How Do I Become a Certified Social Worker in Mississippi?
- 1). Earn a master's or post-master's degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- 2). Pass the intermediate level Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam for licensure to work as a Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW).
- 3). Continue to work or secure employment in the social work field. Applicants for LMSW must possess at least two years experience employed as a LMSW.
- 4). Carefully review the requirements for LCSW licensure for the state of Mississippi. Begin to gather necessary documents, including securing job-related references.
- 5). Find a board-approved LCSW supervisor to oversee your field experience. A list is posted on the board's Web site.
- 6). Complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised face-to-face interaction with clients for a minimum of 24 months and not to exceed 36 months.
- 7). Upon completing the field experience, the LMSW is eligible to sit for the advanced generalist or clinical ASWB examination. Pass the exam.
- 8). Complete the final steps of the LCSW application process, including recent background check and updated sex offender registry. Applicants in good standing with the state board are not required to pay another application fee.
- 9). Receive your license. The MBOE requires social worker to participate in 40 continuing education credits for each license renewal period.