MSWGuide.org

Menu ☰
  • Home
  • Schools By State
    • All-Star Rankings: MSW Programs
    • Advanced Standing MSW Programs
    • Clinical MSW Programs
    • Online MSW Programs
    • Master of Science in Social Administration
    • Researching & Applying to MSW Programs
    • MSW vs MSSW | What’s The Difference?
  • Field Education
  • Careers
    • Online Therapy Platforms: They are Not All the Same
    • Social Work Career Insight from Janina Kwilos, MSW, LCSW
    • Child and Family Social Work
    • Criminal Justice Social Work
    • Medical Social Work
    • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Work
    • Military Social Work
    • School Social Work
  • Licensure By State
    • Study Tips for the Social Work Licensing Exam
  • Blog
You are here: Home / Social Work Licensure in Arkansas

Social Work Licensure in Arkansas

Arkansas social workers use specialized knowledge of human growth and development and of social resources and systems. Discipline-specific skills allow them to provide counseling or engage in activities such as social work planning and administration. Those at the higher levels may engage in diagnosis and treatment planning. Some, though, work in other arenas, including practice at the macro or systems level.

Sponsored School(s)
Featured Programs:
  • University of Kentucky offers its Online Master of Social Work: Advanced Standing Program available. MSW program includes options for an advanced-standing program (30 credits) and a 60-credit regular standing program. Visit School's Website
  • Arizona State University offers the respected CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online. ASU Online knows today’s MSW students need remote learning options with no compromises. That’s why you’ll find the same professors, field work requirements, and internship placement assistance that ASU provides on campus. Visit School's Website
  • Baylor University Master of Social Work - Bachelor's holders can prepare for social work licensure with Baylor's CSWE-accredited MSW program online. Complete in as few as 12-16 months. No GRE required. Visit School's Website
  • Fordham's top-ranked Graduate School of Social Service Online Master of Social Work - Top-25 ranked online MSW offers both Traditional and Advanced standing programs. Both CSWE-accredited programs allow you to earn your degree full-time or part-time. Visit School's Website
  • USC University of Southern California Online MSW - With options for both online and in-person field placement, USC's CSWE-accredited MSW program allows those with a BSW to earn their degree in as few as 12 months. Visit School's Website
  • Capella University's CSWE accredited online Master of Social Work program helps prepare students to enter the general or clinical practice role. An Advanced Standing MSW option is available. Capella also offers an online Doctor of Social Work. Click Here to contact Capella University about their Master of Social Work program or Doctor of Social Work program.
  • Our Lady of the Lake University offers its Online BSW and MSW: No GRE or GMAT is required for admission. Advanced Standing available. Visit School's Website
  • Ohio University - America’s most vulnerable citizens lack equitable access to critical social services. But with an online Master of Social Work, you’ll help implement meaningful solutions that deliver care to underserved communities in both rural areas and big cities. Visit School's Website

Arkansas recognizes three levels of social work licensing: Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW).

Arkansas requires licensing but exempts various individuals such as those employed at the state level to act as social services workers or adult protective services workers.

Social Work Education

Education is the foundation for social work. Approved educational programs are those that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates can achieve the LSW credential with education at the bachelor’s level. The LMSW and LCSW require social work education at the master’s level (See: Master’s of Social Work Programs in Arkansas).

Sponsored Listing

Featured Programs:

University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work offers an academically rigorous online Master of Social Work program with Regular Standing or Advanced Standing options. Graduates have consistently done well on the licensure exams. Click Here to learn more about the UK online MSW programs.

The Master of Social Work online program from Baylor University is now accepting applications. Learn how to ethically integrate faith and social work practice in as few as 12 months. No GRE required. Request Information!

The University of Denver's top-ranked school of social work offers two online MSW tracks: traditional and advanced standing. Students with a BSW can earn an MSW in as few as 18 months; students without a BSW can earn an MSW in as few as 27 months. GRE scores are not required. Request Information!

USC's online Master of Social Work program from top-ranked USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, is designed for aspiring social work leaders. The Advanced Standing track, available to BSW holders, can be completed in as little as one year. Request Information Today!

Multiple Arkansas cities boast accredited programs. Students are not limited to in-state options, however. The CSWE has provided a program directory (https://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/Directory-of-Accredited-Programs.aspx). Prospective social workers can search for programs with particular concentrations. There are even dual degree options.

The Application and Examination Process

Arkansas utilizes Association of Social Work (ASWB) examinations. Candidates will take the examination appropriate to the level of licensing sought. A prospective LSW will take the bachelor’s examination; an LMSW, the master’s examination; an LCSW, the clinical examination.

A prospective social worker will submit his or her license application before testing. The Board must grant authorization. An approved candidate will then register with the ASWB (https://www.aswb.org/exam-candidates/). He or she will schedule an examination at a Pearson VUE testing center. The Pearson VUE website currently lists three Arkansas testing centers; this is as of 2018. There are additional testing centers located in the border region of neighboring states.

License applications can be accessed from the Board website (http://www.arkansas.gov/swlb/licensing_info.html).

Applicants will need to arrange for receipt of official transcripts.

FIND SCHOOLS
Sponsored Content

The application fee for license by examination is $100. There is a fee of $230 to $260 associated with examination. This is paid to the testing organization.

Candidates seeking the LBSW or LMSW credential may be granted provisional licenses. These allow for practice for up to one year pending successful examination. It is expected that an attempt will be made during the initial six months. Arkansas allows three examination attempts over the course of the year. A three-month wait time is imposed after an unsuccessful attempt. A fee is associated with each attempt. The test takes four hours; the scheduled appointment takes somewhat longer.

Arkansas requires criminal background checks. The background check is completed through the Identification Bureau of the Arkansas State Police. The Board website includes a link to a list of disqualifying crimes (http://www.arkansas.gov/swlb/licensing_info.html). There are provisions for waiver.

Social workers who are licensed in other states that have requirements at least on a par with Arkansas’ may be licensed by reciprocity (without examination). They will have met examination requirements at some point in the past.

Supervised Work Requirements

LSW or LMSW social workers require supervision at the employment level, though their supervision may be provided by professionals with any of multiple credentials. The clinical supervision necessary for LCSW licensure carries a more specific set of requirements.

An LCSW will work under supervision for a period of two years. This is figured at 4,000 hours (a little higher than the standard set by some other states). The prospective LCSW will meet regularly with a clinical supervisor who already holds licensure at the LCSW level; supervisor and supervisee will be guided by a supervision plan. Arkansas requires an average of an hour a week of direct supervisor/ supervisee contact. Up to half of the required supervision may take place in a small group setting.

Social workers who have achieved LCSW status are qualified for private and independent practice. While a professional who has received the LCSW no longer has a supervision requirement, he or she should have access to professional consultation as needed.

License Renewal

Licenses are renewed every two years. Continuing education is mandatory. If a social worker does not meet the CE requirement, his or her license will expire. Exceptions may be granted in some circumstances, for example, when an ongoing illness prevents normal daily activity.

Social workers may select from a wide range of courses that further their professional development. The Board has provided a link to samples (http://www.arkansas.gov/swlb/continuing_ed.html). Topics may be as diverse as dementia, substance abuse treatment, art therapy, social program administration, and contributions of social assistance programs (among others). Certain restrictions apply. There is a professional ethics requirement.

Additional Information

Information about social work licensing is available from the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board (http://www.arkansas.gov/swlb). The Board can be reached by telephone at (501) 372-5071 or by email at ‘swlb at arkansas.gov’.

The Arkansas Licensing Board notes that laws and regulations are subject to change. A link has been provided to the actual state code (http://www.arkansas.gov/swlb/laws_regs.html).

FIND SCHOOLS
Sponsored Content

FIND SCHOOLS
1
2
3
4
Sponsored Content

Best of the Blog

Realistic Workouts & Stretches for Busy Students & Professionals

By: Jane Shersher, LSW & Founder of Counselors Autonomous, A Program within Ava Today Quick … read more

Sleep Hygiene | The Irregular Schedule of a Student

By: Jane Shersher, LSW & Founder of Ava Today Sleep Hygiene Sleep is not just about … read more

Saving Time and Being Productive Throughout Your Day

By: Jane Shersher, LSW & Founder of Ava Today Tips on How to Save Time Throughout Your … read more

Program Directory

  • MSW Programs in Alabama
  • MSW Programs in Alaska
  • MSW Programs in Arizona
  • MSW Programs in Arkansas
  • MSW Programs in California
  • MSW Programs in Colorado
  • MSW Programs in Connecticut
  • MSW Programs in Delaware
  • MSW Programs in Florida
  • MSW Programs in Georgia
  • MSW Programs in Hawaii
  • MSW Programs in Idaho
  • MSW Programs in Illinois
  • MSW Programs in Indiana
  • MSW Programs in Iowa
  • MSW Programs in Kansas
  • MSW Programs in Kentucky
  • MSW Programs in Louisiana
  • MSW Programs in Maine
  • MSW Programs in Maryland
  • MSW Programs in Massachusetts
  • MSW Programs in Michigan
  • MSW Programs in Minnesota
  • MSW Programs in Mississippi
  • MSW Programs in Missouri
  • MSW Programs in Montana
  • MSW Programs in Nebraska
  • MSW Programs in Nevada
  • MSW Programs in New Hampshire
  • MSW Programs in New Jersey
  • MSW Programs in New Mexico
  • MSW Programs in New York
  • MSW Programs in North Carolina
  • MSW Programs in North Dakota
  • MSW Programs in Ohio
  • MSW Programs in Oklahoma
  • MSW Programs in Oregon
  • MSW Programs in Pennsylvania
  • MSW Programs in Rhode Island
  • MSW Programs in South Carolina
  • MSW Programs in South Dakota
  • MSW Programs in Tennessee
  • MSW Programs in Texas
  • MSW Programs in Utah
  • MSW Programs in Vermont
  • MSW Programs in Virginia
  • MSW Programs in Washington
  • MSW Programs in Washington, D.C.
  • MSW Programs in West Virginia
  • MSW Programs in Wisconsin
  • MSW Programs in Wyoming
Our site does not feature every educational option available on the market. We encourage you to perform your own independent research before making any education decisions. Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which programs we write about. Learn more about us

Copyright © 2013-2023 · MSWGuide.org · About Us · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use