Below are the different pathways for licensure as a social worker. Prospective applicants unsure of the pathway they qualify for should contact the Board for guidance prior to submitting their initial application.

Once posted, all fees are available to pay through the Application Portal by choosing the option "Pay Outstanding Balance".

Licensure via Examination
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
ASWB Examination Approval

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) requires verification by the Board of Examiners for applicants to sit for the ASWB exam for each licensure level. Therefore, applicants must receive written approval from the Board to sit for the ASWB examination. The approval to sit for the ASWB examination expires one (1) year from the date of the Board’s approval. Applicants seeking exam approval should:

  1. Submit an Initial Application through the Application Portal
  2. Submit Official Transcripts to info@swmft.ms.gov or by mail to the Board office

If your examination approval has expired, please contact the Board office prior to submitting any additional Initial Applications.

An applicant for Licensed Social Worker licensure via examination in the State of Mississippi must complete and submit the following:

  1. Submit an Initial Application through the Application Portal
  2. Submit supporting documentation to info@swmft.ms.gov 
    • Official Transcripts verifying a baccalaureate degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
    • Request for Fingerprint Card (once received a card will be mailed to you)
    • Passport-type Photo
    • Passing scores on the Bachelors level ASWB examination
  3. Submission of full licensure fee ($75)
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
ASWB Examination Approval

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) requires verification by the Board of Examiners for applicants to sit for the ASWB exam for each licensure level. Therefore, applicants must receive written approval from the Board to sit for the ASWB examination. The approval to sit for the ASWB examination expires one (1) year from the date of the Board’s approval. Applicants seeking exam approval should:

  1. Submit an Initial Application through the Application Portal
  2. Submit Official Transcripts to info@swmft.ms.gov or by mail to the Board office

If your examination approval has expired, please contact the Board office prior to submitting any additional Initial Applications.

An applicant for Licensed Master Social Worker licensure via examination in the State of Mississippi must complete and submit the following:

  1. Submit an Initial Application through the Application Portal
  2. Submit supporting documentation to info@swmft.ms.gov 
    • Official Transcripts verifying a master's or doctoral degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
    • Request for Fingerprint Card (once received a card will be mailed to you)
    • Passport-type Photo
    • Passing scores on the Masters level ASWB examination
  3. Submission of full licensure fee ($110)
Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
Supervision Requirements

An applicant for LCSW designation must be a current LMSW in good standing who has completed the Supervision process. A detailed guide to the Supervision process can be found here: 

A Guide to Supervision for Licensed Master Social Workers

Applying for Supervision

Submit the following to info@swmft.ms.gov for review by the Social Work Discipline Specific Committee:

The list of Board Approved LCSW Supervisors can be referenced for finding potential Supervisors

Only after receipt of correspondence acknowledging that approval has been granted by the Board, can the supervisory process commence.

Supervisory Experience

“Professional supervision for the LCSW candidate is intended to enhance professional development and competency, and equip the applicant for autonomous practice”.

LCSW candidates must complete:
  • A minimum of one (1) hour-per-week of face-to-face supervision for a minimum of one hundred (100) hours
    • Minimum period of twenty-four (24) months  
    • Period of supervision not to exceed thirty-six (36) months
    • Twenty-five percent (25%) of the supervisory interactions must take place in the form of individual face-to face interaction. 
  • A minimum of one thousand (1,000) hours of face-to-face client contact

  • Four (4) Evaluations - (1 approximately every six months for 24 months)

    Evaluations from the supervisor must be submitted to the Board for review at six (6) month intervals and approved by the Board before beginning the next six (6) month supervision and evaluation period. The following documents are to be submitted:

Fourth Evaluation

For the fourth evaluation, the applicant must submit the following:

Only after approval of the fourth evaluation has been granted by the Board, will approval to sit for the Clinical exam be given.

ASWB Examination Approval

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) requires verification by the Board of Examiners for applicants to sit for the ASWB exam for each licensure level. Therefore, applicants must receive written approval from the Board to sit for the ASWB examination. The approval to sit for the ASWB examination expires one (1) year from the date of the Board’s approval. 

LCSW candidates will receive test approval after Board approval of their Fourth Evaluation

If your examination approval has expired, please contact the Board office prior to submitting any additional Initial Applications.

An applicant for Licensed Certified Social Worker licensure via examination in the State of Mississippi must complete and submit the following:

  1. Completion of the Supervision process
  2. Submit an Initial Application through the Application Portal
  3. Submit supporting documentation to info@swmft.ms.gov 
    • Request for Fingerprint Card (once received a card will be mailed to you)
    • Passport-type Photo
    • Passing scores on the Clinical level ASWB examination
  4. Submission of full licensure fee ($110)
Licensure via Reciprocity/Endorsement
Qualification for Reciprocity/Endorsement

Applicants for licensure by reciprocity/endorsement who hold a valid license from another state may be eligible for licensure in Mississippi provided:

  • The examination completed for licensure is the same examination endorsed or prescribed by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for the license level for which reciprocity/endorsement is being requested.
  • The applicant has a comparable license in good standing or registration from another state or territory of the United States that imposes qualifications equal to or greater than the current requirements of the Mississippi Board of Examiners. Exams administered by individual states are not considered equal.
  • The applicant has the required degree for licensure according to the current Rules and Regulations of the Board.
  • Applicants, who have complaints or disciplinary action pending against them in another state, will not be granted a Mississippi license until such complaints are resolved to the satisfaction of the Board.

An applicant for Social Work licensure via reciprocity/endorsement in the State of Mississippi must complete and submit the following:

  1. Submit an Initial Application through the Application Portal
  2. Submit supporting documentation to info@swmft.ms.gov 
    • Official Transcripts verifying a baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 
    • Request for Fingerprint Card (once received a card will be mailed to you)
    • Passport-type Photo
    • Passing scores on the relevant level ASWB examination (request score transfer here)
    • Verification of your Out-of-State Licensure (if your state does not offer electronic verification, you can use this form: Out-of-State Verification of Licensure)
  3. Submission of full licensure fee

Miss. Code Ann. § 73-53-13