How to Become a Licensed Social Worker in Iowa: Requirements & Tips
Getting an Iowa social work license requires extensive fieldwork. MSW candidates must complete 900 hours of practical training – that’s almost six months of hands-on experience before they can apply for their license.
The path to becoming a licensed social worker has clear requirements at every level. Iowa’s social work board sets specific criteria for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Independent licenses. Candidates must graduate from CSWE-accredited programs and pass the ASWB examination. The exam challenges applicants with 170 questions that must be completed in four hours.
Social work licensure in Iowa offers three distinct paths: LBSW, LMSW, or LISW. Each level creates unique career opportunities and comes with its own set of requirements. These range from educational qualifications to supervised practice hours.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to help you direct your path toward licensure successfully.
Understanding Iowa Social Work License Types
The Iowa Board of Social Work provides three different levels of licensure. Each level matches specific career paths and professional duties in social work practice.
Bachelor Level (LBSW) Overview
An LBSW serves as your starting point for social work in Iowa. This license lets you handle basic social work duties like psychosocial assessment, intervention, and direct client contact. You can collect social histories, help clients set goals, track their progress, and handle social work administration.
You’ll need these things to get an LBSW:
- A Bachelor’s in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- A passing score on the ASWB Bachelor’s level examination
- A clear criminal background check
- Your official academic transcripts
Master Level (LMSW) Requirements
The LMSW takes your practice to the next level. This second-tier license expands what you can do by a lot. LMSW holders can do everything an LBSW does, plus provide psychosocial diagnoses, treatments, and evaluate behavioral strengths and weaknesses.
Here’s what you need to get an LMSW:
- An MSW or doctoral degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- A passing score on the ASWB Master’s level examination with “170 questions“
- A completed application through the Department of Public Health Bureau
- Official transcripts sent straight from your school
Independent Level (LISW) Qualifications
LISW stands at the top of social work licensure in Iowa. This credential lets you practice independently and gives you the authority to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders.
Getting your LISW requires:
- An MSW or doctoral degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- 4,000 hours of post-graduate experience completed in 2-6 years
- 110 hours of supervised practice (no more than 60 hours from group supervision)
- Supervision from an LISW who has been licensed for at least three years with 4,000 hours of experience
- A passing score on the ASWB Clinical level examination
- A complete supervision plan and reports
The ASWB examination includes 170 multiple-choice questions for all license types, but only 150 count toward your score. Both Bachelor’s and Master’s level exams cost $230.00.
Licensed professionals must complete 27 contact hours of continuing education after their second renewal. This keeps your skills sharp and maintains high practice standards throughout your career.
Educational Requirements and Programs
Fourteen CSWE-accredited social work programs in Iowa help students become licensed social workers. These programs deliver complete education that lines up with the Council on Social Work Education’s nine core competencies.
Accredited Social Work Schools in Iowa
The University of Iowa ranks as the state’s top MSW program. The University of Northern Iowa has the state’s largest Bachelor of Social Work program. Both schools have kept their CSWE accreditation steady, with the University of Iowa’s accreditation going back to 1951.
BSW Programs in Iowa
Bachelor’s programs need 400 hours of field placement experience that covers social welfare policy, research methods, and human behavior. The University of Iowa’s BSW students must finish 56 semester hours of major coursework with a minimum 2.00 GPA. Students also need to pass three prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher:
- Elementary Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Social Justice and Social Welfare
MSW Programs in Iowa
Five universities now offer Master of Social Work programs: Clarke University, Dordt University, St. Ambrose University, University of Iowa, and University of Northern Iowa. The University of Iowa’s MSW program has a 90.4% licensure pass rate, which beats the 73% national average.
Here’s an expanded overview of the five universities offering Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Iowa, including links to each program and a brief description:
Clarke University offers an MSW program with an Integrated Health Social Work Practice specialization. The program is available in both traditional weekday and hybrid weekend formats. Students complete 910 hours of field education, preparing them for various roles in clinical and macro practice social work.
Dordt University’s MSW program is fully online and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program offers flexibility with full-time and part-time options. It focuses on providing a Christ-centered education and prepares students for roles in clinical social work, counseling, and organizational leadership.
St. Ambrose University offers an MSW program with an Empowerment Practice specialization. The program prepares students for both clinical and macro practice social work. It’s available in full-time and part-time formats, with options for campus-based or hybrid learning.
The University of Iowa’s MSW program is highly regarded and offers flexibility with online and in-person options at three locations: Iowa City, Des Moines, and Sioux City. The program prepares students for various roles, including clinical social work, counseling, school-based therapy, health care, and advocacy. It boasts a strong alumni network and provides in-state tuition rates for all resident MSW students and online students from bordering states.
The University of Northern Iowa offers an MSW program with a unique specialization in Trauma-Informed Care. It’s the only such program in Iowa and one of the few in the Midwest. The program prepares students to work across all levels of social work practice (micro, mezzo, and macro) with a focus on addressing individual and systemic trauma. UNI’s MSW graduates have a high licensure pass rate and are prepared for various roles in mental health, substance abuse treatment, and community organizations.
Each of these programs is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring that graduates meet high standards for professional social work practice. The programs offer various specializations and delivery formats, allowing students to choose the option that best fits their career goals and personal circumstances.
Online MSW Programs in Iowa
The University of Iowa runs a flexible online MSW program that works well for students in Iowa and nearby states. Students must:
- Live in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, or Wisconsin
- Attend evening classes at 5:30 p.m. CST via Zoom
- Complete required practicum placements in their community
The University of Northern Iowa features a fully online MSW program that specializes in Trauma-Informed Care, which sets it apart from other Iowa programs. The program includes:
- Evening classes Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. CST
- Interactive video conferencing
- Complete support services throughout the program
Students can choose between traditional and advanced standing tracks in these programs. Advanced standing programs work best for students who have a BSW from CSWE-accredited programs, which makes completion time shorter. Students from neighboring states pay in-state tuition rates, making these programs available to more people.
Social Worker Salaries in Iowa
Social workers in Iowa receive different salaries that depend on their specialty, location, and years of experience. Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows healthcare social workers earn the highest average annual salary at $60,100.
Child, family, and school social workers make up the largest group in Iowa’s social work profession, with 3,020 professionals currently hired. These practitioners earn $52,540 on average each year. Urban areas show significant salary differences:
- Des Moines-West Des Moines: $57,180
- Davenport-Moline-Rock Island: $55,330
- Cedar Rapids: $46,190
The state has 990 mental health and substance abuse social workers who earn $52,260 on average annually. Their salaries vary by metropolitan area:
- Des Moines-West Des Moines: $56,810
- Davenport-Moline-Rock Island: $55,680
- Iowa City: $49,320
Healthcare social workers, though smaller in number at 1,290 professionals, usually earn more. Each region offers different pay scales:
- Iowa City: $66,290
- Des Moines-West Des Moines: $63,610
- Cedar Rapids: $59,540
Rural areas tell a different story. Child and family social workers in Southwest Iowa’s nonmetropolitan area earn $61,110 on average each year. All the same, healthcare social workers in rural regions earn less, with averages between $55,680 and $57,510 across different nonmetropolitan areas.
Specialized social workers in the “all other” category earn the highest average annual salary at $70,290. These roles often require advanced credentials or specific expertise.
New social workers in Iowa start at about $36,750, and can earn up to $84,030 as they gain experience and additional certifications. Iowa’s social workers earn about 4% less than the national average.
Higher salaries come with advanced education and higher license levels. Social workers with master’s degrees or independent practice licenses earn more money, especially in urban centers like Des Moines and Iowa City where specialized social work services remain in high demand.
Social Work Scholarships in Iowa
There are a variety of social work scholarships in Iowa to help you finance your education.
Undergraduate Scholarships:
Christensen-Klein Scholarship: This $1,000 award supports an undergraduate social work student currently enrolled in professional core courses who demonstrates merit and is in good academic standing.
Stephen and Lynnette Anfinson Scholarship Award: A $1,500 award for an undergraduate social work student who is an Iowa resident, currently enrolled in professional core courses. The criteria include academic success and commitment to the profession.
The Former Faculty Scholarship: A $1,000 award given to one undergraduate student enrolled in professional core courses, emphasizing academic excellence and diverse experiences.
Houlihan First Gen Scholarship: A $2,500 scholarship for an undergraduate social work student who identifies as a first-generation college student.
- Wayne and Donna J. Johnson Award: Provides $1,000 of support to a junior or senior undergraduate social work student enrolled in professional core courses.
Graduate Scholarships:
ABCD Therapy Scholarship: This scholarship is designed for Master of Social Work (MSW) students with lived refugee experience.
The Lorraine T. Dorfman Gerontological Social Work Award: Available for PhD students who have demonstrated a commitment to gerontological research in social work.
Constance Swank Fund for Aging Research: Supports graduate students conducting applied research in aging, including gerontology, geriatrics, public policy, and related fields.
Callie Ann Hall Award in Social Work: Given annually to support a social work graduate student conducting research on chemical dependency.
State-Wide Opportunities:
The Last-Dollar Scholarship Program is a unique state initiative that helps Iowans achieve their education and training goals by covering gaps in tuition. While not specific to social work, it can be applicable to eligible programs at community colleges across Iowa.
For more information on these scholarships and to access application forms, visit the following links:
- University of Iowa School of Social Work Undergraduate Scholarships: https://socialwork.uiowa.edu/undergraduate/scholarships
- University of Iowa School of Social Work Graduate Funding: https://socialwork.uiowa.edu/graduate/funding
- Iowa Workforce Development Grants and Scholarships: https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/grants
These scholarships not only provide financial support but also recognize academic excellence, commitment to the field of social work, and diverse experiences. They can significantly contribute to your educational journey and help you prepare for your social work licensure examination in Iowa.
Remember to check the application deadlines for each scholarship and ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Additionally, stay informed about any new scholarship opportunities that may become available in the future.
Professional Social Work Organizations in Iowa
Professional organizations help social workers in Iowa grow their careers and build networks. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Iowa Chapter leads the state’s professional social work community with more than 1,100 members.
NASW Iowa Chapter’s members work in hospitals, community agencies, government offices, academic institutions, nursing homes, schools, and private practice. The chapter supports social workers through:
- Professional development programs
- Legislative advocacy initiatives
- Continuing education opportunities
- Licensing guidance
- Social policy resources
The Iowa School Social Workers’ Association (ISSWA) specializes in evidence-based services for educational settings. ISSWA promotes effective school-based social work practices through:
- Professional development initiatives
- Legislative advocacy efforts
- Evidence-based service promotion
NASW Iowa Chapter brings social workers together through various events. They will host a film series at the Mickle Center in Des Moines in March 2025, which offers 3.0 CEUs to participants. The chapter also creates networking spaces where social workers can:
- Connect with fellow practitioners
- Share professional resources
- Discuss community needs
- Plan advocacy efforts
- Direct policy changes
NASW-IA partnered with the University of Iowa School of Social Work to study the state’s social work workforce. This project, funded by the Telligen Community Initiative, showed:
- A growing need for professional social workers statewide
- More culturally diverse practitioners needed
- Requirements to serve aging populations
- Rural counties’ staffing needs
The chapter works closely with Iowa’s educational institutions. Student groups like Briar Cliff University’s Social Work Club help future professionals develop their identity and connect with experienced practitioners.
Social workers get valuable resources, support networks, and career growth opportunities through these organizations. NASW Iowa Chapter keeps its events calendar current with workshops, networking sessions, and continuing education programs that meet state licensing requirements.
These organizations help members with practice issues, legislative concerns, continuing education, licensing requirements, and other professional needs. Their work keeps Iowa’s social work community connected, informed, and ready to serve people from all backgrounds.
Maintaining Your Iowa Social Work License
Iowa social workers need to meet specific education requirements and follow a clear timeline to renew their licenses. This process will give them a way to keep their professional standards high and stay up to date with the field’s best practices.
CEU Requirements in Iowa
Licensed social workers must complete 27 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. These hours must include:
- 3 hours of social work ethics training
- All 27 hours can be completed through online courses
- Mandatory reporter training if you work with children and dependent adults
Licensed professionals will need to complete a 2-hour core training curriculum every three years starting July 2024. Licensed Independent Social Workers who provide supervision need extra training:
- 6 hours in counseling supervision (one-time requirement)
- 3 hours on supervision topics every two years
Renewal Timeline and Process
The renewal cycle runs every two years from January 1 of odd-numbered years through December 31 of even-numbered years. New licensees get special treatment:
- Their first renewal doesn’t require continuing education
- They can apply hours earned between their original license and second renewal
- After second renewal, they must complete 27 hours every two years
License renewal starts 60 days before expiration. Social workers must:
- Complete all continuing education before submitting their renewal
- Keep records of completed CE activities for four years
- Be ready for possible board audits
Approved continuing education activities include:
- Courses approved by the Association of Social Work Boards
- Academic coursework from accredited universities
- Teaching workshops or seminars (credit given once for preparation)
- Publishing articles in professional journals
The renewal fee is $120.00 for all license levels. Late renewals cost extra, so it’s best to renew early.
Start Your Career as a Social Worker in Iowa Today
A career as a licensed social worker in Iowa starts with careful planning. You’ll first pick the license level that fits your goals – LBSW, LMSW, or LISW. Each level creates unique opportunities and comes with specific education requirements. Bachelor’s programs require 400 field hours while master’s programs need up to 900 hours of hands-on experience.
Your success relies on solid exam prep and continuous professional development. Your earning potential changes by a lot based on your specialty and where you work. Healthcare social workers lead the pack with average yearly earnings of $60,100.
NASW Iowa Chapter and other professional groups will support you throughout your career. These networks give you access to valuable resources and growth opportunities. You’ll also complete 27 hours of CEU every two years to stay current with social work practices.
The path to becoming a licensed social worker takes real commitment. The right preparation, professional support, and ongoing learning will help you build a meaningful career serving Iowa’s communities.
FAQs
Q1. What are the basic steps to become a licensed social worker in Iowa? To become a licensed social worker in Iowa, you need to complete a CSWE-accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, pass the appropriate ASWB examination, and submit an application to the Iowa Board of Social Work. The specific requirements vary depending on the license level you’re pursuing (LBSW, LMSW, or LISW).
Q2. How difficult is the social work licensing exam? The social work licensing exam can be challenging due to its comprehensive coverage of social work theories, practices, and ethical standards. It consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, with only 150 being scored. Proper preparation, including using official study materials and practice tests, is crucial for success.
Q3. What educational qualifications are required for social work licensure in Iowa? For licensure in Iowa, you must complete a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A Bachelor’s degree is required for the LBSW, while a Master’s or doctoral degree is necessary for LMSW and LISW levels. These programs include extensive fieldwork experience, ranging from 400 hours for BSW to up to 900 hours for MSW programs.
Q4. Can I work in social work without a license in Iowa? While some social work roles may not require a license, most professional positions in Iowa do require licensure. Non-licensed individuals may work in supportive roles, such as service coordinators or assistants to licensed social workers, but their scope of practice is limited compared to licensed professionals.
Q5. What are the continuing education requirements for maintaining a social work license in Iowa? To maintain your social work license in Iowa, you must complete 27 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. This includes a minimum of 3 hours focused on social work ethics. Starting July 2024, licensees must also complete a 2-hour core training curriculum every three years. It’s important to keep documentation of your completed CE activities for four years in case of an audit.