Arkansas Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Guide - 2024
AKA: Arkansas LMSW License
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For this license, you need a master’s degree from a program accredited by the CSWE and pass the Board-approved exam and criminal background check.
An LMSW in Arkansas can provide clinical services, but they must work under the direction of an LCSW or another individual trained to handle the responsibility. These are the steps LMSW candidates must complete to obtain their license.
Arkansas LMSW Licensure Process
Education Requirements
If you have a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school, you can complete an application for the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential.
Explore all the master’s in social work degree programs offered in Arkansas.
Application Process
The first step is to submit the application to the Board. Printing the social work application and sending it in the mail is one option. The other is to complete it online. The application fee is $100, with $5.50 added for online submissions. Once the application is completed, ask your MSW program to send an official transcript to the Board; electronic copies will not be accepted.
Background Check
The instructions for completing the criminal background check will be sent after the Board processes your application. You will need to find somewhere to have your fingerprints taken and return the fingerprint card to the Board. Next, the Board will give you a provisional LMSW license valid for up to one year if you pass the criminal background. During the year, you are allowed to practice as an LMSW. You are granted three attempts to pass the licensing exam necessary to receive your permanent license within that time.
Examination Requirements
The ASWB Master’s exam can be taken by LMSW candidates once the Board gives them permission to register. The exam contains 170 multiple-choice questions, but only 150 will be scored. When completed, the ASWB will send your scores to the Board within two weeks. The master’s exam fee is currently $230.
Complete the above steps, and the Board will swap your provisional LMSW license with the permanent one. Any services you provide will still need to be supervised by an LCSW or other Board-approved supervisor.