Mississippi Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Mississippi Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Licensure Process

This is an intermediate level for professionals in the social work career. One can begin at this point or transition from an LSW to an LMSW cadre by fulfilling the requirements covered in this section.

Education Requirements

An aspiring LMSW must possess at least a master’s or doctorate from the completion of a CSWE-accredited social work program. The advanced nature of these programs trains social workers to take on roles that are considered out of reach for a beginner social worker at the LSW level. Here you can find all schools offering social work degree programs in Mississippi.

The licensing board requires that a copy of your original transcript, containing your date of graduation and the type of degree awarded be sent to them from your institution. You can make this request in writing if your institution does not already send results to the board.

Examination Requirements

Applicants for the LMSW license will only receive a license when they have achieved passing scores at the ASWB intermediate test for master social workers. Once you have been cleared by the Mississippi board concerning your eligibility to take the test, you are expected to register for the test. Follow this link to register online for the LMSW test. You can also download the registration form and send a filled copy by fax (1-540-829-0142) or by mail to the following address;

The examination is a multiple choice-based test of 170 questions (20 pretest questions that do not affect your final score) which lasts for 4 hours. The test fee is $230 which is to be paid online using MasterCard, Visa, or Discover Credit Card. You will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) if your registration is successful. This notification will include information to help you schedule your test on the ASWB website.

If you achieve a passing score, the result of your test will be sent to the board that cleared you for eligibility (usually the board in the state that you input at the bottom of this page) within 2 weeks from your testing date. An unsuccessful attempt means you will have to wait 90 days before you can write another one.

Apply for Licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker

Download the appropriate form from the board website. The same form is to be used whether you are applying to enter the profession at the master level or you are upgrading from the LSW license.

Fill the downloaded forms appropriately, indicating not applicable where you do not have an appropriate reply. The filled forms are to be mailed to the board along with other supporting documents as you will find in the checklist. The mailing address is

• The application mail should include a cashier’s check or money order of $110 (license fee) and $27 (application fee) made payable to the board. There is an additional $32 fee for upgrades from LSW. These fees are non-refundable.
• The board requires proof of your having completed an accredited, at least a master’s or doctorate-level social work program which must be sent directly from your institution in form of your transcript. The program must have been accredited by CSWE or SACS.
• You are required to partake in a fingerprint-based criminal background check within 180 days of completing your application. This must be conducted by an appropriate governmental authority as specified by the board.
• A Sex Offender Registry check will be run on you by the board in which you must show acceptable results.
• On the acceptance of your application, you are to register for, take and pass the ASWB intermediate test for aspiring LMSWs.
• Once all requirements are completed, you can expect to receive your license as soon as possible.