Social Worker Clinical License in Missouri
Quick Answer
Missouri licenses social workers at three tiers, with the LCSW requiring 3,000 supervised clinical hours. The appropriate ASWB exam is required at each level. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $430. Missouri has strong social work programs but faces rural workforce shortages.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $430 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Social Worker Clinical license in Missouri
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $125
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $75
- Total Estimated Cost
- $430
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Social Worker Clinical license in Missouri. 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 Missouri licensing board.
Social Worker Clinical Salary in Missouri
Entry Level
$42,140
Median
$52,080
Experienced
$111,680
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 Worker Clinical in Missouri.
- 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 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Social Worker Clinical Licensing in Missouri: What to Know
Missouri licenses social workers through the Committee for Social Workers under the Division of Professional Registration, offering Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master 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 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least two years. Continuing education of 30 hours is required biennially. Missouri has participated in national discussions about the ASWB exam and equity concerns but has not suspended the exam requirement. The St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas have the highest demand for social workers, while rural communities in the Ozarks and Bootheel regions face significant workforce shortages. Missouri's Department of Social Services and Division of Behavioral Health are major employers. Washington University in St. Louis has one of the nation's top-ranked social work programs. Missouri has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Social Worker Clinical license cost in Missouri?
- The estimated total cost is $430, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Social Worker Clinical license in Missouri?
- The process typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Social Worker Clinical license in Missouri?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Social Worker Clinical requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.