At a Glance
Alaska issues three social work licenses: the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). All require a CSWE-accredited degree and passage of the appropriate ASWB exam. The LCSW additionally requires either two years of continuous full-time postgraduate clinical social work or at least 3,000 hours of qualifying less-than-full-time experience, completed within the required timeframe.
Alaska has a relatively high concentration of social work jobs for its population size. The state’s geography and behavioral health needs may contribute to demand for social workers, particularly in rural and community-based settings. If you’re figuring out how to get your Alaska social work license, the path is structured and achievable, but the requirements are specific to each credential level.
Licensing is administered by the Alaska Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE), a division of the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. Every license level requires a degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), or from the University of Alaska, plus passage of the relevant Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam.
Alaska Social Work License Types
The BSWE issues three license levels, each corresponding to a different degree and scope of practice.
- Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW): Entry-level license for BSW graduates. Authorizes general social work practice, including community organizing, information and referral services, social work research, and improving access to social and health services.
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): Advanced-level license for MSW graduates. Authorizes specialized practice using graduate-level knowledge and skills.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Clinical license for MSW or doctoral graduates who have completed supervised post-graduate experience. Authorizes psychotherapy and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders.
General Licensure Requirements
All three licenses share the same baseline requirements before you apply for your specific credential level.
- A degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school or from the University of Alaska. Have your school send official transcripts to the BSWE.
- Passage of the appropriate ASWB exam for your license level. Temporary licensure may be available for baccalaureate and master social worker applicants while awaiting permanent licensure. Confirm current eligibility and fees on the Alaska Board’s application forms.
- Three professional references submitted directly to the BSWE: one from a current social work employer or supervisor, one from a previous social work employer or supervisor, and one from a licensed mental health professional.
- A $100 application fee submitted with your application, either online or by mail.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
The LBSW is the entry point for social workers with a bachelor’s degree. Follow these steps to apply.
Step 1: Earn Your BSW Degree
Complete a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program or from the University of Alaska. BSW programs total at least 120 semester credits and include a field education placement of at least 400 hours.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Submit an application for LBSW licensure to the BSWE along with the $100 application fee and your three professional references. Once the BSWE approves your application, it will notify the ASWB that you’re cleared to test.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Bachelors Exam
Register with the ASWB for the Bachelors-level exam. Once you pass, the BSWE will issue your LBSW license after you’ve paid the $225 initial licensing fee.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
The LMSW credential opens the door to advanced-level practice and is a required step toward clinical licensure. Follow these steps to apply.
Step 1: Earn Your MSW Degree
Complete at least a master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program or from the University of Alaska. MSW programs typically require at least 30 semester credits and include a field education placement of at least 900 hours.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Submit an application for LMSW licensure to the BSWE along with the $100 application fee and your three professional references. Once the BSWE approves your application, it will notify the ASWB that you’re cleared to test.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Masters Exam
Register with the ASWB for the Masters-level exam. Once you pass, the BSWE will issue your LMSW license after you’ve paid the $275 initial licensing fee.
Learn more about the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
The LCSW authorizes the full scope of clinical social work career paths, including psychotherapy and psychiatric diagnosis. It requires graduate-level education plus supervised post-graduate experience. Follow these steps to apply.
Step 1: Earn Your MSW or Doctoral Degree
Complete at least a master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program or from the University of Alaska. The BSWE also accepts doctoral degrees in Social Work from the University of Alaska to fulfill the education requirement.
Step 2: Complete the Experience and Supervision Requirements
You must complete either two years of continuous full-time postgraduate clinical social work employment, or at least 3,000 hours of qualifying postgraduate clinical social work experience within the past 10 years. The experience must include at least 100 hours of direct supervision. Alaska’s current materials specify limits on group supervision and recognize certain supervisor types, so applicants should confirm supervisor eligibility with the Board before accruing hours. Note that supervision from a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) or licensed professional counselor (LPC) requires pre-approval from the Board before supervision begins. To verify your experience, complete the Part V Professional Data section of the LCSW application. Your supervisor must also complete the Post Graduate Clinical Social Work Supervision form included in the application.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit an application for LCSW licensure to the BSWE along with the $100 application fee and your three professional references. Once the BSWE approves your application, it will notify the ASWB that you’re cleared to test.
Step 4: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam
Register with the ASWB for the Clinical-level exam. Once you pass, the BSWE will issue your LCSW license after you’ve paid the $325 initial licensing fee.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker in Alaska?
Your timeline to licensure depends on which credential you’re pursuing. Here’s a realistic breakdown from the point of starting college.
- LBSW: A BSW typically takes four years. Add time to complete your application and pass the ASWB Bachelors exam, and most graduates are licensed within a few months of finishing their degree.
- LMSW: An MSW adds two years beyond the BSW, so a realistic total is six years from high school graduation. Advanced standing MSW programs can shorten this for BSW holders.
- LCSW: The LCSW requires the MSW plus at least two years of supervised post-graduate experience. That puts the total at roughly eight years from the start of college, assuming full-time study and employment.
Renewing Your Alaska Social Work License
Alaska social work licenses are issued for a two-year term and currently expire on June 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal fees are the same as initial licensing fees: $225 for LBSW, $275 for LMSW, and $325 for LCSW. You can renew online or by submitting a renewal form by mail.
Every renewal cycle you must complete 45 hours of continuing education, which includes at least six hours related to substance abuse, three to six hours related to cross-cultural competency with Alaska Natives, and three hours in professional ethics. Starting in 2024, the BSWE also requires that 10 of your 45 CE hours come from live, live online, or synchronous training courses. You can track your continuing education using the form provided by the BSWE and may be required to submit it if your license is randomly audited.
Social Work Degrees in Alaska
To qualify for any Alaska social work license, your degree must come from a CSWE-accredited program or from the University of Alaska. Check the CSWE accreditation directory before publication for the current list of accredited Alaska programs and available delivery formats.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW)
A BSW from a CSWE-accredited school or the University of Alaska qualifies you for the LBSW license. BSW programs total at least 120 semester credits and include a field education placement of at least 400 hours, a CSWE accreditation requirement.
Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
An MSW from a CSWE-accredited school or the University of Alaska qualifies you for the LMSW license and puts you on the path to the LCSW. MSW programs are typically at least 30 semester credits and include a 900-hour field education requirement. Students who already hold a BSW may qualify for advanced standing tracks, which can reduce total coursework.
Doctoral Degree in Social Work
While CSWE doesn’t accredit doctoral-level programs, the BSWE accepts doctoral degrees in Social Work from the University of Alaska as meeting the education requirement for both the LMSW and LCSW. These programs may take the form of a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or a PhD in Social Work, depending on availability.
Reciprocity
The Alaska BSWE may grant a license based on reciprocity if you’re already licensed in another state, provided that state’s requirements were equivalent to or more stringent than Alaska’s. For a broader look at how requirements compare, see our guide to social work licensing requirements by state. You’ll follow the same application process as a new applicant but indicate you’re applying via credentials.
Only ASWB exams are recognized. For reciprocity at any license level, you must either have passed the appropriate ASWB exam within the past two years, or demonstrate 1,500 hours of licensed social work experience within the past five years that includes 45 hours of continuing education. Have your state’s social work board complete the Verification of Licensure form included in the application for your license level.
Alaska Social Work Salary
Social workers in Alaska earn above the national average, partly reflecting the state’s rural service demands and the cost of recruiting professionals to remote areas. According to BLS OEWS May 2024 state-level data, the mean annual wage for all social workers in Alaska was reported at approximately $72,660, compared to the national median of $61,330 for all social workers. Verify the current figure against the latest BLS OEWS release before publication, and confirm whether the state figure refers to all social workers or a specific occupation category.
| Social Work Occupation |
National Median Annual Wage (May 2024) |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers |
$53,940 |
| Healthcare Social Workers |
$62,940 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers |
$55,290 |
| All Social Workers |
$61,330 |
Alaska-specific figures by specialty may vary from national data given the state’s workforce composition. The BLS projects overall social worker employment to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, with demand particularly strong in mental health and substance abuse settings.
Alaska Social Work Organizations and Resources
Alaska Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-AK). The Alaska chapter of NASW advocates for social justice and the well-being of Alaskans while connecting members to networking opportunities, legislative updates, career resources, and continuing education options. It is part of NASW, a major national professional association for social workers.
Alaska Behavioral Health Association. This trade organization represents behavioral health providers across the state. Its focus areas include improving care quality, expanding access for Alaskans in need, and reducing the cost of service delivery for member organizations.
Career Opportunities in Alaska
Alaska’s social work workforce spans state agencies, school districts, behavioral health organizations, and substance use treatment programs. A few of the major employers in the state include:
Alaska Department of Family and Community Services: The state agency responsible for child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, disability services, and senior services. It includes the Alaska Psychiatric Institute and houses the Division of Behavioral Health, which manages the state’s mental health and substance use programs.
Anchorage School District: Alaska’s largest school district. School social workers within the district support students on attendance, family stability, mental health referrals, and access to community resources. Verify current enrollment and school-count figures before publication.
Alaska Behavioral Health: A community behavioral health organization offering services for children and families, teens and young adults, and adults. Clients can access services in residential and outpatient settings.
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District: One of Alaska’s largest public school districts, serving students across elementary, middle, and high schools in the Fairbanks area. Verify current enrollment and district ranking before publication.
Juneau School District: Serving nearly 5,000 students across multiple schools in the state capital, JSD employs school social workers who work with students on academic success and broader well-being.
Anchorage Treatment Solutions: A provider focused on opioid addiction treatment, offering medication-assisted treatment and related support services to clients in the Anchorage area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What licenses does Alaska issue for social workers?
Alaska issues three social work licenses: the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Each corresponds to a different educational level and authorizes a different scope of practice.
Do I need a CSWE-accredited degree to get licensed in Alaska?
Yes. All three Alaska social work licenses require a degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or from the University of Alaska. Degrees from non-accredited programs don’t qualify for licensure in the state.
How much does it cost to get an Alaska social work license?
The application fee is $100 for all license levels. Initial licensing fees after passing the ASWB exam are $225 for the LBSW, $275 for the LMSW, and $325 for the LCSW. A temporary one-year license costs an additional $75 and is available for LBSW and LMSW applicants while exam results are pending.
Can I get an Alaska social work license if I’m licensed in another state?
Yes, through reciprocity. The BSWE may grant a license based on your out-of-state credentials if your home state’s requirements were equivalent to or more stringent than Alaska’s. You’ll need to have passed the relevant ASWB exam within the past two years, or show 1,500 hours of licensed experience in the past five years with 45 hours of continuing education.
What are the continuing education requirements for license renewal in Alaska?
You must complete 45 hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle. Required topics include at least six hours on substance abuse, three to six hours on cross-cultural competency with Alaska Natives, and three hours in professional ethics. As of 2024, at least 10 of those 45 hours must come from live or synchronous training formats.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska issues three social work licenses: LBSW (bachelor’s), LMSW (master’s), and LCSW (clinical). All require a CSWE-accredited degree and the appropriate ASWB exam.
- The LCSW requires at least two years of supervised post-graduate clinical experience, with 100 hours of face-to-face supervision from a Board-approved LCSW supervisor.
- As of 2024, renewal requires 10 of your 45 CE hours to come from live or synchronous formats, a new requirement worth building into your renewal planning.
- Social workers in Alaska earn above the national average, with state mean wages around $72,660 compared to the $61,330 national median for all social workers in May 2024.
- Reciprocity is available if you’re already licensed in a state with equivalent or more stringent requirements and meet the ASWB exam or experience thresholds.
Ready to take the next step toward your Alaska social work license? Browse accredited degree programs that fit your goals and schedule.
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Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for social workers represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. [EDITORIAL: Confirm BLS release year and data access date before publication. Use May 2025 OEWS if available.]
