Social Workers License in Idaho
Quick Answer
Idaho licenses social workers at three tiers (LSW, LMSW, LCSW), each requiring the appropriate ASWB exam. Idaho unusually requires annual license renewal. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $455. The state faces significant rural workforce shortages in behavioral health.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $455 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-6 years (education) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 1 year
Requirements
Social Workers license in Idaho
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $125
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $100
- Total Estimated Cost
- $455
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Social Workers license in Idaho. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Idaho licensing board.
Social Workers Salary in Idaho
Entry Level
$47,620
Median
$59,950
Experienced
$104,330
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Social Workers in Idaho.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Exam (level varies)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$125.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-6 years (education) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Social Workers Licensing in Idaho: What to Know
Idaho licenses social workers through the Bureau of Occupational Licenses, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. Each level requires the appropriate ASWB exam and degree from a CSWE-accredited program. The LCSW requires an MSW plus supervised clinical experience. Idaho has an annual renewal cycle rather than the more common biennial period. Continuing education is required for renewal. Idaho's rural and frontier communities face acute social work workforce shortages, with many counties having very limited behavioral health services. The Boise metro area has the highest concentration of social work positions. Idaho's growing population, particularly in the Treasure Valley, is increasing demand for social workers in child welfare, schools, and healthcare settings. Idaho has explored participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact to help address workforce shortages. The state offers some provisions for military spouse license recognition to facilitate transitions for military families stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Social Workers license cost in Idaho?
- The estimated total cost is $455, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Social Workers license in Idaho?
- The process typically takes 4-6 years (education) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Social Workers license in Idaho?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Social Workers requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.