 888.579.3926 or visit http://www.aswb.org/exam_reg.shtml.

For the LBSW, Yes. (Refer to Statute Section 337.665 and Rules Section 20CSR 2263-2.052(3)(D)) A passing score on the "Bachelors" or higher exam from Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is required.  To pre-register for the exam, contact the State Committee for Social Workers at 573.751.0885 and then the professional exam registration center at 888.579.3926 or visit http://www.aswb.org/exam_reg.shtml. 

How do I prepare for the exam?  What can I review?
There are several publications and workshop options. 
For the LCSW:
The Social Work Dictionary - 5th Edition ($53.99),  DSM-IV (Not an NASW Press Publication),
Encyclopedia of Social Work - 19th Edition with 2003 and 1997 Supplement ($169.99), 
Clinical Interventions with Families ($42.99), and Clinical Practice with Individuals ($32.99) are all valuable resources when reviewing for the test. To place an order for any or all of these publications contact NASW- Missouri chapter office at chapter@nasw-mo.org  (NASW members receive a 15% discount on these publications when ordered through Missouri Chapter).

For the LBSW:
The Social Work Dictionary - 5th Edition ($53.99) & Encyclopedia of Social Work - 19th Edition with 2003 and 1997 Supplement ($169.99) are both valuable resources when reviewing for the test. To place an order for either of these publications contact NASW- Missouri chapter office at chapter@nasw-mo.org  (NASW members receive a 15% discount on these publications when ordered through Missouri Chapter).

The Missouri Chapter has contracted with Dr. Sophia Dziegielewski, LCSW, of Siri Productions from Kentucky, to produce an excellent and comprehensive one-day bachelors and two-day clinical licensure exam preparation workshop.  These workshops are offered periodically throughout the state, and are highly recommended and well worth the money.  See our Professional Development Calendar to register for our next workshop date.

Where are the ASWB licensure examination test sites in Missouri?
Missouri has various testing sites throughout the state. You will need to visit http://www.aswb.org/exam_info_sites.shtml and click on the ACT website to locate a site nearest you. 

When can I take the ASWB licensure exam?
Applicants for licensure can pre-register to take the examination appropriate for their level of licensure once they have successfully graduated from an accredited social work program. To pre-register for the exam, contact the State Committe for Social Workers at 573.751.0885.

How often are the examinations offered in Missouri at the testing sites? 
They are offered Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.act.org/contacts/index.html. (*Days and times are subject to change. Please check with ACT testing site for more update info.)

How many questions are on the examinations?
There are 170 questions on the ASWB examination, but only 150 count toward the score.  The remaining 20 are pretest items, questions which are being evaluated for possible inclusion in the examination item pool. (Visit http://www.aswb.org/exam_info.shtml)

How much time is allotted for taking the test?
Four hours is allotted to take the examination. (Visit http://www.aswb.org/exam_info_faqs.shtml)

Is there any way to be grand-parented into any level of licensure?  
No. The only tier of licensure in Missouri that had grand-parenting was the LCSW. The LCSW grand-parenting period ended July 1, 1992.  Anyone who did not apply before that date must go through the full licensure process and meet the licensure requirements.  However, if an applicant has passed the relevant ASWB clinical exam, the applicant does not need to retake the exam.

What are the supervision requirements?
LCSW supervision: (Refer to Rules Section 20CSR 2263-2.030, 20CSR 2263-2.031,and 20CSR 2263-2.032)
Supervision needs to be pre-approved with the committee.  A minimum of two (2) hours every two (2) weeks of individual face-to-face supervision by the supervisor at the rate of no fewer than forty-eight (48) weeks per calendar year.  Supervision may be consolidated for up to four (4) weeks for a total of four (4) hours of individual face-to-face supervision per four (4) week period.  Fifty percent (50%) of supervision may be group supervision.  Group supervision may consist of a least three (3) and no more than six (6) supervisees.  The use of electronic supervision is acceptable, only if the ethical standards for confidentiality are maintained, and communications verbally and visually interactive between the supervisor and the supervisee.  Supervision may be provided only by another LCSW.  All supervisees for licensure must remain under approved supervision until the license is approved by the committee.  

LBSW supervision:
(Refer to Rules Section 20CSR 2263-2.030, 20CSR 2263-2.031, and 20CSR 2263-2.032)
Supervision needs to be pre-approved with the committee.  A minimum of two (2) hours every two (2) weeks of individual face-to-face supervision by the supervisor at the rate of no fewer than forty-eight ( 48) weeks per calendar year.  Supervision may be consolidated for up to four (4) weeks for a total of four (4) hours of individual face-to-face supervision per four (4) week period.  Fifty percent (50%) of supervision may be group supervision.  Group supervision may consist of a least three (3) and no more than six (6) supervisees.  The use of electronic supervision is acceptable, only if the ethical standards for confidentiality are maintained, and communications verbally and visually interactive between the supervisor and the supervisee.  Supervision may be provided only by another LBSW or LCSW.  All supervisees for licensure must remain under approved supervision until the license is approved by the committee.

Does Missouri have reciprocity with licensure from other states?
(Refer to Rules Section 20CSR 2263-2.060 for an LCSW; 20CSR 2263-2.062 for an LBSW) Missouri will grant reciprocity only with states that meet our exact requirements.  Supervision hours, work/practice hours and the relevant ASWB exam may be accepted toward meeting the requirements if they meet Missouri standards. (*The State Committee for Social Workers is the only entity that has the authority to determine if reciprocity will be granted to a licensee.)

Can I count my practicum hours toward the supervision hours?  
No, these hours cannot be counted.  (Refer to Rules Section 20CSR 2263-2.030(1).) Supervision hours must be obtained after receiving your degree.

Can I be reimbursed from third-party payers?  
LCSW: Refer to Statute Section 337.624*

LBSW: Refer to Statute Section 337.674

*SB 703 - Vendorship Bill was passed in 1996 acknowledging licensed clinical social work services as a reimburseable provider. Reimbursement by the payer is voluntary not a mandate.

Do Missouri's LCSW's and LBSW's have Privileged Communication?
Yes.  (LCSW's - Refer to Statute Section 337.636 and 337.639; LBSW's - Refer to Statute Section 337.686 and 337.689) Missouri supports the legal definition of Privileged Communication between LCSW's and clients, except where there is a risk of public danger or a threat to the public good.  "Privileged Communication" is defined as the premise and understanding between a professional and client that the information revealed by the client will not be divulged to others without expressed permission. 

Are provisional licenses granted for the LBSW and LCSW?
Yes.  Contact the Missouri Division of Professional Registration for more information.
LCSW: Refer to Statute sections 337.600, 337.615, and Rules Section 20CSR 2263-2.045
LBSW: Refer to Statute Sections 337.650, 337.665, and Rules Section 20CSR 2263-2.047

What are the continuing education requirements?
LCSW: Refer to Statute Section 337.618 and Rules Sections 20CSR 2263-2.075 and 20CSR 2263-2.082
LBSW: Refer to Statute Section 337.668 and Rules Sections 20CSR 2263-2.075 and 20CSR 2263-2.082

Who is qualified to provide licensure supervision for LCSW's or LBSW's?
LCSW: Refer to Rules Section 20CSR 2263-2.031 (1)
LBSW: Refer to Rules Section 20CSR 2263-2.031 (1)

What is the renewal period?
(Refer to Rules Section 20CSR 2263-1.035) Every two years.

How can I find a qualified supervisor if my place of employment does not have a qualified supervisor on staff?
NASW-Missouri Chapter has a list of qualified supervisors that may be obtained through the Chapter Office at 573.635.6965.  This benefit is free for members, but there is a $25 fee for non-members to access this service.

What is "approved continuing education?"
It is continuing education that has been approved specifically for social workers by the D.C. board of Social Work, or by one of the organizations to which the D.C. Board has granted approving authority. These include: local chapters and national offices of NASW, NABSW, & the Clinical Social Work Society; schools approved by the Council of Social Work Education, & colleges and universities with accredited social work programs; and social work licensing boards in the jurisdiction in which the training is provided. (Training provided in D.C. must be approved by one of these organizations in D.C.)

How can I find out if a course is approved?
Ask the provider of the training two questions: Have you gotten this course approved for continuing education specifically for social workers? (The answer should be "yes".) Who has approved the course? (The answer should be either the D.C. Board of Social Work, or one of the organizations that has been granted approval authority.) If in doubt, you may ask the approving organization.

What do I need for documentation? And what do I do with the documentation?
You need a certificate of participation from the approving organization; it should give the number of hours you were trained, and be signed by the head of the organization. Keep the certificate in your permanent files. Do not send or give it to the Board unless you are asked. When you receive your renewal application within the next few months, there will be instructions about what further to do.

What's the difference between a continuing education hour and continuing education unit?
Semantics. An hour is simply an hour of training. A unit is usually an hour of training that has been calculated in tenths (e.g., 2 hours =.2 units, or 13 hours = 1.3 units). Just be sure that your certificate of participation is clear about the number of hours you were trained.