Kansas Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating Social Work licensure in Kansas demands a thorough understanding of the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and the various credentials available to practitioners.

As a field committed to fostering community well-being, Social Work in Kansas is regulated by specific standards and regulations to ensure that professionals are well-prepared in both knowledge and ethical practice.

This blog post details the licensure renewal process, outlines key dates and fees, and examines the different types of credentials that mental health practitioners can pursue in the state.

Whether you are a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW), a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) gaining experience, or a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) dedicated to maintaining your status, this guide provides a comprehensive resource.

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1) Key Kansas Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates

In Kansas, Social Workers must navigate a well-defined credentialing and licensure process to practice professionally. Here are the primary licensure levels, their requirements, renewal details, and associated costs:

Credentials and Licensure Levels

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program.
- Application Process: Submit an application with three professional references (including one from the most recent fieldwork supervisor), and pass a criminal background check.
- Examination: Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s Exam.
- Costs: Application fee is approximately $100, and the ASWB exam fee is $230.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Education: Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Application Process: Similar to LBSW, including submission of references and passing a background check.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam.
- Costs: Application fee is $100, and the ASWB exam fee is $230.
Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW)
- Education: MSW with at least 15 credit hours of graduate coursework in assessment and treatment of psychological disorders, including a practicum with at least 350 hours of client contact.
- Experience: 4,000 hours of supervised Social Work experience as an LMSW, with at least 1,500 hours of face-to-face client contact and 500 hours of other clinical services.
- Application Process: Submit a clinical supervision training plan, official MSW transcript, three professional references, and pass a criminal background check.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam.
- Costs: Application fee is $100, and the ASWB exam fee is $260.

Licensure Renewal

In Kansas, Social Work licenses are renewed every two years, expiring on the last day of the month in which they were initially issued. Renewal requirements typically include:

Completion of continuing education hours: LBSWs, LMSWs, and LSCSWs need to complete a minimum number of continuing education hours, including ethics training.
Renewal Fees: The renewal fee for LBSWs and LMSWs is generally around $100, while for LSCSWs, it may be slightly higher.

Sources: Kansas BSRB

Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Kansas’ requirements for Continuing Education credits.

2) Kansas Social Work Continuing Education Requirements

In Kansas, Social Workers must complete continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their licensure.

The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KSBSRB) mandates that all licensed Social Workers, including Licensed Bachelor Social Workers (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW), and Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Workers (LSCSW), complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years.

Here are the key requirements:

General CE Requirements:
- Total Hours: 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
- Ethics Training: At least 3 hours must be dedicated to ethics training.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: LMSWs and LSCSWs are required to complete at least 6 hours focused on the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
Specific Initial Licensure Requirement:
- Safety Awareness Training: A one-time requirement of 6 hours in Social Work safety awareness training at initial licensure.
Course Formats:
- Online and Home Study: All 40 hours can be completed through online courses or home study programs, provided they include a post-test.
Approved Providers:
- Continuing education courses must be taken from providers approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) or those recognized by the KSBSRB.

For more detailed information on the CE requirements and approved providers, you can refer to the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board’s website.

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Kansas’ CE requirements and track your completed CEUs, with over 150 courses that meet these requirements!

Agents of Change, #1919, is approved as an ACE provider to offer Social Work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit.

3) FAQs – Kansas Social Work Licensure Renewal and CEUs

Q: What are the continuing education requirements for Social Workers in Kansas?

A: Social Workers in Kansas must complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to maintain their licensure. This includes:

Ethics Training: A minimum of 3 hours focused on ethics.
Diagnosis and Treatment: LMSWs and LSCSWs must complete at least 6 hours dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
Safety Awareness Training: A one-time requirement of 6 hours in social work safety awareness training for newly licensed Social Workers.

All 40 hours can be completed through online courses or home study programs, provided they include a post-test. Approved CE providers include those recognized by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KSBSRB) like Agents of Change Continuing Education.

Q: What is the process for renewing a Social Work license in Kansas?

A: To renew a Social Work license in Kansas, practitioners must:

Complete Continuing Education: Ensure all 40 hours of CE, including the required hours in ethics and diagnosis and treatment, are completed.
Submit Renewal Application: Fill out the renewal application form available on the KSBSRB website.
Pay the Renewal Fee: Pay the applicable renewal fee, which is generally around $100 for LBSWs and LMSWs and slightly higher for LSCSWs.

It is crucial to keep records of CE completion as proof may be requested by the KSBSRB during the renewal process.

Q: What are the steps to become a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) in Kansas?

A: To become an LSCSW in Kansas, follow these steps:

Education: Obtain a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Supervised Experience: Accumulate 4,000 hours of supervised Social Work experience as an LMSW, with at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact and 500 hours of other clinical services. This must include 150 hours of supervision from an experienced LSCSW.
Submit Application: Complete the LSCSW application form, including a clinical supervision training plan, official MSW transcript, professional references, job descriptions, and a coursework grid.
Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam: Register for and pass the ASWB Clinical Exam.
Background Check: Pass a criminal background check as part of the application process.

Once all requirements are met and documentation is approved by the KSBSRB, the LSCSW license will be issued, allowing for independent practice.

Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 courses that meet Kansas’ CE requirements. Regulatory boards have the final say on courses accepted for continuing education credit.

4) Conclusion

Navigating the process of Social Work licensure in Kansas may seem complex, but understanding the specific requirements and steps can ensure a smooth journey towards achieving your professional goals.

From obtaining your initial LBSW or LMSW license to advancing to an LSCSW, each stage involves a structured combination of education, supervised experience, and examinations. Staying informed about these processes and diligently meeting the CE requirements will help maintain your credentials and uphold the high standards expected of Social Workers in the state.

The commitment to continuing education underscores the importance of lifelong learning in the Social Work profession. By fulfilling the required CE hours, including specialized training in ethics and the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, Social Workers not only comply with regulatory mandates but also enhance their skills and knowledge base.

This ongoing professional development is crucial for providing high-quality services to individuals and communities, ensuring that Social Workers are well-equipped to address the evolving challenges in their field.

Resources like Agents of Change Continuing Education provide accessible and varied learning opportunities for Social Workers to meet Continuing Education requirements. Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education.

We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with their Continuing Education and want you to be next!

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► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangetraining.com

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Social Workers for more than 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Social Workers stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment