To become a licensed Social Worker in Mississippi, you must understand the credentialing and licensure requirements, which include different levels of licensure, renewal details, and associated costs. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Licensure Levels and Requirements

1. Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
   • Education: Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
   • Examination: Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam ($230 fee).
   • Background Check: State criminal background check ($50 fee).
   • Application: Submit through the Mississippi Board of Examiners.
2. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
   • Education: Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
   • Examination: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam ($230 fee).
   • Background Check: State criminal background check ($50 fee).
   • Application: Submit through the Mississippi Board of Examiners.
3. Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
   • Education: Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
   • Examination: Pass the ASWB Clinical or Advanced Generalist Exam ($260 fee).
   • Experience: Two years of supervised clinical experience, including 1,000 hours of face-to-face contact and 100 hours of supervision.
   • Background Check: State criminal background check ($50 fee).
   • Application: Submit through the Mississippi Board of Examiners, including documentation of supervised experience and professional references.

Licensure Renewal and Fees

• Renewal Period: Every two years. Social Work license renewals are due either by April 30th or September 30th, depending on your renewal period.
  • The online renewal window opens on March 1st for licenses expiring in April and on August 1st for licenses expiring in September. It’s important to renew your license within these windows to avoid any late fees or potential lapses in licensure​ (Mississippi Board of Examiners).
• Continuing Education: 40 hours of continuing education for LCSWs, LMSWs, and LSWs.
• Renewal Fees:
  • LSW: $70
  • LMSW: $100
  • LCSW: $110

Additional Details

• Application and Processing Fees: Non-refundable fees include an application fee of $27 and a processing fee for supervision contracts ($75 for LCSW).
• Documentation: Submission of required forms and documentation, including supervision contracts and evaluations, is necessary for certain licensure levels.

Useful Links for Further Information

• Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists
• National Association of Social Workers – Mississippi Chapter

For detailed guidelines and to access application forms, you can visit the Mississippi Board of Examiners and the National Association of Social Workers – Mississippi Chapter websites.

In Mississippi, continuing education (CE) requirements for Social Workers are established to ensure that practitioners maintain and enhance their professional knowledge and skills. Here are the detailed CE requirements for different levels of Social Work licensure:

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

• CE Hours Required: 40 hours every two years.
• Content Requirements: CE must include relevant courses, workshops, or seminars that contribute to the advancement, extension, and enhancement of professional skills and knowledge.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

• CE Hours Required: 40 hours every two years.
• Content Requirements: Similar to LSW, the CE activities must be pertinent to Social Work practice and enhance professional skills.

Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

• CE Hours Required: 40 hours every two years.
• Content Requirements:
  • At least 20 of the 40 hours must be in direct clinical practice if the LCSW is practicing clinical Social Work.
  • A minimum of two hours must be in professional ethics.
  • CE activities should be aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of services provided by the Social Worker.

General CE Guidelines

• Approval of CE Activities: CE activities must be approved by the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists. Activities provided by accredited universities, colleges, or recognized professional organizations are typically accepted.
• Documentation and Reporting: Social Workers must maintain documentation of their CE activities, including certificates of completion, and report them during the license renewal process.
• CE Waivers and Extensions: The Board may grant waivers or extensions in exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies or military service. Requests for waivers or extensions must be submitted in writing with appropriate supporting documentation.

For more detailed information and to access specific forms and guidelines, you can visit the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists website and the National Association of Social Workers – Mississippi Chapter​ (Mississippi Board of Examiners).