Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Arkansas, 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 Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must have a Master's Degree in Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. 2) Must have passed an Examination approved by the Board. 3) Criminal background check required.
- Written examination fee is set by approved examination company.
- 2
Must have a Master's Degree in Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. 2) Must have passed an Examination approved by the Board. 3) Criminal background check required.
- Written examination fee is set by approved examination company.
- Application and license fee: $100.00 ($105.50 online), Renewal fee: $80.00 biennially ($82.50 online)
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Experience: No experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 6
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 7
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 8
"Licensed Master Social Worker" means an individual who: (A) Applies specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, information and referral, mediation, client education, counseling, advocacy, supervision of nonclinical, baccalaureate-level social workers and non-licensed master's level employees, nonclinical consultation, research, community organization and development, administration of social work policies, programs and activities, and outcome evaluation
- (B) Practices social work under supervision within a recognized, organized setting such as a social, medical, or governmental agency
- (C) (i) May engage only in supervised practice as set forth in rules established by the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board.
- 9
The disciplined application of social work knowledge and skills includes, but is not restricted to, the following: counseling with individuals, couples, families, and groups for purposes of assessment and enhancement of the problem-solving and coping capacities of people
- and the application of social work knowledge and skills in social planning, administration, and research.
- 10
A license is required to practice.
- 11
Requirements: 1) Must have a Master's Degree in Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- 12
2) Must have passed an Examination approved by the Board.
- 13
3) Criminal background check required.
Exam and processing details
- Written examination fee is set by approved examination company
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,820 median (17% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#33 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required Written examination fee is set by approved examination company.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must have a Master's Degree in Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. 2) Must have passed an Examination approve...; Must have a Master's Degree in Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. 2) Must have passed an Examination approve...).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $49,820, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Arkansas earn 17% below the national median of $60,060. Arkansas ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$49,820Hourly estimate
$23.9517% below national median
Difference: -$10,240
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#33 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $49,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $46,250 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $48,760 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Mississippi | $48,830 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $44,050 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-13 months |
| Texas | $44,790 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $43,190 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 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
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board
P. O. Box 251965, Little Rock, AR 72225, 5800 West 10th St, Suite 100, Little Rock, AR, 72204
Phone: 5013725071
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Arkansas?
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 Arkansas?
Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Arkansas is $49,820. Salaries range from $34,300 (10th percentile) to $76,090 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Arkansas earn 17% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $49,820.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 930 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board. Review agency details at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/arkansas-social-work-licensing-board.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.