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Mississippi Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

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

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

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

Mississippi's path to licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensure runs through 3,297 hours of approved instruction, 2 years of supervised work experience, and a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Mississippi folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Budget $127 to get started, plus $112 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Mississippi

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,297 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$127
Renewal Fee
$112
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Mississippi licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, the license path calls for 3297 education/training hours, a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, and a $127 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Mississippi?
Certification as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Mississippi means clearing the state's checklist: 3297 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Mississippi licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Mississippi from another state?
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Mississippi licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Mississippi require a background check for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensing?
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensing in Mississippi. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Mississippi?
Licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s in Mississippi must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $112.

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