Begin your career in social work alongside the canyons of the Red River Gorge, the distilleries of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and a state-wide network of over 11,000 social workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

This guide for how to become a social worker in Kentucky explains educational requirements, how to get licensed, social work organizations to join, and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker in Kentucky, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Bluegrass State. 

Information below was retrieved in January 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change; always check with the state licensing board for the most current information.

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

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Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

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Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

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Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

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Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

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Common Steps to Become a Kentucky Social Worker

Before becoming a licensed social worker in Kentucky, you must complete a CSWE-accredited social work degree (BSW or MSW), depending on the license level you plan to pursue. Kentucky offers three types of social work licenses. Depending on your goals, there may be additional requirements, such as supervised experience (for clinical licensure) and other application materials required by the Kentucky Board. 

Below are the steps for obtaining social work licenses in Kentucky, sourced from the Kentucky State Board of Social Work.

1. Earn a CSWE-accredited social work degree

To become a licensed social worker in Kentucky, you will have to complete a BSW or Master of Social Work (MSW) program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). You can pursue these degrees in Kentucky through various formats, including full time, part time and online.

2. Fulfill your social work supervised experience requirement and pass your national/state exams

Kentucky has three levels of social workers, according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing requirements:

Licensed social worker (LSW): A person who has a baccalaureate degree in a social work or social welfare program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) (or a baccalaureate degree with equivalent coursework as determined by the board) and has passed the ASWB Bachelor’s exam.

Certified social worker (CSW): A person with a master’s or doctorate degree in social work from an educational institution approved by the board and who has passed the ASWB Master’s exam.

Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the ASWB clinical exam. Those looking to attain this license must complete at least two (2) years of full-time post-master’s experience (30 hours/week) or three (3) years of part-time post-master’s experience (20 hours/week) under board-approved supervision. Supervision must total at least 150 hours (with at least 100 hours of individual supervision; up to 50 hours may be group supervision).

3. Get licensed

Once you’ve completed your hours and experience, you may apply to become a licensed social worker in Kentucky.

Learn more on how to become a social worker.

There are many accredited BSW and MSW degree programs in Kentucky. With a CSWE-accredited BSW, you may qualify for an advanced standing MSW track, which can be completed in as little as one year full-time, depending on the program and your course load.

A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. Several universities in Kentucky offer accredited BSW programs.

In order to obtain higher-level licenses in Kentucky, however, a minimum of an MSW is required. Some individuals further their education and experience in social work by pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree.

MSW programs in Kentucky teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. MSW programs may include coursework on topics such as human development, social work policy and intervention. There are four fully accredited MSW programs in Kentucky.

There are several fully accredited online MSW programs in Kentucky. Online MSW options are designed to meet the same CSWE accreditation standards and learning outcomes as campus programs, though delivery formats (fully online vs. hybrid; synchronous vs. asynchronous) may vary by school. Students are taught by program faculty, and instructor assignments may vary by term and course format.

Kentucky has three types of licenses for social workers: licensed social worker (LSW), certified social worker (CSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). In Kentucky, the CSW and LCSW credentials require a master’s or doctoral degree in social work (as recognized by the board). Clinical licensure (LCSW) also requires supervised post-master’s experience and passing the ASWB Clinical exam.

All information on LSW, CSW and LCSW below was retrieved from the Kentucky State Board of Social Work.

In Kentucky, an LSW may engage in social work activities except the practice of clinical social work. (Clinical social work practice is reserved for LCSWs, and in limited situations, CSWs under LCSW supervision.)

Becoming a CSW allows you to practice non-clinical social work independently. A CSW may practice clinical social work only under the supervision of a Kentucky-licensed LCSW and in accordance with board requirements (including an approved supervision contract before clinical practice begins). 

Becoming an LCSW allows you to practice clinical and non-clinical social work independently. After at least two (2) years of post-licensure clinical practice, an LCSW may apply to become a board-approved supervisor by completing the required board-approved supervision training (including an initial 6-hour course) and submitting the board’s Request to Provide Supervision form. Board-approved supervisors must also complete a 3-hour supervision refresher each renewal period to maintain supervisor status.

Information on the above social work salaries in Kentucky was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Kentucky in January 2026.

For those just starting on their path to social work, there are state-wide scholarships and programs in place to assist you. Below are a few Kentucky-based funding options that can help you pay for a social work degree. Some programs (such as loan repayment) may also support eligible licensed clinicians, including LCSWs, who work in underserved areas.

There are many local and national associations and organizations with goals to promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions for issues such as welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, health care reform and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in Kentucky and beyond.

Kentucky’s Board of Social Work states that the Commonwealth does not have license reciprocity with any other state at this time. If you’re licensed elsewhere, you must apply for Kentucky licensure and submit the required materials and fees, including an official transcript, your official ASWB exam score report, and license verification from the state where you currently hold (or previously held) a license. Kentucky accepts the ASWB Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Clinical exam categories, and does not accept the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam.

Kentucky social work licenses are renewed on a three-year cycle. During each renewal period, LSWs must complete at least 15 hours of continuing education, while CSWs and LCSWs must complete at least 30 hours. As part of those hours, the Kentucky Board requires a board-approved 3-hour Kentucky Social Work Ethics course each renewal period, and additional topic-based training may be required (e.g., one-time/periodic training in areas such as domestic violence/abuse, child abuse head trauma, and suicide assessment). To renew, submit your renewal online and pay the required fee.

Search for your social work license at the Kentucky Board of Social Work search. The site’s options will allow you to search your name and find your license number, license status and details surrounding your professional information.

Information last updated: January 2026