Alaska
Your Step-by-Step Path to Licensure and Beyond
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
How to become a social worker
Step 1: Graduate MSW program from a CSWE-accredited school
Step 2: Receive your Licensed Masters in Social Work (LMSW) license
- First, fill out the LMSW state application. This includes:
- Official school transcript sent directly from your college/university to the Board’s office
- A $100 application fee and a $375 license fee
- Verification of social work license in other state (if applicable)
- Three (3) professional references (forms included in application). These references should consist of one social work employer supervisor, one previous social work employer supervisor, and one of the following:
- A social worker with Masters or Doctorate degree
- A licensed psychological associate, clinical psychologist, or physician who practices psychiatry
- A licensed medical or osteopathic physician
- A licensed advanced nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health
- A licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT)
- A licensed professional counselor
- If you have never been previously employed in the field of social work, all three references can come from the above list.
- Next, take the ASWB Masters Level Exam
- Contact the ASWB to register for the exam
- Then, contact Pearson VUE to select your test center, date and time
- Return to TDC to use our LMSW Exam Prep: ASWB Masters Level Exam program, to study and pass with confidence!
Step 3: Gain the Required Social Work Experience
- Accrue hours toward Clinical licensure completed within 2 continuous years of full-time social work experience or 3,000 part time
- Must be completed in no more than 10 years before applying for your LCSW
- Clinical experience must be supervised by a LCSW, licensed psychologist, or licensed psychiatrist
- Must receive 100 hours of direct supervision, and no more than 50 of those hours can be group supervision
- Clinical experience must include:
- Clinical skills
- Development of professional identity
- Ethical practice
- Legal and regulatory requirements
- Practice management skills
- Skills required for continuing competence
Step 4: Apply to become an Alaskan LCSW and Pass the Test with Confidence!
- Fill out the state LCSW application. This includes:
- $360 application fee
- Show verification of your clinical social work hours
- Once more, contact the ASWB to register for your LCSW exam and Pearson VUE to schedule your exam appointment
- Return to TDC to use our LCSW Exam Prep: ASWB Clinical Level program, to study and pass with confidence!
Continuing Education Requirements
Pre-licensure - Social workers in AK have the same CE requirements as Licensed Social workers.
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
- Total Hours Required: 45 hours
- Must include:
- 6 hours substance abuse
- 3 hours Ethics
- 6 hours Cross-Cultural Education: 3 of those hours related to Alaska natives
- 3 hours Telehealth
- 3 hours Suicide Prevention
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
How to become a Marriage & Family Therapist
Step 1: Earn Your Degree
- Master’s or Doctorate in MFT or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution approved by the Board such as COAMFTE or the CACREP
Step 2: Accrue Supervised Experience
- 1,700 hours of clinical contact with families, couples, individuals
- Minimum of 100 hours individual supervision
- Minimum of 100 hours group supervision
Step 3: Pass Required Exam
- Apply to take the AMFTRB National MFT Exam
- Exam fee $365
- Study with TDC’s NMFT exam prep and pass with confidence!
Step 4: Apply for Licensure
- Submit official transcripts
- Submit supervision hours and exam results
- Pay non-refundable, notarized application fee of $350
Continuing Education Requirements
CE Requirements for Alaska MFTS
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years by December 31 on even years
- Total Hours Required: 45 hours
- Must include:
- 2 hours Ethics
- 2 hours cross cultural education
- 2 hours addictions
- 2 hours domestic violence
- 22 hours of individual study allowed
TDS is an approved provider by ASWB ACE.
