Missouri Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker (LAMSW)

Missouri Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker (LAMSW) Licensure Process

Although holders of an LAMSW license are on a similar level to LCSW license holders, their duties are largely administrative. The following sections cover the requirements and procedure for obtaining such a license.

Education Requirements

To qualify for this license, you must have a master of social work degree obtained from a CSWE-accredited program, preferably from a Missouri-based institution. The program would be heavier on research, community development, administration/organization, and policy matters. Those who complete such programs will normally not be allowed to carry out any clinical tasks without supervision. Here you can find all schools offering social work degree programs in Missouri.

During the application process, you will be required to request that a copy of your transcript be sent to the board directly from the institution concerned. Only original copies of transcripts sent via regular mail are accepted. Such transcripts should contain your date of graduation and the type of degree awarded.

Examination Requirements

The ASWB Advanced Generalist Level Examination is the qualifying test for LAMSW licensure in Missouri. This is a computer-based test administered by Pearson Vue which has a testing fee of $260. The test is for 4 hours and it consists of 170 multiple-choice questions. Applicants must be authorized to apply for the test by the committee before they apply.

Registration for the test can be done online. You can also download the form and send a filled copy to the ASWB by mail or fax. Once your application is accepted, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) which contains information about scheduling your test online. Take advantage of the online practice tools provided by ASWB in preparing for your test.

The results of your test will be made available to the committee by ASWB. You are allowed to take the test again after 90-days, should you fail and attempt. Applicants can also take the test early as long as they have completed 75% of the mandatory supervised experience as was covered under LCSW

Experience Requirements

As is the case when applying for an LCSW license, applicants for an LAMSW license must take part in a 3,000 hours supervised practice arrangement over 24 to 48 months. The supervised practice period only starts counting after you have found a suitable supervisor (preferably a registered LAMSW) and registered the arrangement with the committee using the appropriate form. The committee requires that the supervision be logged and that annual progress reports be taken during the process. Finally, the termination of the supervision must be logged with the committee using the appropriate form.

Fingerprint-based Criminal Background Checks

All applicants for a social work license in Missouri must take part in a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The 4-digit code for all applicants (within or outside Missouri) is 5416 The committee uses IdentoGo for the capturing process. Those who will be fingerprinted in Missouri must first register with the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) after which they will be redirected to the IdentoGo site to select their fingerprint card type. Once your registration is completed, you will be issued a Transaction Control Number (TCN) for tracking your fingerprints throughout the background check process.

If you will be captured out-of-state, you must request an FD-258 fingerprint card via email (lcsw@pr.mo.gov). This card must be taken to your local Highway Patrol office for fingerprinting which may be ink rolled or LiveScan. After this, you must register with MACHS and continue the process as was specified for those captured within Missouri. More information about the background check process and sample forms can be found on pages 8 to 14 here.

Apply for Licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Download the relevant form here and mail a completed copy to the State Committee for Social Workers. Include a cashier’s check, personal check, or money order for $70 made payable to the committee.

The committee requires that a completed copy of the Attestation of Supervised Social Work Experience form be sent directly from your supervisor. The form can be found on page 6 here.

You must provide the board with evidence of completion of 2 hours of suicide prevention training (form on page 5 here).

The results of a fingerprint-based background check run on you must be made available to the board. These results are valid for a year.

All applicants for an LAMSW license must achieve a passing score in the ASWB Advanced Generalist Level Examination. The results of the test will be sent to the committee by the ASWB.

Verification of Licensure must be made available to the committee from every state where you have ever held a social work license in.

Once all requirements are met, your license will be processed and made available to you.