Become a Social Worker in Kentucky

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.

Social Work Degree Programs in Kentucky

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.

Social Work Licenses in Kentucky

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.

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Kentucky

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.)

• Education Requirement: A baccalaureate degree in social work/social welfare from a CSWE-accredited program, or equivalent education as determined by the Kentucky Board.
• Field Requirements: None
• Exams: ASWB Bachelor’s Exam
• License Renewal: 15 hours of continuing education every 3 years, including a board-approved 3-hour Kentucky ethics course each renewal period (plus other one-time/periodic required topics specified in regulation).

Certified Social Worker (CSW) in Kentucky

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).

• Education Requirement: Master’s or doctoral degree in social work from an educational institution approved by the board (CSWE-accredited graduate social work program).
• Field Requirements: None
• Exams: ASWB Master’s Exam
• License Renewal: 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years (including a board-approved 3-hour Kentucky ethics course each renewal period; additional topic requirements may apply, such as suicide assessment training every 6 years and certain one-time/initial-cycle trainings).

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Kentucky

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.

• Education Requirement: Master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited graduate school (an educational institution approved by the board).
• Field Requirements: Two (2) years of supervised clinical practice experience plus a minimum of 150 hours of supervision (including at least 100 hours individual supervision; up to 50 hours may be group supervision).
• Exams: ASWB Clinical Exam
• License Renewal: 30 hours of continuing education every three (3) years (including a 3-hour Kentucky Code of Ethical Conduct course each renewal period; other topic requirements may apply, such as suicide assessment training every 6 years).

Social Work Salaries in Kentucky

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.

Kentucky Social Work Scholarships

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.

• Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program: A loan repayment option for eligible licensed clinicians, which includes Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), in exchange for a service commitment at an eligible site (typically in underserved areas)
• Loren Richards Elder Care Scholarship: A Kentucky scholarship (via Blue Grass Community Foundation) for eligible Kentucky undergraduates preparing for careers that directly impact older adults, fields may include social work, depending on the student’s focus.
• Northern Kentucky University (SKU) Scholarships: NKU’s Office of Student Financial Assistance maintains a scholarships directory, and the College of Health & Human Services lists department scholarships, including social work–specific awards (for example, the Linda Bowen Wasicsko Social Work Endowed Scholarship).

Kentucky Social Work Organizations

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.

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Kentucky Chapter: This chapter supports social workers by providing career development opportunities, specialized education, access to 25+ international social work databases, service workshops and a nationwide job bank.
• Kentucky Society for Clinical Social Work (KSCSW): KSCSW is committed to promoting a strong professional image for Kentucky clinical social workers, educating its members about legislation that affects their practices and upholding ethical excellence.
• Kentucky Association for School Social Workers (KASSW): KASSW is committed to improving the quality of life and education for Kentucky's children by enhancing the professional development of school social workers.