Become a Social Worker in Arkansas

There may be additional methods of certification that have not been covered here. Please contact your state social work licensing department for more information.

Table of Contents

• Arkansas Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Arkansas Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• Arkansas Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• Arkansas Social Work Salary

Disclaimer: Due to the rapidly changing nature of social work regulations, for the most up-to-date information on becoming a social worker in Arkansas, contact the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board.

Arkansas law recognizes three classes of social workers: Licensed Certified Social Worker (CSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Social Worker (LSW). The requirements are as follows:

Arkansas LCSW

Arkansas LCSW Education Requirement: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program or relevant doctoral degree

Arkansas LCSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level Examination

Field Requirement: Two years or 4,000 hours of post-master’s social work experience supervised by an LCSW

Fee: $100 application fee ($105.50 if applying online), $260 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: Background check required

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 48 contact hours of continuing education and payment of an $80 renewal fee. 

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Arkansas LMSW

Arkansas LMSW Education Requirement: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program

Arkansas LMSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Examination

Field Requirement: None

Fee: $100 application fee ($105.50 if applying online), $230 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: Background check required

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 48 contact hours of continuing education and payment of an $80 renewal fee.

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Arkansas LSW (Licensed Social Worker)

Arkansas LSW Education Requirement: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program

Arkansas LSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Basic Level Examination

Field Requirement: None

Fee: $100 application fee ($105.50 if applying online), $230 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: Background check required. First-time applicants will be issued a provisional license upon approval of his or her application.

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 48 contact hours of continuing education and payment of an $80 renewal fee.

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In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in Arkansas, you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in Arkansas can only be reached after completing an on-campus or online MSW program. We are committed to keeping updated information on Arkansas social work licensure policies available to you.

Arkansas Social Work Salary

Arkansas Social Work Salary

Arkansas Social Work Career	Average Social Worker Salary
Child, Family and School Social Workers	$36,260External link
Healthcare Social Workers	$42,380External link
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers	$40,300External link
All other Social Workers	$47,660External link
Salary Increase from BSW to MSW External link	+$9,000External link

Disclaimer: Social Worker Salary information is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Information about social worker salaries in Arkansas is subject to change. Please confirm salary information with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 08/22/2018.