Kentucky Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements
Navigating Social Work licensure in Kentucky requires a thorough understanding of the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and the various credentials available to practitioners.
As a field devoted to the commitment to community well-being, Social Work in Kentucky is regulated by specific standards and guidelines to ensure that professionals are well-equipped with both knowledge and ethical practice.
This blog post explains the licensure renewal process, outlines the important dates and fees, and explores the various types of credentials that mental health practitioners can pursue in the state. Whether you are a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Social Worker (CSW) gaining experience, or a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) focused on maintaining your status, this guide serves as a comprehensive resource.
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We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 FREE CEUs!
1) Key Kentucky Social Work Licensure Renewal Dates
Types of Credentials and Licenses
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Requirements:
Master’s or Doctorate degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Completion of at least 150 hours of supervised clinical experience over a minimum of 2 years.
Passing the ASWB Clinical Exam.
Certified Social Worker (CSW)
Requirements:
Master’s or Doctorate degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Passing the ASWB Master’s Exam.
Note: CSWs are required to work under supervision until they meet the requirements to become an LCSW.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Passing the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam.
Licensure Renewal Details
Renewal Period:
Social Work licenses must be renewed every three years from the date they were initially issued. The exact renewal date varies for each licensee, as it is based on the anniversary of the initial licensure date.
Continuing Education Requirements:
LCSW and CSW: 30 hours of continuing education every three years
Must have these 4 required courses:
Kentucky Social Work Ethics – must be taken with a board-approved provider
Must specifically cover the Kentucky Code of Ethical Conduct established in 201 KAR 23:080
KBSW-Ethics Approval number on the certificate of completion
Three (3) credit hours repeated every renewal period
Online or in person
Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse Training
During the three (3) year renewal period following initial licensure
Three (3) hours of domestic violence related training courses
Once you complete this course during your first license renewal, it does not have to be repeated
Online or in person
Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma
One and one-half (1.5) hours covering the recognition and prevention of pediatric abusive head trauma as defined in KRS 620.020
Must be repeated at least one time every six (6) years
Online or in person
Suicide Prevention Training
Each licensee must complete a board approved training program on suicide assessment, treatment, and management as required by KRS 210.366(2)
Minimum of six (6) credit hours
Must be repeated at least one time every six (6) years
Online or in person
LSW: 15 hours of continuing education every three years
This comprehensive guide covers the credentialing and licensure requirements for Social Workers in Kentucky, detailing the types of licenses available, the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and associated fees.
Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Kentucky’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.
2) Kentucky Social Work Continuing Education Requirements
Social Workers in Kentucky are required to complete specific continuing education (CE) hours to maintain their licensure. The requirements differ based on the type of Social Work license held. Here’s an overview of the CE requirements:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Social Worker (CSW)
Total CE Hours: 30 hours every three years.
Ethics Requirement: 3 hours in Social Work ethics, which must be specific to the Kentucky Code of Ethical Conduct.
Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse: 3 hours on these topics within the first three years of licensure.
Suicide Prevention: 6 hours in suicide assessment, treatment, and management every six years.
Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: 1.5 hours every six years.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Total CE Hours: 15 hours every three years.
Ethics Requirement: 3 hours in Social Work ethics, which must be specific to the Kentucky Code of Ethical Conduct.
Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse: 3 hours on these topics within the first three years of licensure.
Suicide Prevention: 6 hours in suicide assessment, treatment, and management every six years.
Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: 1.5 hours every six years.
Additional Details
Online/Home Study Courses: LCSWs and CSWs can complete up to 27 of their required hours through online or home study courses, while LSWs can complete up to 12 hours in this format.
Approved Providers: Courses must be approved by the Kentucky Board of Social Work or provided by organizations recognized by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) like Agents of Change Continuing Education..
Audit: The Kentucky Board of Social Work may randomly audit up to 10% of license holders to verify compliance with CE requirements.
These requirements ensure that Social Workers in Kentucky remain well-informed and up-to-date with the latest practices, ethical standards, and essential skills necessary for their profession.
Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Kentucky’s 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 – Kentucky Social Work Licensure Renewal and CEUs
Q: What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for Social Workers in Kentucky?
A: Kentucky requires Social Workers to complete specific continuing education hours to maintain their licenses. The requirements differ based on the type of license:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Social Worker (CSW):
30 hours of CE every three years.
3 hours in Social Work ethics specific to the Kentucky Code of Ethical Conduct.
3 hours on domestic violence and elder abuse within the first three years of licensure.
6 hours in suicide assessment, treatment, and management every six years.
1.5 hours on pediatric abusive head trauma every six years.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW):
15 hours of CE every three years.
3 hours in Social Work ethics specific to the Kentucky Code of Ethical Conduct.
3 hours on domestic violence and elder abuse within the first three years of licensure.
6 hours in suicide assessment, treatment, and management every six years.
1.5 hours on pediatric abusive head trauma every six years.
LCSWs and CSWs can complete up to 27 hours, and LSWs up to 12 hours, through online or home study courses like Agents of Change Continuing Education.
Q: How do I renew my Social Work license in Kentucky?
A: To renew your Social Work license in Kentucky, you must complete the required continuing education hours and submit your renewal application along with the appropriate fee:
LCSW: 30 CE hours every three years, including 3 hours in ethics. Renewal fee: $125.
CSW: 30 CE hours every three years, including 3 hours in ethics. Renewal fee: $75.
LSW: 15 CE hours every three years, including 3 hours in ethics. Renewal fee: $50.
Additionally, you must complete 3 hours on domestic violence and elder abuse within the first three years of licensure and 6 hours in suicide prevention every six years. Submit your completed CE documentation and renewal fee through the Kentucky Board of Social Work’s portal.
Q: What are the initial licensure requirements for becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Kentucky?
A: To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Kentucky, you must meet the following requirements:
Obtain a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over a minimum of two years.
Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam.
Submit an application to the Kentucky Board of Social Work, along with a $200 application fee and a $260 ASWB Clinical Exam fee.
Resources for CE:Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 courses that meet Kentucky’sCE requirements. Regulatory boards have the final say on courses accepted for continuing education credit.
4) Conclusion
Navigating the licensure requirements for Social Workers in Kentucky is a multi-step process that necessitates a clear understanding of educational prerequisites, supervised experience, and continuing education mandates.
Whether you are pursuing a license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), or Licensed Social Worker (LSW), it is crucial to stay informed about the specific requirements and timelines for each credential. The Kentucky Board of Social Work provides detailed guidelines and resources to assist social workers in maintaining their professional standards and ensuring they meet all necessary criteria for licensure and renewal.
Continuing education plays a vital role in the professional development of Social Workers in Kentucky. By fulfilling the required CE hours, which include specialized courses in ethics, domestic violence, elder abuse, and suicide prevention, Social Workers can stay current with best practices and ethical standards.
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!
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.
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
