Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) / Arkansas
2026 data Arkansas board official source

Arkansas Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Provides mental health counseling. Requires MSW degree and clinical hours.

What the Arkansas data shows for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s

Arkansas sets the entry bar for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s at 3,243 training hours and a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, with 2 years of supervised work experience expected. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Arkansas's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

The initial price tag is $118, and renewal costs $105 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s, the reciprocity picture is: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Arkansas

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,243 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$118
Renewal Fee
$105
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) All Arkansas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Arkansas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Arkansas? ▼
Arkansas requires 3243 education/training hours, passing an exam (ASWB Clinical Exam), and an initial fee of $118. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Arkansas? ▼
Arkansas licenses licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s who complete its requirements (3243 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Arkansas licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Arkansas from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s nationally works like this: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Arkansas. Verify the specifics with the Arkansas licensing board.
Does Arkansas require a background check for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensing? ▼
Arkansas does require a background check before issuing a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Arkansas? ▼
Licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s in Arkansas must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $105.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.