Social Work Licensure in Iowa
Find Education Requirements in Iowa for one of the following:
As part of the richest farmland in the world, Iowa forms part of the breadbasket of the United States and therefore the world. With its vast fertile plains, salt of the earth citizens and agricultural lifestyle Iowa is a wonderful state to slow down and enjoy life. Whether you live in Iowa city, or a smaller municipality Iowa is a great state to start your career as a Licensed Social Worker. It is important to check in with each state’s Social Work board to get accurate and up to date information on the states licensing process. Here is the website for the State of Iowa:
Once you have met the requirements and applied for your exam, you may take the exam at any time within a one year time frame.
Do you know your education options? Begin or continue a degree – AS, BS, MSW, MS, PhD, Cert. Online and campus locations. Know your degree choices!
Licensed Social Worker (LBSW)
- If you wish to attain the title Licensed Social Worker (LBSW) in Iowa, you must first get a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
- You must apply for your license and pass a criminal background check. You then need to receive a passing score on an Association of Social Workers ASWB Bachelor Level Exam.
- You get one renewal without requiring continuing education. After the second renewal you must have successfully completed 27 contact hours of continuing education.
- Learn about The Bachelors Degree in Social Work (BSW)
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- If you want to be eligible for the title of Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Iowa, you must first get your Master of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
- You must apply for your license and pass a criminal background check. You then need to receive a passing score on an Association of Social Workers ASWB Master Level Exam.
- You get one renewal without requiring continuing education. After the second renewal you must have successfully completed 27 contact hours of continuing education.
- Learn about Iowa Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW)
Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
- If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Independent Social Worker (LCSW) in Iowa, you must first get a Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college.
- You must provide verification of at least 4,000 hours of clinical professional experience under an approved supervision plan to apply for your LCSW title. You must have performed diagnosis, assessment and treatment over a minimum of two years and no more than 6 years of professional employment. You must also have at least 110 hours of supervision during a two year period with no more than 60 of those hours with groups who must be six or less in size.
- Once you have completed and sent in your application you may apply with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for their Clinical Level test. Once you pass the test you will be eligible to receive your new title of Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa.
- You get one renewal without requiring continuing education. After the second renewal you must have successfully completed 27 contact hours of continuing education.
- Learn about The Doctorate Degree is Social Work (DSW)
