Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AK Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Alaska
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Alaska, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Alaska
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Affidavit or referral required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: Some physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development • Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing • Board of Social Work Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,650 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#22 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Alaska eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Affidavit or referral required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Experience: Affidavit or referral required.; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development~Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing~Board of Social Work Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Alaska
With a median salary of $57,650, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Alaska earn 4% below the national median of $60,060. Alaska ranks #22 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+5.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,400Median annual salary
$57,650Hourly estimate
$27.724% below national median
Difference: -$2,410
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#22 of 50 statesfor Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $80,230 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $78,820 |
| #3 | Minnesota | $77,100 |
| #4 | California | $75,320 |
| #5 | Oregon | $71,830 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $57,650 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Washington | $69,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-3 years |
| Oregon | $71,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| California | $75,320 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Hawaii | $70,340 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Washington | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| California | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Hawaii | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development • Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing • Board of Social Work Examiners
P.O. Box 110806, Juneau, AK, 99811-0806
Phone: 9074652547ext0
Related Careers in Alaska
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $82,040 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,740 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $109,700 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Alaska?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Alaska?
Alaska lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss.
What education do you need to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Alaska?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Alaska.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Alaska?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Alaska is $57,650. Salaries range from $48,520 (10th percentile) to $96,090 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Alaska compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Alaska earn 4% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $57,650.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Alaska?
Alaska employs approximately 340 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Alaska from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Alaska?
The licensing agency is Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development / Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing / Board of Social Work Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/SocialWorkExaminers.aspx.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Alaska?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.