Kansas Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Guide - 2024

AKA: Kansas LMSW License

Social Worker License

by Social Worker License Staff

Updated: April 24th, 2023

Kansas Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Licensure Process

LMSW licenses are the second level of licensure issued for social workers in Kansas. They engage in non-clinical services or supervised clinical therapy. Typical roles for LMSWs are:

  • Case managers
  • Group therapy facilitators
  • Helping at-risk populations secure housing and food
  • Supporting at-risk clients with career assistance
  • Making social reform improvements through policy and advocacy

Education Requirements

You must have a master’s in social work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program or school.

Find all schools offering social work degree programs in Kansas.

Application Process

You can start the process of obtaining LMSW licensure up to four months prior to your projected graduation date. Complete the Social Work Licensure Application and submit it to the Board with the appropriate application fee. Three professional references are required, and one of them must be your most recent fieldwork supervisor. The other two references need to be from LMSW level or higher social workers.

Make a request with your school to send a copy of your final transcript to the Board if you’ve already graduated with an MSW. If you are still attending classes, a Verification of Academic Requirements form is included in the application and must be submitted. Keep in mind that you will not receive your license until your final transcript is sent to the Board.

It can take up to thirty days for the Board to complete their review of your application. You can check the application’s status on the Board’s website.

Background Check

There is a section on the application where you are required to disclose any felony or misdemeanor convictions against a person. A criminal background check will be conducted, and you must pass in order to be granted a social work license.

Examination Requirements

After the Board looks over your application, they will notify you whether you are eligible to register for the ASWB Master’s Exam. If approved, you will take the 170 multiple-choice question exam, where 150 questions are scored. Within two weeks of taking the test, your scores are sent to the Board.

If they have not already transmitted the document, ask your school to send the Board your final transcript. Your LMSW license will be granted once all supporting documentation is received to show you have met the licensing requirements. You are then able to practice social work under an LSCSWs supervision.