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Kentucky Certified Social Worker (CSW)

AKA: Kentucky CSW License

How to Become a Social Worker in Kentucky - 2026 Guide
Social Worker License

by Social Worker License Staff

Updated: March 1st, 2026

Kentucky Licensing Body

Last verified: March 1st, 2026

Kentucky social work licensure requirements were reviewed against the official Kentucky Board of Social Work website, including the board’s published licensure forms and instructions, applicable statutes in the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS Chapter 335), and relevant administrative regulations in the Kentucky Administrative Regulations (201 KAR Chapter 23) to confirm current education, examination, supervision, and renewal standards. Readers should consult the board directly for any updates issued after this verification date.

Kentucky Certified Social Worker (CSW) Licensure Process

As a CSW, you can provide non-clinical services without supervision and practice clinical work under the supervision of an LCSW. This license is needed if you wish to go into private or independent practice. CSWs can provide the following services:

  • Assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness
  • Individual, group, and family therapy

Education Requirements

CSWs must complete an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited school or have a doctoral degree in social work.

Find all schools offering social work degree programs in Kentucky.

Application Process

Anyone who desires to obtain CSW licensure in Kentucky must submit an application to the Board with the applicable fee. The MSW program you completed needs to send an official transcript to the Board to meet the application requirements. You can apply for a temporary non-renewable license that permits you to practice as a CSW for 240 days before your permanent license is issued. Your permanent license is dependent on whether or not you pass the exam. If you do not, you will not be allowed to perform any social work services until you receive a passing score.

Background Check

You must pass a criminal background check to be eligible for licensure. There is a section on the application that asks if you have any felony convictions. If so, you are required to attach a written document explaining the conviction and certified copies of the disciplinary and criminal records. These include a copy of the police report or grand jury indictment, the Judgement of Conviction, and the Judgement or Sentencing Order. The Board will examine the information and make a determination regarding licensure.

Examination Requirements

The Board will inform you via email once you are able to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Exam. The test consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 will be scored. There is an exam fee associated with the test. Once completed, you’ll be given an unofficial score report, and this document must be sent along with the license fee to the Board. You will then be issued a CSW license and may begin practicing non-clinical and supervised clinical social work.