Missouri Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Guide - 2024

Missouri Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Licensure Process

LMSW license holders can begin their social work careers independently as their advanced training equips them significantly for this. Let us consider the requirements and procedure for obtaining this license.

Education Requirements

Applicants for this license must possess at least a master of social work after completing a CSWE-accredited master’s program in an approved institution. These research-intensive programs also infuse exposure to real-life practice and prepare the participants for practice as licensed master social workers. Here you can find all schools offering social work degree programs in Missouri.

You are responsible for ensuring that your program sends an original copy of your transcript to the division as proof that you completed the program. Transcripts must include your date of graduation and the type of degree awarded.

Examination Requirements

LMSW applicants are required to pass the ASWB Master’s Level Examination which is a computer-based, 4-hour long test administered by Pearson Vue. The test consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, 20 of which do not affect your overall score.

The application fee of $230 can be paid online with MasterCard, Visa, or a credit card. You will only be able to register for the test after your application for a license has been reviewed and accepted by the Missouri licensing board.

On the first page during the application process online, you will be asked to specify the state where you are applying for a license. This allows the ASWB to know where your test results are to be sent. You can also download a registration form and send back a completed copy by mail or fax (1-540-829-0142). You will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) if the ASWB accepts your registration. This contains information about scheduling your test. You can purchase practice materials online here.

Experience Requirements

There are no experience requirements for would-be LMSW license holders. However, this license is one step in the right direction for obtaining an LCSW license which requires some degree of supervised experience.

Fingerprint-based Criminal Background Checks

All applicants for a social work license in Missouri must take part in a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The 4-digit code for all applicants (within or outside Missouri) is 5416 The committee uses IdentoGo for the capturing process. Those who will be fingerprinted in Missouri must first register with the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) after which they will be redirected to the IdentoGo site to select their fingerprint card type. Once your registration is completed, you will be issued a Transaction Control Number (TCN) for tracking your fingerprints throughout the background check process.

If you will be captured out-of-state, you must request an FD-258 fingerprint card via email (lcsw@pr.mo.gov). This card must be taken to your local Highway Patrol office for fingerprinting which may be ink rolled or LiveScan. After this, you must register with MACHS and continue the process as was specified for those captured within Missouri. More information about the background check process and sample forms can be found on pages 8 to 14 here.

Apply for Licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker

Satisfy the following list to complete your application:

1. Download the appropriate application form here and mail a completed copy to the State Committee for Social Workers. Your application mail must include a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order for $70 made payable to the State Committee for Social Workers.
2. Request for a copy of your original transcript to be sent to the committee directly from your master’s program via regular mail only.
3. Send a copy of the results from a fingerprint-based background check conducted on you along with your application.
4. The board must receive notification of your achieving a passing score in the ASWB Master’s level examination.
5. You must also provide proof of having completed 2 hours of suicide prevention training.

Once all requirements are met, your license will be processed and issued to you.