Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 335.080 – License, certified social worker -- Requirements -- Issuance. (Effective July 15, 2026)

(1) The board shall issue a license as "certified social worker" to an applicant who meets the following requirements:
1. (a)
2. (b) Has received a master's degree or doctorate degree in social work from an Is at least eighteen (18) years of age; educational institution approved by the board;
3. (c) Has paid to the board an examination fee established by the board by promulgation of an administrative regulation;
4. (d) Has passed an examination approved by the board; and
5. (e) Has paid an initial license fee established by the board by promulgation of an administrative regulation.
(2) The license shall be displayed in the licensee's principal place of practice and, in the case of virtual or remote practice, shall be made accessible to clients through electronic means or other appropriate forms of notification, and shall entitle the licensee to hold himself or herself forth to the public as providing services as authorized by KRS 335.010 to 335.160 and 335.990.
(3) A certified social worker may engage in the practice of clinical social work by contracting, in writing, with a licensed clinical social worker who shall assume responsibility for and supervise the certified social worker's practice as directed by the board by promulgation of administrative regulations. The certified social worker shall, for purposes of this section, be an employee of an institution or organization in which the certified social worker has no direct or indirect interest other than employment. A certified social worker shall not enter into a practice of clinical social work until this contract has been approved by the board, and shall cease the practice of clinical social work immediately upon the termination of the contract. At the termination of the contract, the certified social worker shall apply for licensure as a licensed clinical social worker or request an extension of the contract from the board.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 77, sec. 7, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 113, sec. 25, effective June 24, 2015. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 1, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 369, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 443, sec. 27, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 305, sec. 2. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 279, sec. 8.