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:
Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
- Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with Groups and Families.
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- Features field education in or near students’ own communities.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
- CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work (2019).1
- Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in clinical or community practice.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
- Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with Groups and Families.
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- Features field education in or near students’ own communities.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
- CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work (2019).1
- Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in clinical or community practice.
Licensure information including requirements, renewals, and fees were retrieved as of August 2018. Information may have changed since, check with the state’s board of licensing for more information.